About Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Kheer Bhawani Temple stands in the village of Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, about 25 km north-east of Srinagar in Kashmir. It is dedicated to the goddess Ragnya (also called Rajna or Ragnya Bhagavati), lovingly known as Kheer Bhawani because devotees offer her kheer, a pudding of milk and rice. For Kashmiri Pandits she is the kuladevi or family goddess, and the shrine is the most important place of worship in their tradition. Every year on Jyeshtha Ashtami thousands gather here for the Kheer Bhawani mela, one of the largest Hindu gatherings in the Valley.
Tulamula is mentioned in Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the 12th-century chronicle of Kashmir, as a sacred spring in marshy ground. Tradition says the spring was lost under floods for a long time and was found again after the goddess revealed its location in a dream to a devotee. The present shrine, pond and surrounding structures were built in the early 20th century under Maharaja Pratap Singh, with later renovation by Maharaja Hari Singh. A well-known belief holds that the water of the spring changes colour, and devotees read a dark colour as a sign of trouble ahead.
The small, white marble shrine stands in the middle of a seven-sided spring, surrounded by a larger tank and reached by a little bridge. Inside is the image of the goddess. Devotees pour milk and kheer into the water and offer flowers, and the offerings are strictly vegetarian. The large courtyard is shaded by old chinar trees, under which pilgrims rest on grass mats. The calm of the water, the chinars and the mountains around make it a deeply peaceful place, even on busy days.
Kheer Bhawani Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, often from about 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kheer Bhawani Temple
By air
Srinagar International Airport is about 35 km away.
By train
Srinagar railway station (Nowgam) is about 40 km away.
By road
Tulmulla is about 25 km from central Srinagar via Ganderbal. Taxis are the easiest option; the drive takes about an hour.
Festivals at Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Jyeshtha Ashtami (Kheer Bhawani Mela)May/Jun
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Ashadha AshtamiJun/Jul
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrine area. Offerings should be vegetarian.
- Entry
- Free. Security checks are in place at the entrance.
- Expect security checks; carry identification and keep baggage light.
- Bring milk or kheer if you wish to make the traditional offering; shops near the temple also sell offerings.
- Mornings are calm and cool; the Jyeshtha Ashtami mela is very crowded.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer, as evenings can be chilly.
- Respect the quiet of the spring area and avoid throwing anything other than permitted offerings into the water.
Places to visit near Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Manasbal LakeCalm lake known for lotus blooms, about 15 km away
- Ganderbal townDistrict town on the Sindh river, about 6 km away
- Dal Lake, SrinagarFamous lake with houseboats and shikaras, about 25 km away
- Shankaracharya TempleHilltop Shiva temple overlooking Srinagar, about 27 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the goddess called Kheer Bhawani?
Because devotees offer kheer, a milk-and-rice pudding, to the goddess Ragnya Devi at her sacred spring.
When is the Kheer Bhawani mela?
It is held on Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami, usually in May or June.
How far is Kheer Bhawani from Srinagar?
The temple at Tulmulla is about 25 km from central Srinagar, roughly an hour by road.
What is special about the Kheer Bhawani spring?
Devotees believe the spring changes colour, and a dark colour is traditionally seen as a sign of misfortune.
What is the aarti time at Kheer Bhawani Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Kheer Bhawani Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, often from about 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Kheer Bhawani Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrine area. Offerings should be vegetarian.
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