Getting around in Srinagar

The Shankaracharya Hill also called as the Takht-e-Suleiman hill in the Srinagar district which embodies Shankaracharya Temple.

This temple is at a height of 1100 feet above the surface level of the main city.

It is believed that in 371 B.C., Raja Gopadatya built this temple and named as ‘Gopadri.’ Also when Shankaracharya visited Kashmir approximately ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), he rested at this temple and hence it was renamed as ‘Shankaracharya Temple.’

This temple is regarded as the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are about one hundred steps that lead to a high octagonal platform that supports the temple.

In the past, the sidewalls of the steps had a few valuable Hindu inscriptions, one may still find Persian inscription that dates back to Emperor Shahjahan’s era inside the temple.