As we hear about Jammu and Kashmir, our mind transports to a mystical land infused with fresh air and peace that isn’t found elsewhere. What’s so special about this state is that the surroundings are filled with flower gardens, apple orchids, and a blissful aura that keeps you relaxed. Amidst the lovely surroundings are the temples in Jammu and Kashmir that are known for their divine powers.
Perfect for travellers wanting to take a break from life’s monotony, the heaven on earth is calling you! While you are planning to cover all the gorgeous tourist attractions, visit the famous Jammu Kashmir temples as well.
In this guide, we will talk about the top 15 famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir and their significance.
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Jammu Kashmir Famous Temples
Jammu and Kashmir is a northern state known for its temples, history, and culture. The quaint ambience surrounding every temple provides devotees comfort to seek blessings and meditate. Here are the 15 temples in Jammu and Kashmir that you can visit.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Jammu Kashmir temple is in the Trikuta Mountains. It is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Thousands of pilgrims embark on a challenging trek every year to reach the sacred cave.
There, the goddess is believed to reside in the form of three interconnected rock formations. This temple is approximately 48 km ahead of Jammu and Kashmir in Katra. After seeking blessings from Maa Vaishno Devi, people also trek to Bhairo Baba.
Location: PVMC+3PQ, Pir Mitha Mastgarh, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City
Timings: Aarti – 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2. Amarnath Cave Temple
The Amarnath Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m. This Kashmir temple is famous for the naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims undertake a strenuous trek to witness this annual formation during the Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage.
This yatra begins from Chandanwari and along with the blessings, pilgrims also get a breathtaking view of the mountains here.
Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam
Timings: 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. (1 July to 19 August)
3. Raghunath Temple
The Raghunath Temple in Jammu is dedicated to Lord Rama. This Jammu temple was constructed in the 19th century. Its complex comprises seven shrines known as “shikaras” and each is adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a tranquil ambience.
This makes the temple a popular spiritual destination. There is also a museum which calligrams and lingams to witness. Keep 2 to 3 hours aside to explore the temple properly.
Location: PVJ6+6Q5, Raghunath Mandir Chowk, Jammu City
Timings: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Shankaracharya Temple
Perched atop a hill, overlooking the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar, the Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to 200 BC, this ancient temple provides breathtaking views of the Kashmir Valley. This Kashmir famous temple has a circular chamber with the backdrop of mountains and lakes.
Location: Durgjan, Srinagar
Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Martand Sun Temple
The Martand Sun Temple dates back to the 8th century. This famous Jammu Kashmir temple is an architectural beauty dedicated to Surya Devta. Despite being in ruins, the temple’s magnificence and intricate carvings offer a glimpse into its former glory. It was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, the Karkota Dynasty’s third ruler.
Location: Martand Surya Temple
Timings: 24 hours
6. Sharika Devi Temple
The Sharika Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Sharika. This Kashmir temple is located on top of the Hari Parbat hill in Srinagar. It is considered the presiding deity of Srinagar. Pilgrims visit this temple to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.
Location: Hari Parbat, Srinagar
Timings: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7. Peer Kho Cave Temple
Peer Kho Cave is the famous Jammu temple situated on the banks of River Tawi. It is dedicated to Shiva and is also famous for the Jamwant cave. Tourists and natives visit the temple to take a dip in the holy water and seek the blessings of the almighty. There is a strong belief that Jamwant used to meditate inside the cave. The Jammu Kashmir temple witnesses the maximum number of devotees coming during Shivratri.
Location: Tawi River, Jammu City
Timings: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Ranbireshwar Temple
The Ranbireshwar Temple is one of the famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir. It was built in 1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its large Shiva Lingam, and it hosts the annual Maha Shivaratri festival on a grand level. Home to 12 shrines, this Shiv Temple is 12 to 18 inches high.
Location: Shalamar Road, near the Civil Secretariat
Timings: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
9. Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Kheer Bhawani Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ragnya Devi and is located in Tula Mula village, Srinagar. This Kashmir temple is surrounded by ancient chinar trees and there is a small pond inside. Pilgrims believe that the colour of the sacred spring water in the temple courtyard foretells the region’s fortune.
Location: Tulmulla – Dangerpora Link Rd, Tulmulla, Srinagar, Tulmulla
Timings: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10. Avantipur Temple
Avantipur is one of the renowned temples in Jammu and Kashmir. Its architecture is inspired by Greek culture and is dedicated to Surya Dev Ji. According to history, this Jammu & Kashmir temple was constructed by King Avantivarman and he planned two more temples around it. The beauty and tranquillity of this temple draws tourists from around the world.
Location: Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 24 hours
11. Sharada Mataji
Sharada Mataji is a famous Jammu Kashmir temple located on the banks of the Kishanganga River. It was constructed by refugees who came to the location after the partition of India. This Jammu temple is dedicated to Maa Saraswati and holds immense spiritual and political significance.
Location: Sharada Village, Neelam Valley, Jammu
Timings: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
12. Stok Monastery
Located near Leh, Stok Monastery is a prominent Buddhist temple in the region. It houses a notable collection of religious artefacts. They include thangkas and sculptures and provide an all-over view of the surrounding mountains. This place used to be home to a royal family. From here you can see farmers walking to their apricot orchids and barley farms.
Location: Stok, Leh district
Timings: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
13. Shiv Khori Cave Temple
Tucked away in a cave, the Shiv Khori Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims navigate through the narrow cave passages to reach the naturally formed Shiva Lingam. This Jammu temple is believed to be a manifestation of the deity.
Location: 5JF9+GWX, Reasi, Sangar
Timings: 24 hours
14. Babor Temple
Baboor is one of the most famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir and is known to be the destruction location of six temples. They are situated 1 km away from each other and are covered by hillocks. Giving you a beautiful sight to behold, the Jammu Kashmir famous temple has a rich collection of deities’ statues along with famous musicians and dancers. The most famous temples here are Kala Dehra and Devi Bhagawati Mandir.
Location: Q542+G2V, Manwal, Chiani
Timings: 24 hour
15. Sudh Mahadev Temple
The Sudh Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Jammu Kashmir temple is located in Chenani Tehsil. Its complex includes a naturally occurring Shiva Lingam and holds an annual fair that attracts devotees and tourists alike. You can also see Pap Nashni Bowli, a holy river passing near the temple. According to the legendary belief, this river has the power to bathe your sins if you take a dip there.
Location: Sudhmahadev, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: N/A
Visit the Famous Temples in Jammu and Kashmir
The list of temples in Jammu and Kashmir doesn’t end here. You can also add more places to your list like the Bahu Fort and Temple, Nangli Sahib Gurudwara, Vasuki Nag Temple, and Krimchi Temple. It depends on how long your vacation is going to be. Explore the Jammu Kashmir famous temples and seek blessings of the almighty. There is nothing better than this feeling.
So, don’t wait anymore and book your bus tickets to explore the Jammu Kashmir Temples.
Don’t forget to check out some romantic places in Jammu & Kashmir if you are travelling by Delhi to Jammu bus.
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