Jammu and Kashmir
Śāṅkara Jyoti Prakāśa · शाङ्कर ज्योति प्रकाश
Mula Sharika Mandir - Srinagar
Visited 1 June 2026 during the 2026 Sampoorna Bharata Yatra.
Adi Shankaracharya's Visit
- Mūla Sharika Mandir is an ancient shrine located on the western slopes of Hari Parbat in Srinagar, Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Sharika Devi, the presiding goddess of Srinagar, and forms part of the larger sacred complex associated with Hari Parbat. The term "Mūla Sharika" literally means the "original" or "primordial" Sharika, reflecting the longstanding belief that this site preserves one of the earliest centres of the Goddess's worship in the Valley. Its location on the hillside, away from the fortifications and later constructions atop Hari Parbat, contributes to its distinct historical character.
- The shrine is closely tied to the broader religious landscape of Hari Parbat, which has served as a focal point of Kashmiri religious life for centuries. Historical records and local traditions indicate that the hill has hosted successive phases of religious activity, royal patronage, and pilgrimage. The temple's significance lies not only in its role as a place of worship but also in its connection to the enduring cultural identity of Kashmir, where the worship of Sharika Devi has remained a central feature of the Valley's religious heritage across generations.
- Traditional accounts further maintain that Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya visited this sacred kṣetra during his travels through Kashmir. Local recitations preserve the memory that the Acharya bestowed his blessings upon a devotee at this site in the form of a sacred pādukā, a tradition that continues to be remembered as an enduring symbol of the temple's association with Acharya Bhagavatpada.
The above findings are based on local recitations and living traditions, as well as inscriptions and markers observed at the site, supported by available historical references, certain scientific observations, and guidance from the Shastras. As our understanding continues to evolve, we will update this account from time to time as additional insights and information emerge from local communities and further study.
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