Kheer Bhawani (Rajnya Devi) Temple In Srinagar

                                             Kheer Bhawani Temple

Kheer Bhawani Temple lies near the village of Tul Mul and is a place of belief and faith for the Hindu followers. The temple derives its name from the Kheer which is a rice and milk pudding. The people offer this pudding as a symbol of their worship and faith. The Kheer Bhawani temple was built over a scared spring. A marvellous marble temple with splendid architecture has been built in the premises of the main temple. An annual festival is organised on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May or June. The people believe that the colour of the water of the lake changes according to the avatars of Goddess Kheer Bhawani. A number of historical relics are related to the origin of the temple. It is believed that Maharagya was happy with the true love and devotion of Ravana. Ravana placed a statue of the Goddess in the temple. But later, she became upset by the atrocities of Ravana. She instructed Hanuman ji to place her idol in the village of Tul Mull. Pilgrims from all parts of the country come to visit this holy shrine and seek the blessings of Goddess.

About the Kheer Bhawani Temple :-

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Rajnya Devi, popularly known as Kheer Bhawani. The name 'Kheer Bhawani' is derived from the fact that thousands of devotees offer milk and 'Kheer' (pudding) to the sacred spring, as they believe the pudding turns black to warn of impending disaster. Be it Hindus or Muslims, devotees from all across India throng the temple during the Kheer Bhawani festival.

Kheer Bhawani temple is nestled in the small village of Tula Mula which is located at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar. The temple is associated with goddess Ragyna Devi who is also worshipped as Ragini or Kheer Bhawani. She is an incarnation of Durga Bhagvati. Kheer Bhawani temple is located in the middle of a spring, which is surrounded by a huge area which has been decorated with smooth and beautiful stones. The spring is known as Mata Ragini Kund. The colour of the spring keeps changing. While other colours do not have any particular importance, black colour is considered as an indication of inauspicious times for Kashmir.

History Of  Kheer Bhawani Temple:-

Maharagya was pleased with the devotion of Ravana and appeared before him and Ravana got an image of the goddess installed in Sri Lanka. But the goddess became displeased with the vicious and licentious life of Ravana and so didn't want to stay in Sri Lanka. Therefore, under the command of the goddess, Hanuman got the image from Sri Lanka and installed it at the holy spot of Tula Mulla. The mention of Kheer Bhawani is found in Kalhana's Rajtarangini. Kalhana writes that the sacred spring ofTula Mula is situated in a marshy ground. The name of the spring is Mata Ragini Kund. Maharagini is the form of Durga Bhagvati. The Brahmins of Kashmir worship this spring and pilgrims from every comer of the country visit to have the darshan of the place. In Rajtarangini Tula Mula is considered very sacred and the Brahmins of Tula Mula were very great and powerful. The spring of Maharagya was very sacred. Thousands of years ago many floods occurred in Kashmir and the sacred spring of Tula Mula also was inundated under its sway and the holy place could nowhere be traced. All around was water. At last Kashmir's Yogi Krishna Pandit had a dream in which the goddess appeared to him and ordered that she would swim in the form of a snake at the proper place and that he should stick large poles and when the water subsided there the holy spot was discovered. This event happened during the Samvat 4041. The mention of this temple is also found in Abul-Fazal's book Aini-Akbari in which is written that the area of Tula Mula extended over the area of hundred bighas of land, which got sunk in the summer season and formed into a marsh. Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Vivekananda also visited here to have the darshan of the place.
With the pouring of milk and throwing of sugar candy in the spring by the pilgrims, a thick and solid layer was formed at its bottom. When it was cleared, the ruins of an old temple and shrine slabs engraved with figures were discovered. Here many images were also found but nobody rebuilt the temple till the Samvat 1969 when Maharaja Pratap Singh who was the disciple and worshiped this goddess, got a marvelous temple of marble made in the midst of the spring which shines like a pearl in a shell. The marble temple was completed in 1920s. Some people are of the opinion that there was a mulberry tree near holy spot of Kheer Bhawani which, in Kashmiri, is called Tul Mul. But Tul Mul is also derived from the Sanskrit phrase-Tul Muli-that is of great value. This means that all other pilgrim centres are of lesser value than this one. It is said that after Ravana finished the worship of the goddess he offered the kheer (rice pudding) to the goddess which she accepted and since then it is called Kheer Bhawani.

Significance Of Kheer Bhawani Temple :-  
The presiding deity of this Khir Bhawani temple is Goddess Bhawani who is also called by the names Maharagya Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni, Ragnya Bhagwati, and so on. It is believed that Goddess Maharagya is one of the form of Goddess Durga. For the Kashmiri Brahmins, the Historical Vedic Religion followers, Kheer Bhawani Temple is the most important pilgrimage. The temple is surrounded with Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis), which offers a wonderful panorama. The sacred spring at the holy place Tul Mul is called as Mata Ragini Pond. This pond is worshipped by the Kashmiris.
Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk and Swami Rama Tirtha, an Indian teacher of the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta are said to have visited this temple and worshiped the Goddess. The special feature of this temple is that the sacred septagonal spring floes from west (which is considered as its head section) to the east (which is considered as its feet), changes its color with various shades of red, pink, orange, green, blue, white, etc. and the black shade of the spring is believed to be unpromising.


Poojas And Festivals:-
 
Mela Kheer Bhawani- The Annual Festival:-

The Goddess presides over her believers as they gather, upholding their fast on the 8th day following the full moon in May. Kashmir also observes a state wide holiday on that day. The day is celebrated as people believe that it was this day that the presiding Goddess indulges in changing the spring water’s colour. With colors having some significance, The water getting darker is a signal for the worse time to come.
People assert that in 1990 when the Kashmiri Pundits had to go through te exodus, A black shape had taken over the water.
People believe in the story that a total of 360 springs flowed near the holdy spring but they soon vanished as the marshy land increased.
In the last half century the pilgrimage has become the most important for Kashmiri Brahmans who come here from all over the State and even from outside. Kheer Bhawani is considered to be the Presiding Deity of most of the Kashmiri Brahmans.

1.     The Sanastha shall manage daily morning and evening Poojas and provide the required Pooja Samgri for this purpose.
2.    The Sanastha shall make all necessary arrangements for enabling devotees of Mata Khir Bhawani to offer their Pooja at the Amrit Kund on all Suklapaksh Ashtamis.
3.    The Sanastha shall arrange to perform Namavali of Maha-Regeneya in early hours of each Ashtami and provide the materials required for it.
4.    The Sanastha shall arrange the traditional Pooja to be performed during the night of Ashtami-Novmi and make necessary arrangement for stay of the devotees for the Pooja during night.
5.    The Sanastha shall arrange Pooja to be performed during night of second Saturday after Ashtami for Mata Shri Bhawnishori.
6.    The Sanastha shall manage traditional Poojas on all the days of Navratras and make suitable arrangements for Jal-Pravah of the Nav-Durga Bhagwati.
7.    The Sanastha shall manage the Poojas on all the days of Ram-Navmi Pooja days and make suitable arrangements for Jal-Pravah of the Nav-Durga Bhagwati on the final day.
8.    The Sanastha shall make arrangement for performing a Hawan on Vyeth-Truvah (Bhadoon Shuklapaksh Triyodashi) and serve a meal as Naveed to the devotees who participate in the Hawan but invitations for participation shall not be extended formally to anyone except by notifying in the Annual Programme (Calender etc.).
9.    The Sanastha shall make arrangements for and perform annual Hawan on Ashad Shuklapaksh Ashtami. The announcement of the Hawan shall be made by the Management through Press and other available media. All devotees of the Mother shall be invited to participate and have Naveed (meals) at the conclusion of the Hawan. Elaborate arrangements shall be made by the Sanastha for convenience of the devotees as far as possible. Invitations to sister organizations and VIP’s as shall be decided by the Managing Committee from time to time shall be extended in writing. The Naveed shall comprise of a simple rice meal with Daal and one Vegetable (Potato) unless decided otherwise by the Managing Committee. Decision of the Managing Committee in this regard shall be final.
10. In order to make the celebrations of Jeshth Ashtami popularly known as “Mela Khir Bhawani and Ashadh Ashtami the Annual Hawan at the Peeth a success, the Pradhan shall call and hold meetings of the Managing Committee of the Sanastha first at least one month before the festival wherein arrangements shall be proposed/finalized. Necessary sub-committees for specific works shall be framed and announced. The sub-committees thus formed shall remain responsible for their allotted work. Each Sewak, Sahayak, Sadasya involved in the management of the festivals shall be informed by easiest direct or indirect means about his assignment and responsibilities at least fifteen days before the function. Final meeting of all the involved members shall be called and held by the Pradhan at least three days before the function and situation about preparations reviewed and suitable action wherever required taken.
11.  No outsider agency other than Govt. Public Utility Deptts. like Municipality, Public Health Engg., Health Services, Law & Order Agency (Security) shall be allowed to render any voluntary/organized/individual service within the premises. All rights with regard to managing affairs, providing services and holding of Samuhik (organized) Pooja within the premises of the Peeth rest with the Sanastha only.
12. All Samohik Pujas/Artis shall be lead by a Sewak only nominated by the Pradhan and in all Hawans performed on behalf of the Sanastha. Aahoti shall be offered by a Sewak of the Sanastha only under all circumstances, even if the entire Hawan is performed on costs contributed by general public or any individual.
13. The Sanastha shall make arrangements for and bear the cost of any   Pooja/Hawan/Sampat which shall be suggested by a 2/3 verdict of the Managing Committee and approved by the Pradhan.

Code Of Conduct Inside The Shrine Premises:-

1.     The Shrine is open to all castes of people for meditation provided the meditator abides by rules and regulations of the Sanastha. Management of the Sanastha reserves the right to deal with violator of the code of conduct in suitable way including fishing him out of the premises and/or handing him over to the law enforcing agencies.
2.    Meat, Eggs, Fish, Tomato, Onion or any kind of non-vegetarian eatables can neither be cooked nor consumed within the Shrine Complex.
3.    No toxic drinks hot or cold, drugs can be used within the premises.
4.    Devi-Angan is purely meant for Puja and Meditation and nothing can either be cooked or consumed (eaten) in Devi-Angan.
5.    The Shrine complex shall be open for following functions of the public to be celebrated within the Hindu Codes :
1.     Hawan.
2.    Kirtan.
3.    Mundan.
4.    Yagneopavit.
5.    Sampath.
6.    Get-together with regard to marriages.
 For all the above functions, the party shall have to apply for booking in advance and pay a refundable Security Deposit. Facilities whatever available shall be extended to the party and decision of the Sewak Incharge shall be final. No party can book it when it is to be used by the Sanastha itself on important festivals.

Pooja Timings:-

The temple remains open from morning 6.00 am to night 8.00 pm.

Nearby Temples and Attractions:-

Srinagar is a wonderful city poised with natural beauty and nestled among mountains. The city is situated on the banks of the Jhelum and has many diverse temples of great architectural grandeur. The city has beautiful gardens and lakes. Some of the major tourist attractions of Srinagar are the Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bag and Jami Masjid.
Following are some major temples in Srinagar:
Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar:-

 Adi Shankaracharya had visited this temple and hence it derived its name. The Temple is a soaring imposing structure and highly visited.
Sharika Devi Temple, Hari Parbat:-

 This is a temple laced with many mystical theories from the ancient Hindu mythology. The temple’s presiding deity is Sharika Devi who is also the major deity of the Srinagar city.
Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag:-

 The Anantnag temple is popular among the devotees who visit the Amarnath temple and the temple is a work of genius architectural labor. This temple was built by the King Lalitaditya of the Surya (Solar) dynasty.
Pandrethan Temple, Srinagar:-

 An old stone structure, the Pandrethan temple is a major temple that is associated with Emperor Ashoka and is one of the major attractions of the city.
Bhuteshwara Temple, Srinagar:-

 The temple was constructed in the 12th century and is blessed with great architecture and as a result holds great importance among the locals.
Jwala Mukhi Temple, Khru:-

 The picturesquely placed temple is atop a hillock and is a popular draw for the tourists.
Rameshwaram Shiva Temple, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar:-

 The popular Shiva temple has religious significance and has associations with Hinduism, but also Sikhism.

Mamal Shiva Temple, Pahalgam: -

The popular Shiva temple is one that has exceptional popularity amongst the faithful devotees and the devotees throng the temple in spite of its ruined condition.
The Kheer Bhawani Temple of Srinagar has been a temple of special importance among the Kashmiri Brahmins and so does the city of Srinagar that is visited by many tourists. A temple is a place with immense natural beauty and thus is worth a visit.

How To Reach:-

By Air:-

Srinagar on the other hand has an enhanced connectivity through its airport that links Srinagar with the various airports across the country. Delhi,Chandigarh, Mumbai etc are all connected through Srinagar with a string of flights which are not expensive.Lying at a distance of 876 kms from the national capital at Delhi, The city of Srinagar is also connected through connecting international flights with a stop at Delhi..

By Rail:-

When approaching Srinagar by train, One must get off at the Jammu station which is 290 kms from the capital city. Jammu though has an excellent connectivity of trains particularly from Chennai, Delhi, Trivandrum and Bangalore which have direct connectivity to Jammu from where cabs and buses can be hired to reach Srinagar..

By Road:-

The Natinal Highway 1 – A connect Srinagar with the rest of the world
Accommodation
Srinagar is a tourist hotspot and hence has hotels fro every pocket, Once there, Hotels can be easily found.
 

Chakreswari Sharika Devi In Hari Parbat Fort Srinagar

                                                Hari Parbat Fort

Hari Parbat is a hill overlooking Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the site of a Durrani fort, built in 1808. It has the famous Shakti Temple on the western Slope and Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern slope. On the southern side of the outer wall there is a Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind.

The first fortifications on the site were constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1590. He built an outer wall for the fort, and planned a new capital called Nager Nagor to be built within the wall. That project was never completed. The present fort was built in 1808 under the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani.

The hill is considered sacred by the Kashmiri Pandits due to the presence of temple of Sharika. Temple is of goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati. She has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity (`isht`-Devi) of Srinagar city. The goddess is represented by a Swyambhu Shrichakra (Mahamaha Shrichakra), also called Mahashriyantra, which consists of circular mystic impressions and triangular patterns with a dot at the center. Sharika Devi is believed to be a form of Durga Mata or Shakti.
 Hari Parbat Fort is an ancient fort in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that dates back to the days of Mughal. Originally, the fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar but its present edifice owed itself to the Afghan governor Shuja Shah Durrani, who ruled Kashmir during 18th century. The fort is epitome of religious shrine. It has Sharika Devi Temple on its western slope and the Muslim shrine of Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on southern side. Sikh holy shrine of Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi has also enshrines within the premises of the fort. The Kathi Darwaja is the main entrance to the fort.

Shrine Of Guru Chatti Padshahi:-

 The shrine of Sharika Devi can be neared from Deviangan by a flight of chiselled stone steps, numbering 108. Then number 108 has mysterious implications in Hindu mythology. It is perhaps due to the Shrichakra that the capital city of Kashmir is said to have derived its name of Srinagar (Shrinagra). According to the 'Visishtadhvaita' doctrine, 'Shri' is the divine consort of the Lord and is said to play the intermediary between God and human soul. The shrine of Chakrishwar has been a place of worship from the day Goddess Sharika demonstrated herself in the form of a 'shila' (small rock) on the Hair Parbat. The days of Phagun Krishna Paksh Ashtami (Hora Ashtami) and Ashad Shukla Paksh Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (Har Satum, Har Aatham and Har Navum) are the auspicious days for the devotional prayers at the Sharika Temple peeth. Ashad Navami (Har Navum) is said to be the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati.
 On this day of Sharika Jayanti, devotees make sacrificial offering of 'Teher-charvan' (rice boiled with turmeric powder and mixed with oil, salt and cooked liver of goat) to the Almighty Goddess. This ritual is locally known as 'Chout Kharoun'. On 'Navreh', (the New Year Day of Kashmiri Pundits) during the month of Magh and throughout Navaratri, devotees regularly visit the Hari Parbat for special prayers and worship.

Architecture Of Hari Parbat:-

Hari Parbat Fort is the ancient heritage site of a Durrani Fort which was erected in 1808, however; it was in 1590 when its first fortifications were built under the instructions of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Mughal Emperor had the outer wall of the Fort erected to plan a new capital for his kingdom by the name of Nagar Nagor to be established within the confines of this exterior wall. This project was however left incomplete. The construction work was resumed in 1808 when J&K was under the reign of an Afghan Sultan named Shuja Shah Durrani after whom, the Fort was also named as the Durrani Fort.

Hari Parbat Fort is the original fort of the Mughals perched atop the stunning Sharika Hill of Kashmir. It was aptly constructed on the riverbanks of the Dal Lake offering one of the most breathtaking views to cherish thus accentuating the splendid beauty of its surroundings.
Hari Parbat Fort is formidably secured on an elevated altitude that commands a panoramic vista of the Dal Lake fringed with Chinar trees and a small Char Chinar island that nestles amidst a lush umbrage gleaming over the lake with luster. The imposing Fort structure is surrounded by almond orchards showcasing a spectacular sight during April when they blossom to the hilt thus announcing the advent of the colourful spring season in Kashmir.
The southern end of the outer wall of the Hari Parbat Fort is Gurdwara Chhati Patshahi that commemorates the visit of Guru Har Gobind to Kashmir at Kathi Darwaja in Rainwari, Srinagar. This is a highly revered Sikh Gurudwara in Kashmir and is believed to have been blessed by the visit of the sixth guru of Sikhism who once traveled through Kashmir occasionally preaching. He stopped by this Gurdwara and stayed here for few days before continuing on his journey across lands.
Apart from the Gurudwara, there are 2 highly revered Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah enshrined on the southern slope within the precincts of this imposing Fort while the sacred shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (also referred to as Sultan-Ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam), nestles below the Hari Parbat Fort towards the southern end of Koh – e – Maran Hill.
Featuring 2 floors and many pillars, the Muslim Shrine structures display an ancient architecture that appeals to many intrigued tourists. They are largely visited by believers of all faiths, and cultural backgrounds throughout the year making it a highly respected shrine belonging to a Sufi saint, who was also known by the name of Hazrat Sultan.

A famous Hindu Shakti Temple lies on the western slopes of the Hari Parbat Fort and is referred to as the Sharika Mata Temple considered highly sacred by the Kashmiri Pundits. A life-size statue of the presiding Deity, Goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, who is known to be a form of Durga Mata or Shakti, features 18 arms and is represented by a Swayambhu Shri Chakra or Mahamaha Shri Chakra, collectively named as the Maha Shri Yantra comprising of triangular patterns and mystic circular impressions with a red dot at the center.
Interesting fact about fort: The Dogra rulers arrested the first prime minister of Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and lodged him in this fort in 1931

The Old Wall And Fort Decors:-

 The wall stretches for 5-km and is 10 metres high and has two gates, the Kathi and Sangin Darwaza. The Kathi is the main entrance with Persian commemorative inscriptions surrounding it. The Sangin, however, is more ornate with sculptured windows on either side.
 Visits to the fort, now used as an arsenal, are only possible with written permission from the director of tourism so for most visitors the fort will remain just a pleasant backdrop. The fort contains a temple revered for its image of the Goddess Sharika.

History of the Fort:-

The first protection walls to this fort were provided by Mohammed Khan. He built this outer wall and nestled a capital city inside named as Nager Nagor but this vision could never be completed. The present temple was reconstructed in 1808 under the rule of Shuja Shah Durrani and hence this fort is also called as Durrani fort sometimes.
The temple goddess at Sharika Mata temple is an 18 handed deity. This goddess is represented as a swayambhu chakra, also called as mahashriyantra which is kept in many homes as a good luck charm. She also believed to be a form of goddess Durga.
Legendary Origin
According to one legend, at the place Hari Parbat stands today was a huge lake. A demon named Jalobhava resided here. Local inhabitants prayed goddess Parvati to get rid of the demon. She took a small pebble and threw it on the head of this demon. The pebble kept growing until it completely crushed his head. Locals believe this pebble turned into the present Hari Parbat and became the home of gods and goddesses.
Another story tells that there were two demons, Tsand and Mond who lived in this valley. They both troubled villagers here by hiding at where the present day Hari Parbat and Mond at Dal Lake Gate. Goddess Parvati came to rescue villagers by taking the form of a small bird and threw a pebble on Tsand which grew into a large size and transformed into Hari Parbat. That is how Parvati is worshipped here as Sharika. This part of the hill is also called as Predemna peeth.

According to the another version of the folklore, the two demons, Chand and Mund lived in the Kashmir Valley. Chand lived in the water near the current site of Hari Parbat and Mund lived around Dal Gate. These demons terrorised the people. The gods invoked Shakti. She manifested herself into a Hari (myna) and flew to Sumer. She carried a pebble in her beak and dropped it on Chand. The pebble transformed into a huge mountain, crushing the demon. It was later named as Hari Parbat.

Temple Legend:-

Legend has it that in the medieval era, Kashmir was a big lake called "Satisar". It was inhabited by a water demon, named Jalodbhava who tortured and devoured the local inhabitants. The inhabitants approached sage Kashyap, the grandson of Brahma. He did an intense penance to rescue people from the demon. Pleased with his penance almighty blessed him. Hence, he was able to cut the mountain. Due to which the lake dried up and the demon was killed by divinely dropped a pebble on this head. The pebble kept growing larger until the demon was dead. The pebble today stands as "Hari Parbat" and is said to be a home of all the gods.

Significance of the Hari Parbat Temple:-

After visiting the Hari Parbat, King Chakreshwar is believed to have worshiped all the Gods and Goddesses of Hindu Mythology and had obtained all his worldly desires and wishes. Therefore, it is believed that Saints and Yogis achieved the ultimate on worshiping at this Sharika Peeth. Thus most people visit the temple to get all their wishes fulfilled.
Hari Parbat Temple Timings
The temple is open for all devotees at any time of the day. Also people of all caste or creed can visit the temple as it does not distinguish between them. The timings for the temple are from 6AM to 10PM. Tuesday is considered a special day for all devotees and a large number of worshipers visit the temple. On fulfillment of wishes people offer gifts and sarees in the temple and promises are also made before the deity.

Festivals Celebrated At the Hari Parbat Temple:-

The Chakrishwar Shrine is a popular place of worship in the temple. Goddess Sharika had look as if here at Hari Parbat as a ‘shila’ (small rock) which has augmented the religious implication of the hill top. Sharika Bhagwati’s birthday is celebrated on the Ashad Navami (Har Navum) which is an imperative occasion in the temple. Other propitious days when worshiping prayers are offered at the Sharika Temple Peeth are the Phagun Krishna Ashtami (Hora Ashtami), Ashad Shukla Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (Har Satum, Har Aatham and Har Navum).
Poojas and Ritual at Hari Parbat Temple
The temple is devoted to Goddess and hence the customs are the same that are offered to the Goddess in the region. The Kashmiri Pandits implore here with special chants and mantras and the poojas last as long as the implication of the occasion. During Navratri, special poojas are performed here and the Goddess is offered special prasadam and is decorated with all beautiful clothes. There are many fairs and procession carried out in and near the temple during this time of the year.

Nearby Places to Visit:-

Chatti Padshahi:-

There is shrine of Chatti Padshahi in Jammu & Kashmir dedicated to the sixth Master of Sikhs. Found in the area of Kathi Darwaza of Srinagar in J& K valley, it commemorates the coming of the sixth great Guru of Sikhs. It is said that the Guru traveled from place to place to impart his message of peace and brotherhood. There is a spot found in Srinagar where Chatti Padshahi stands and it is this place where the Sikh Master arrived and stayed back for quite some time.
The dedicated followers of Sikh religion who live in Jammu & Kashmir come to visit the Chatti Padshahi shrine frequently to seek their Guru’s blessings. Visitors from different states of the country are seen visiting this popular shrine of Srinagar just for having a glimpse of this pious aura that surrounds this place.

Dal Lake:-

Commonly called as 'Srinagar's jewel', the Dal Lake, engrosses over 26 sq.km, and is a famous tourist attraction of Srinagar. Known for its house boats and also the Shikara boat rides, it is set against the glorious Himalayas. The Dal Lake remains to be the subject of different poets along with the artists.
It has matchless beauty picturesque environment which makes it ideal for staying aboard the luxurious houseboats and also enjoy the beautiful evening with sun being shimmering on the lake when it sets. The lake is divided into four areas of four causeways, having Western part of the lake surrounded by many Islands which fascinates the tourists for its serenity and peaceful solitude. It is premier in the world having Wi-Fi connection.
The lake found at a distance of 10 km from Srinagar is easily accessible by taxis in a time period of 20 minutes. Apart from this, it is major spot for various water sports which includes water surfing, Shikara rides, swimming, kayaking, angling, houseboat stays and canoeing. The major attractions which may be toured include Char Chinar, Nehru Park, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.

Things to Do:-

Visiting following places inside the fort is a must:-

Sharika Mata Temple:-

The hill is regarded as sacred by the pundits of Kashmir because of the presence of Sharika temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati who had 18 arms and is considered as the presiding deity of the city of Srinagar. The goddess is being represented by Swyambhu Shrichakra, also known as Mahashriyantra, which comprise of mystic impressions which are circular in shape and also triangular shaped having a dot (bindu) at the center. It is believed that Sharika Devi is another form of Shakti or Durga Mata.

Makhdoom Sahib:-

Established below the leading Mughal Fort, is located the shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdum. It is also known as ….Makhdoom Sahib, Sultan –ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam. The shrine is beside the southern side of hill of Koh e Maran. It is one of the major sacred shrine of Kashmir. The double storied, several pillared building displays an amazing architectural style. Not only Muslims but people belonging to different faiths and religions come to visit this shrine all round the year. Makhdoom Sahib, also known as Hazrat Sultanhad has been a Sufi saint.

Weather and Best Time to Visit:-

Srinagar has just two climates, summers which are pleasant and winters which are quite freezing and chilly. There is scanty rainfall found here. So the best suitable time for visiting Srinagar is April –October.
 The summer season is best sightseeing and is also the peak time for tourists having a highest temperature of 30°C and lowest of 14°C.
The winter season has minimum temperature of 0°C and highest of about 15°C. There is heavy rain during winters. It is not good for seeing sights as lakes are frozen and even snowfall causes blockages of roads which creates problem for tourists.
Srinagar is a famous tourist spot. People visit during summers for seeing the sights of the lakes and fabulous gardens and also the natural splendor is at its zenith during this season. However the winters are extremely cold as well as freezing and should be avoided for holidaying. There is heavy snowfall during the winter season.

How to Reach:-

By Taxi :-

 This site easily reach by taxi from airport and railway station and other places in srinagar.

By Bus :-

 Many tourist bus service provides the services to reach from many neighboring cities to Srinagar. Srinagar is well connected to Chandigarh (630 km), Jammu (290 km), Delhi (876 km), Leh (434 km) and Phalgam (96 km) by tourist bus services. and they charge about Rs 4-5 per km.

By Train :-

 Srinagar railway station or Nowgam railway station is railway station of the city of Srinagar in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.The station, in nowgam, is 8 km from the city centre. Local services only: Qazigund–Anantnag–Srinagar–Baramulla.

By Air :-

 Srinagar’s sparkling new airport is connected with many airports of the major cities in India. Regular flights operate between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and the tickets are moderately priced. International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport, which is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.