Popular Hindu Temples in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, the most privileged and the most admired state of India, is renowned for its divine grace all across India. Nestled amidst the beautiful hills of the Himalayas, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is home to the most exquisite temples that delight the soul of every traveler with its natural beauty, breathtaking sceneries, and amazing ancient tales. When you explore the landscapes of this state, you will encounter many huge temples that hold great significance in Hinduism. Whether you are visiting the Jammu region or Kashmir, you will explore the temples surrounded by rivers, lakes, snow, and alpines.

Often called, the City of Temples, this northern state of the country is indeed a precious gem in the crown of the nation. Each temple will definitely either take you back in time or leave you stunned with many mythological tales. Certainly, your visit to Jammu and Kashmir will be memorable if you explore some popular Hindu temples situated here. Let’s have a look at some of the most talked about temples that you should include in your Jammu and Kashmir tour package.

1- Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Located amidst the hills of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites. This temple receives the second-highest number of pilgrims across the globe after Tirupati Balaji. The deity is known as Vaishnavi or Mata Rati and is believed to be a manifestation of Mother Goddess. It is believed that Vaishno Mata is an incarnation of tri Devis- Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati, representing its three rock-cut pindis. Situated close to the town of Katra, this shrine is a 16 Km trek from the base camp of Katra. Since this temple is located on Trikuta mountain and is a sacred temple in Hinduism, people across the globe visit there to seek the blessings of the deity.

• Location: Trikuta Mountain, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Deity: Vaishno Devi (a manifestation of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati)
• Built In: 1846
• Best Time to Visit: All year round, but avoid extreme winter months.
• How to Reach: Reach Katra by train, car, and flight (Use pony or helicopter services to reach the shrine)

2- Shri Amarnath Temple

Situated at the end of Lidder Valley, Shri Amarnath Temple is a divine abode of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. This shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters and is located 14 km from Baltal and 46 km from Pahalgam. This temple is famous for its naturally formed ice lingam in its caves. The Amarnath Yatra is open during the Sawan month (probably in July and August). People usually take the Chandanwari route via Pahalgam, which is 280 km from Jammu and 96 Km from Srinagar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has unique and magical vibes that attract thousands of devotees every year.

• Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Built In: 11th Century CE
• Best Time to Visit: The months of June to August.
• How to Reach: Reach Srinagar by train, car, and flight (Trek from Srinagar to the shrine)

3- Shankaracharya Temple

This temple is located atop Shankaracharya hills in Srinagar and was built in 371 BC by Gopadri or King Gopaditya. Shankaracharya Temple is located at a height of 1100 feet above the city. This temple is named after the Hindu saint Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who revived Sanatan Dharma in Kashmir. The popularity of the temple is that it played an important role in popularizing the worship of Lord Shiva in the region of Kashmir. Not just religious significance, but this temple has also become a popular archaeological site today. This temple is easily accessible by city cabs and scheduled buses.

• Location: Zabarwan Range, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Built In: 371 BC
• Best Time to Visit: All year round, but summer months are better.
• How to Reach: By road from the city center of Srinagar.

4- Mamaleshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mamaleshwar Temple is a historical gem in the landscape of Pahalgam. Located atop a mountain, this sacred site has its roots in the Raja Dynasty (erstwhile). This temple has a huge spiritual significance that attracts tourists year-round. You can also take a pony ride to reach the temple and get a more unique experience from your journey. According to ancient legends, the Lord Ganesha acted as a gatekeeper that gave birth to the name of this temple, derived from the word ‘mammal’ means ‘do not move’.

• Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Built In: 371 BC
• Best Time to Visit: Summer months, especially during Amarnath Yatra
• How to Reach: By road from the city center of Srinagar (Take a pony ride or trek to the temple).

5- Kheer Bhawani Temple

This is an iconic Hindu temple, situated in Tulmulla Village near Srinagar. This temple is dedicated to Ragnya Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is situated above a holy spring known to transform color. This ancient temple was built by the Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. According to ancient legends, Lord Rama visited there to worship the goddess during his exile.

• Location: Located in Tulmulla village, Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir,
• Deity: Raganya Devi (Incarnation of Goddess Durga)
• Built In: 1912
• Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November
• How to Reach: By road from the city center of Srinagar.

6- Martand Sun Temple

Martand Sun Temple is located at Ranbirpora Kehribal which is 9 Km from Islamabad (Anantnag). Now, this temple stands as an important archaeological site. Built by King Lalitaditya, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Sun. Renowned for exhibiting rare architectural and artistry skills with patterns of meaningful Greek architecture, this temple is a perfect place to explore for both spiritual travelers and architecture enthusiasts.

• Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Deity: God Sun
• Built In: Between the 7th and 8th century
• Best Time to Visit: All year round.
• How to Reach: Upon arrival in Srinagar, hire a cab to reach the temple.

7- Maharani Temple

The Maharani Temple is also another beautiful spot at Gulmarg which was a royal temple of Dogra Dynasty in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated atop a small hill amidst Gulmarg town. This temple was built by Mohini Bai Sisodia who was the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh. This temple is also known by different names like Maharani Temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya and what makes this temple more interesting is its visibility from every corner of the city. This temple is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm where visitors can attend the aarti performed twice a day.

• Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Built In: 1915
• Best Time to Visit: All year round.
• How to Reach: Upon arrival in Gulmarg town, reach the temple by a short trek.

8- Aap Shambhu Temple

Located in Sathrian (Roop Nagar), Aap Shambhu Temple is a famous Shiv temple where it is believed that lord Shiva resides in the form of Shiv lingam. Over the past six years, significant changes have done to the temple that enhanced the architecture and appeal of the temple. Its attractive structure appeals to travelers from across the world. People wait for hours to catch a glimpse of its beautiful Garbhagriha. On Maha Shivaratri, a beautiful view can be seen at the temple when its premises are decorated in a unique way.

• Location: Sathrian (Rup Nagar), Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Built in: 1912
• Best time to visit: March to May
• How to Reach: Reach Jammu by train, car, or flight and hire a cab to reach the temple.

9- Gauri Shankar Temple

Situation in the Kishtwar region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gauri Shankar Temple is the oldest temple that holds great significance in the history of the region. This temple is also known as the Sarkoot Temple famous for its ancient architecture brilliance. Its premises are adorned with many statues of God and goddesses like Shri Ganesha, Mother Sita, Shri Lakshman ji, Shiva Parvati, Shri Raghunath ji, Shri Hanuman ji, Mother Durga, and Shri Dharmaraj. Moreover, there is a shiv lingam inside the temple that enhances the aura of the temple.

• Location: Gauri Shankar Temple is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Deity: Shiva and Parvati
• Built in: 20th century
• Best time to visit: Summer months from April to October:
• How to Reach: by train, car, flight

10- Zeashta Devi Temple

Zeashta or Zeathyar Devi Temple is a famous temple located within the mesmerizing surroundings of Srinagar’s Shankaracharya Mountains and Zabarwan Hills that offers stunning views of the famous Dal Lake. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every year in summer. This holy site is dedicated to the goddess Jyestha who is believed to be a protector of people from natural calamities. This temple was built in the 6th century by King Gopaditya and later King Lalitaditya renovated it in the 8th century. Moreover, the stories of this temple are also linked to the Pandavas and Ashoka as well. To feel the peace and divine blessings, one should definitely visit this temple.

• Location: Zeashta Devi Temple is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Deity: Goddess Jyeshta
• Built in: 6^th Century
• Best time to visit: The temple can be visited throughout the year
• How to Reach: By train, road, and air.

11- Jwala Ji Temple

Jwala Ji Temple is a unique temple dedicated to the fire goddess Jwala Ji and holds great significance for Kashmiri Pandits. There is a fair organized during the 14th Shukla Paksha of Ashadha (June-July) every year by the community. Yellow rice or Tahar with shooshnor (Lamb lung) is offered to the deity as prasad. What lures tourists the most is the finest Kashmiri wooden architecture with a black stone image of Jwala Ji. This temple is located in Khrew which is 20 km from Srinagar. The best thing about this temple is that it can be accessed throughout the year.

• Location: located in Khrew, Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Deity: Goddess Jwala Ji
• Built in: 20th Century
• Best time to visit: The temple can be visited throughout the Year.
• How to Reach: Arrive in Srinagar by train, car, or flight and take a cab to reach the temple.

12- Sharika Chakreshwar Temple

Situated on Hari Parbat hill in Srinagar City, Sharika Chakreshwar Temple is the famous temple of the region. Dedicated to goddess Sharika, who is the presiding deity of Kashmir, this temple is a ‘Siddha Peeth or Shakti Peeth’ where the festival of Navratri is celebrated with great joy every year at this holy place. In this temple, the cosmic mother is worshiped as a symbol of solar energy which includes the seven worlds, the seven sages of Veda Vidya, and the seven colors of light.

• Location: Chakreshwar Temple is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Deity: Goddess Sharika
• Built in: 3rd Century BCE
• Best time to visit: Summer Month
• How to Reach: Reach Srinagar by rail, road, and air and there are 108 stone steps to reach the temple.

Of course, the list of popular Hindu temples in Jammu and Kashmir does not end here. Many places are there that you can add to your list based on your interest. It depends on the duration of your vacation. Pick all or any of the above-listed popular temples and make the most out of your vacations in Jammu and Kashmir. After all, there is nothing better than seeking the blessings of the almighty.