7 Least Visited Temples in Kashmir

Kashmir is the land of the sage Rishi Kashyap and has long been home to numerous Hindu temples. It is a region that has given birth to a unique treasure of spiritual knowledge—Kashmir Shaivism. This is the land where the great Acharya Abhinav Gupta once lived. In earlier times, Kashmir was abundant with temples, but even more so, it was filled with devoted worshippers who lived close to the divine presence.

The valley and its temples have endured many hardships. As the followers dispersed, many temples fell into neglect and abandonment. Now, as peace gradually returns to the region, tourists are coming back, and there is hope that the Kashmiris themselves will also return.

Despite turmoil, pilgrims never stopped visiting the valley, often arriving through sacred journeys such as the Amarnath Yatra. To me, this pilgrimage has always been the spiritual anchor that connects Kashmir to India like no other bond.

# Shankaracharya Temple on Gopadri Hill, Srinagar

Perched atop Suleiman Hill, also known as Shankaracharya Hill, and overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Nagin Lake, stands the renowned Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar. Originally called the Jyeshta Eshwara Temple, it is dedicated to Shiva in his form as Jyeshtheshwara. The hill itself was historically known as Gopadri Hill.

According to the 12th-century historian Kalhana, the temple dates back to the 4th century BCE. Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya visited this sacred hill and temple.

The Visit of Shankaracharya

Legend has it that Shankaracharya first encountered the Devi on this hill. Exhausted, he rested beneath a tree when a Kashmiri woman passed by. He asked her for water and food, and she challenged him to accomplish something without Shakti (divine energy). This moment made Shankaracharya realize that although Shiva is considered without Shakti, so was he without the Devi’s energy.

Inspired, he composed the exquisite poem Saundarya Lahari in praise of the Devi, along with other hymns. After leaving Kashmir, he established his four ashramas across India, beginning with the Sharada Peetha at Sringeri in Karnataka. Notably, Sharada Devi is also called Kashmirpurvasini, meaning “resident of Kashmir.”

# Jyeshtha Devi Temple at the Base of Gopadri Hill

This ancient wooden temple near Raj Bhawan and the army cantonment is surrounded by water on all sides, yet from the mandapa, it doesn’t directly connect to the garbhagriha (sanctum). Lakshmi Mata, considered the younger sister of Jyeshtha Devi, is also worshipped here, known by the name “Alakshmi.” Within the complex, a Shiva temple is revered daily, along with a small Shiva shrine accessible by climbing a few steps. The Sharika Devi temple has been rebuilt here, where the sacred Shila is adorned with coins.

The temple grounds offer a tranquil atmosphere, where you can find ancient stone idols still actively worshipped. A signboard confirms the temple’s frequent visitation and importance.

# Sharika Devi Temple on Hari Parbat, Srinagar

Sharika Devi is the guardian deity of Srinagar, and the city itself is named after her. Her temple crowns the old city atop Hari Parbat. It is notable for a massive rock carved with the Sri Chakra, a sacred symbol worshipped here alongside the Devi.

# Ancient Ganesh Temple

Located at the base of Hari Parbat, this temple marks the starting point of the Hari Parbat Parikrama (circumambulation). The Ganesh idol here is a massive natural boulder shaped like Ganapati. This temple is hard to find and may require local guidance.

# Pandrethan Temple at Badami Bagh, Srinagar

Pandrethan Village, birthplace of the famed Bhakti poet Laldeh, now lies within a military cantonment, which likely explains why the temple here is so well preserved and actively worshipped. Entry requires permission from the Indian Army.

While some call it the Vishnu Meruvardhana temple, the presence of a Lakulish Shiva icon on the temple’s forehead (Lalaat) confirms it is a Shiva temple. The architecture reflects traditional Kashmiri style, and the temple sits on a small island surrounded by water. A wooden bridge leads to the stone temple.

Though the Shiva Lingam is a recent installation, the temple’s ancient structure radiates a peaceful energy. Thanks to the Indian Army’s support, I was able to perform the Abhishek (ritual bathing) here, conducted by a Pandit from Uttar Pradesh.

# Martand Sun Temple near Anantnag

The name Kashmir traces back to Rishi Kashyap, believed to have lived here in ancient times. His son with Aditi is Aditya, the Sun God, symbolically linking the Sun to Kashmir.

After visiting the Martand Sun Temple near Srinagar, a recommended side trip is to the nearby Sun Temple at Mattan, situated 5 kilometers from the former. This temple complex surrounds a large, still-functioning water tank.

# Avantiswami Temple at Awantipora

Located close to the Srinagar-Anantnag Road, en route to the Martand Sun Temple, the remains of this Vishnu temple, built by King Avantiverman in the 9th century CE, are being uncovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The scale of the temple becomes evident as you descend to the ruins.

Carvings here are better preserved than those at Martand. You can spot depictions of King Avantiverman with his two wives and the figure of Kamdev on the panels. Navagraha (nine planetary deities) panels and intricately sculpted ceilings add to the temple’s grandeur.

The temple’s outer corridor housed smaller shrines, and surviving pillar designs have withstood invasions, weather, and time.