The Shankaracharya Temple (Kashmiri: शंकराचार्य मंदिर (Devanagari), شنکراچاریہ مندر (Nastaleeq)), also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar, is an ancient temple located on Gopadari Hill in the south-east of Srinagar, India.[1] It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley.
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The Shankracharya Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley.
The temple of Shankaracharya symbolizes the very core of rituals that form the base of Hindu faith. Be it the chanting of slokas or be it the offering of prayers to the presiding deity, Shankaracharya represents the traditional beliefs and customs of Hinduism.[2]
In olden days a great festival used to be held by the Hindus on the 10th day of the lunar fortnight of Baisak which corresponds to March. Just above the Dal Gate they would come in doongas to bathe. This was called Monda daham, probably in memory of the killing of the demon Mond by the goddess Sharika.[3]
This temple stands on a solid rock and consists of an octagonal basement of 13 layers. Each of the four sides has two projections which terminate in pediment and agable, the latter intersecting the main roof half way up its slope. The body of the temple is surrounded by a terrace enclosed by a stone wall or parapet, 3.5 feet high.[2] This in following the outline of the basement, preserves its octagonal shape. The stairs leading to the sanctum santorum number 36, first flight of 18 steps followed by 12 steps and again followed by six steps on either side of the landing terminating the second flight. This total of 36 steps is also in accordance with Hindu tradition, 36 denoting as many elements of which cosmos is made, viz. Shiva Tattva to the Prithvi Tattva.[4] The interior is a chamber, circular in plan, with a basin containing a lingam. The whole of the building is of stone, which is laid throughout in horizontal courses.[2]
The temple has 84 recesses on its exterior and is surrounded by a parapet well enabling devotees to have the Parikrama of the temple safely.[4] The fencing walls of the steps have some inscriptions on them. Inside the temple, there is a Persian inscription that dates back to period of Shahjahan. The main shrine is in the shape of a circular chamber and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. After numerous repairs, the ceiling of the main chamber appears to be modern in its approach. [1] The main shrine has a circular cell from where if you look down you can see the magnificent view of the beautiful Srinagar valley.[5]
It is said that there were steps of sculptured stones from Jhelum river, leading to the top of the hill. With these stones, it is said, that Pathar Masjid was built by queen of Jahangir, Noor Jahan. The Shankaraacharya temple can be see from afar at night when it is illuminated by searchlights installed by ex-Maharaja of Mysore.[6]
The Shankara temple was originally built by King Sandhiman of the Gonanda dynasty of Kashmir[4], who reigned in Kashmir from 2629 to 2564 BC.[6] It was repaired by King Gopaditya (426 – 365 BC) and donated two villages, the present Gupkar and Buchhwara (Bhaksira Vatika) for the maintenance of the temple[4]; and by King Lalitaditya (697–734).[6] The original Shiva Lingam in the temple, along with over 300 precious idols of Gods and Goddesses therein and other structures and residential quarters around the temple, were destroyed by Sultan Sikandar (the iconoclast), who ruled Kashmir between 1389 and 1413 A.D.[4] Its roof was also repaired by Zain-ul-Abidin after an earthquake; later, its dome was repaired by Sheikh Ghulam Mohiuddin, a Sikh Governor (1841–1846).[6] The Islamic preacher Shah Hamadan on arriving in Kashmir named the Valley Baghe-i-Sulaiman and this region Takhte-i-Sulaiman.
Furthermore, it is regarded as being sacred by Buddhists, who call the mandir "Pas-Pahar."[7]
It is located on south-east of Srinagar. A climb to the hill from the Mission Hospital (now Government Hospital for chest diseases) will take about 40 min. The path is a pony-track. The descent towards the Gagribal spur is gentle.[3]
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The temple offers panoramic view of the valley, early April when the snow is deep on the mountains, or after rains on a summer day from the summit of the hill is one of the best. The Brahma Shakri peaks, a group of grand cones viewed even from Lahore, the Aliabad Pass (11,440 ft.) leading to Gujrat, the Romesh Thong (Sunset) Peak, Tata Koti (15,540 ft.) guard the Chhoti Gali Pass (14,450 ft.), the highest in the range, come one after another.
To the west lies the vast plateau of Tosa Maidan, the paradise of sheep, and where the eye meets the depression of Ferozpor leading into Punch (Prunts) and Apharwat (13,542 ft.) giving shelter to Gulmarg. Beyond the Baramula Pass, towards the north-west, the range is continued in Kaj Nag and Khagan mountain. In between the Tragbal (9,500 ft.) and Zoji La (10,500 ft.) appears the beautiful candy cone of Harmoukh (16,842 ft.) in the north, while the eastern range culminating in Mahadiv (13,013 ft.) and western peaks completes the enchanting circle. At the foot of these mountains lie the alluvial plateaus with rich yellow soil yielding maize and rice where water is available. The swamps, marshes and lakes of the valleys stretch as far as the Wular Lake in the extreme north of the valley.[3]
Towards the Dal lake one can see the Moghul gardens of Nasim, Shalamar and Nishat densely shaded by the deep green foliage of Boin (Chinar) trees, the floating gardens and the houses on the islands in the lake encompassed by poplars, willows and quince trees. The eastern shore is embellished by the magnificent Royal Palace with their crystal sheen, by newly laid gardens and the boulevard skirting it.[3]
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