Shankaracharya Temple on the Shankaracharya hill-The Shiva temple, as per Kalhana was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.

Shankaracharya Temple on the Shankaracharya hill-The Shiva temple, as per Kalhana was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.

It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill. The Shiva temple, as Kalhana believes, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C. and, as such, is the oldest shrine in Kashmir, though it is not certain if the temple exists in the same form as it had been built more than two thousands years ago. 

The first repair of the temple is believed to have been undertaken during the reign of Lalitaditya in the eighth century A.D.   

According to the historian Shrivara, Zain-ul-Abideen conducted second repairs of the temple after it had been damaged in an earthquake. 

The third time repair was undertaken during the Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din when the temple is believed to have been named as Shankaracharya. 

Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In 1925, the temple was electrified. The temple, besides a prominent Hindu religious place, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar City.

How to Reach ?

Shankarcharya lies in Srinagar District across the Nehru Park: a beautiful island within the Dal Lake One can either trek to Shankaracharya Temple from the Durganag Temple lying in civil lines area or alternatively can take a automobile upto the footsteps from the Boulevard road. The climb is approx. 7 Kms and then there is a flight of 100 odd steps up. the road passes through jungle and offers beautiful views allround.and the nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.

This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking KashmirValley with India.