Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ
Shiva temple · Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Photo: Divya Gupta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Shankaracharya Temple is a Hindu temple to Shiva atop Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Reaching the shrine involves a climb of 238 steps, rewarded by views over the city, as The Tribune has described.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
The temple is part of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage tradition. Each year the Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, is carried by its custodian from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar's Budshah Chowk to the Shankaracharya Temple for special prayers on Haryali Amavasya (Shravan Amavasya), as part of the customs leading to the Amarnath yatra, The Hindu and The Statesman have reported.
Heritage
History of Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
Though the temple's history goes back to ancient times, it takes its name from Adi Shankaracharya, who according to tradition made the hill his abode for meditation in the ninth century, The Tribune notes.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Access arrangements on the hill can change for security reasons. Confirm current visiting arrangements locally before going.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
Chhari Mubarak prayers (Haryali Amavasya)
The holy mace of Lord Shiva is brought to the temple for special prayers as part of the customs leading to the Amarnath yatra.
Location
How to Reach Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
The temple stands on Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar; visitors climb a flight of 238 steps to reach the shrine.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Questions
Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Shankaracharya Temple?
On Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Which deity is worshipped there?
Shiva.
How many steps lead to the temple?
238 steps, according to The Tribune.
Why is it called the Shankaracharya Temple?
Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya meditated on the hill in the ninth century.
What is the temple's link with the Amarnath yatra?
The Chhari Mubarak, Lord Shiva's holy mace, is taken to the temple for prayers on Haryali Amavasya as part of the yatra's customs.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q7488715 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Shankaracharya Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Tribune — 238 steps to solitude in Shiva's sanctum
- The Hindu — 'Chhari Mubarak' taken to Shankaracharya temple
- The Statesman — Chhari Mubarak of Lord Shiva brought to Srinagar's Shankaracharya temple for prayers
- Hindustan Times — Amarnath pilgrims reach Shankaracharya temple (archived)
Further reading: Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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