About Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple, also called the Jyeshteshwara Temple, sits on top of a hill of the Zabarwan range in Srinagar, about 300 metres above the floor of the Kashmir Valley. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it overlooks Dal Lake and the whole city, and is one of the most important places of worship for Kashmiri Hindus. The temple is a protected monument of national importance and is visited by pilgrims and travellers throughout the open season.
The temple is considered the oldest temple site in Kashmir, though its date is uncertain. The historian Kalhana called the hill Gopadri and wrote that King Gopaditya built a shrine of Jyeshteshwara here in very early times; other traditions connect it with Emperor Ashoka's son Jalauka. Modern scholars disagree on how old the present structure is, and parts of it are clearly later repairs. Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya came to this hill during his travels, and the temple and hill came to be known by his name; a small chamber on the way up is pointed out as the place where he meditated. Before the annual Amarnath Yatra, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) is brought here for worship.
The temple stands on a high octagonal stone plinth reached by a flight of stone steps. The small square sanctum has a low enclosing wall and holds a Shiva linga, and the roof is a later dome-like addition. The building is made of large blocks of grey stone, plain rather than heavily carved. A road climbs most of the way through forest, followed by a climb of roughly 240 steps to the shrine, where the terrace offers some of the finest views of Srinagar, the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Shankaracharya Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from morning to early evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Morning, after opening (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Late afternoon or evening (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shankaracharya Temple
By air
Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is about 18 km away.
By train
Srinagar railway station is about 12 km away.
By road
A road from the Boulevard near Dal Lake winds up the hill to a parking point, from where about 240 steps lead to the temple. Taxis are available across Srinagar.
Festivals at Shankaracharya Temple
- Herath (Maha Shivaratri)Feb/Mar
- Chhari Mubarak puja before the Amarnath YatraJul/Aug
- Shankaracharya JayantiApr/May
- Navreh (Kashmiri Hindu New Year)Mar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; carry warm layers, as it can be cool and windy on the hilltop.
- Entry
- Free entry. Security checks are strict, and phones, cameras and bags may have to be deposited before the climb.
- Expect strict security; carry minimal belongings and be ready to deposit phones and cameras.
- The final climb has around 240 steps; elderly visitors should take it slowly.
- Go in the morning for clear views over Dal Lake and the city.
- Check the local situation and travel advisories before planning your visit.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer.
Places to visit near Shankaracharya Temple
- Dal LakeFamous lake with houseboats and shikaras at the foot of the hill, about 2 km away
- Pari MahalTerraced Mughal-era garden on the Zabarwan slopes, about 5 km away
- Nishat BaghLarge Mughal garden on the shore of Dal Lake, about 8 km away
- Kheer Bhawani Temple, TulmullaRevered spring shrine of Goddess Ragnya, about 25 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Shankaracharya Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from morning to early evening. Timings can change with season and security conditions, so check locally.
How many steps are there to the Shankaracharya Temple?
After the road ends there are roughly 240 steps to the temple.
Why is it called the Shankaracharya Temple?
Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya visited and meditated on this hill, so the temple and hill came to be known by his name.
Are mobile phones allowed at Shankaracharya Temple?
Security rules are strict, and visitors are often required to deposit phones and cameras before the climb.
What is the aarti time at Shankaracharya Temple?
Morning puja: Morning, after opening (approx.); Evening aarti: Late afternoon or evening (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Shankaracharya Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended; carry warm layers, as it can be cool and windy on the hilltop.
How to reach Shankaracharya Temple?
By air: Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is about 18 km away. By train: Srinagar railway station is about 12 km away. By road: A road from the Boulevard near Dal Lake winds up the hill to a parking point, from where about 240 steps lead to the temple. Taxis are available across Srinagar.
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