Of the many religions that exist in the world today Hinduism is one that is the most diverse and ancient. The religion is not only diverse and old but one that is very colourful and vibrant. The values and aesthetics related to this religion are really rich and deep rooted in the followers. There may be many sects to the religion but when the time comes for prayer and worship all become one. Pilgrimage is one of the most important part in those following this religion and every once in a while people do make it a point to visit holy shrines. Some religions have specific places of pilgrimages to redeem ones sin but this particular religion doesn’t have one specific place to visit. Of the many places that Hinduism has its roots and cultures embedded in Kashmir is one. This state of beauty in the northern most part of the country India has a number of places that is revered in the Hindu culture. Some of the most “flocked to” pilgrimage destinations in the Kashmir valley are:-
Amarnath cave
Dedicated to the Lord Shiva, the Amarnath cave is located at a distance of about 141 kilometres from the capital city of Srinagar. The cave is a very revered one in Hindu culture and is one that is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees every year. The cave is covered by snow almost all year round but during the short summer it is open to the pilgrims. The cave holds a lingam which is the symbol of lord Shiva that is formed by freezing of water droplets falling from the cave roof. Legend has it that the cave is where the lord explained the secret of life and eternity to his wife Parvati. The visit to this holy cave is known as the Amarnath yatra and is one of the most widely known Hindu pilgrimages.
Kheer Bhawani Temple
Located near the village of Tula Mula about 14 miles east of Srinagar this temple is one that is universally worshipped by the Hindus in Kashmir. The temple is one that is constructed over a holy spring that is said to change color indicating auspicious and inauspicious times in the valley. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhawani but an offering of Kheer which is an Indian rice pudding during spring gave the temple the name Kheer Bhawani.
Shankaracharya Temple
Located at Srinagar this temple is also known as Jyesteshwara temple or the Pas-Pahar. The temple is a really ancient one and dates back to 200 BC. The temple is not only sacred to the Hindus but the Buddhists too consider it sacred. The hill on which it is located goes by the same name as that of the temple but is also known as takht-e-Sulieiman meaning the throne of Solomon.
Vaishno Devi
Located in the foothills of Vaishno Devi is the temple dedicated to Shakti who is also known as Vaishnavi or Mata Rani and is the manifestation of the Mother Goddess.Vaishno Devi temple in north east is the second most visited temple in pilgrimage.
Shiv Khori
As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Reasi district. This too is a well visited site for the cave has a naturally created image of Lord Shiva hence the name Shiv Khori. The temple also has a self made lingam which according to people is unending. The roof too is etched with snake formations and there are other images that seem to represent lord Ganesha and Parvati. Other than the above mentioned places there are many others that make Kashmir a hub for pilgrimage. Some other sites that are here would be Martand sun temple, Baba Dhansar, Merhada mata etc.
