1) Do you know that Srinagar area in Jammu and Kashmir has some really beautiful, scenic and ancient Hindu temples? Here is a thread about some must-visit temples, that we visited.
#Kashmir Temple 1: The beautiful Durga Nag temple is in the heart of Srinagar city, within walking distance from the Z-security mansions of big name politicians in Rainawari. It is very safe to visit this temple and we did even when there was tension in other parts of Kashmir.
#Kashmir Temple 1: I never even dreamt that we would be getting a chance to participate in a Vedic Havan in Srinagar and specifically putting purnahuti to agni!
Durga Nag temple is a good place for local Hindus to visit with their children and participate in puja regularly.
#Kashmir Temple 2: Jyeshtha Devi temple is right next to the highly secure Raj Bhavan in Srinagar, within walking distance from Dal Lake. Kashmiris pronounce it as Zeashta Devi, so tell that way to cab drivers. Temple is superbly maintained and is amidst lush green surroundings.
#Kashmir Temple 2: The Jyeshtha Devi Temple. Bhaktas can rent rooms here for very low cost (like Rs. 600 per night) with kitchen! You can't find such economical fare anywhere else in Srinagar.
Go with family. Stay here. Do elaborate puja and abhisheka. Highly scenic temple.
#Kashmir Temple 3: Kheer Bhawani Temple. A very ancient temple right from Ramayana time per the locals. As with many temples in Kashmir valley, the main deity is situated in a water pond. This temple is about 1 hour drive north of Srinagar city center, in the Ganderbal dist.
#Kashmir Temple 3: Kheer Bhawani has Chinar trees of huge size (Peepul trees won't grow in this weather).
There is very high CRPF security for this temple. Good options to stay here. This is probably the northernmost Indian Devi temple with regular puja today.
#Kashmir Temple 4: The Shankaracharya Hill with an ancient temple and a cave where Adi Shankara meditated. This temple is at 1000 feet above Srinagar city. Must climb 250 stairs at the top. Incredible place!
{Temple image from Wiki. You can't take any electronic gadgets in now}
#Kashmir Temple 4: The Shankaracharya Hill is an ancient temple with 1000s of years of history and gives you the best view of Srinagar city and Jhelum river from all corners.
Highly suggested to do dhyana inside Adi Shankara cave. Great vibes.
#Kashmir Temple 5: The Hanuman Mandir.
This one is within walking distance from the Lal Chowk ghanta ghar. It is on the western bank of Jhelum river and you have 2 nearby bridges (Budshah & Amira Kadal) to cross over from Lal Chowk area.
This mandir is in very bad shape :(
#Kashmir Temple 5: Hanuman Mandir.
Call 94199 00082 in case you can help this temple financially. That is the publicly provided number of Shree Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir. I did my small part. This old temple is in serious need of renovation funds.
But Anjaneya will persist!
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