Introduction

Located atop the majestic looking and majestic sounding, Takht e Suleiman or the ‘Seat of Suleiman’ that rises dramatically for over a thousand feet from the surrounding valley, is the small but highly venerated shrine of Shankaracharya which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as the Jyeteshwara Mandir. The present structure is believed to date back to the end of the First Millennium. It is also believed that this is a later construction and that some sort of structure existed even in the years before Christ and was built by Raja Gopadatya and often, the hill is also referred to as the Gopadari Hill – and the temple, at times, is also called the Gopadari. As such, this is considered to be the oldest extant Hindu shrine in Kashmir and draws numerous pilgrims.

It is also believed that Adi Sankara, the great Hindu philosopher and reformer visited this place and stayed at the spot when he traveled to Kashmir to spread the word of the ‘Sanatan Dharma’. The name ‘Shankaracharya Temple’ may have come from the sojourn of this great saint, but it may also have come from Shankar, another name for Lord Shiva.

While much of this past is based partly on textual inferences and partly on calculated conjecture, the architecture of this shrine is quite exemplary. The temple is built over an unusually designed high octagonal stone plinth and is accessed by a long staircase. The parapets along this staircase have inscriptions (most are faded) on them; within the temple is an inscription attributed to the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. The sanctum is a circular one. The first repairs to the temple are believed to have been done during the reign of King Lalitaditya. In more recent times, Raja Gulab Singh the Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir had some repairs done; the ceiling has also been redone.

Expectedly, the view from the temple precincts is magnificent and the entire Srinagar valley is visible below this.

Special Attributes

Oldest Hindu shrine in the area

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative but comfortable

Connectivity

Taxis, buses and walking

Enjoyed by

Religious and general interest.

Exposure

Mild exposure to sun when outdoors. It is pleasant for the better part of the year.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No shoes, weapons of any description, cameras and cell phones. Cameras and cell phones have to be deposited. No intoxicants (including cigarettes).

Tip

Apart from the religious significance, the place offers a majestic view.

Type of site

Temple