Temples in Srinagar Garhwal Himalayas

30Mar

Ancient temples in the Garhwal Himalayas are scattered all over the region. In and around Srinagar, in the Alaknanda valley, a few prominent one's are:

  • Kamleshwar Temple It is said that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva here with a thousand lotus flowers. One flower fell short and Rama compensated this loss by offering one of his eyes.
  • Kansmardhini Temple The Kans Mardini Temple is said to be the spot where parts from Sati's body fell when Lord Shiva approached Badrikashram with Sati's corpse after she had plunged into the Yagya Kund. There is no idol in the temple and the spot is shielded from vision.
  • Kilkileshwar Mahadev Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by the legendary Hindu Guru Adi Shankaracharya on the right bank of the Alaknanda River.
  • Dhari Devi Situated about 16 km away from Srinagar, towards Badrinath, this is a popular temple on the banks of the River Alaknanda. It is believed that the presiding deity does not permit a roof over her head, hence the idol of Goddess Kali is uniquely placed under the open sky.
  • Keshorai Math This architectural beauty was build around 1682 AD and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
  • Shankar Math Located about 3km away from Srinagar town this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi and is believed to have been constructed by Adi Guru Shankaracharya though there are other legends associated with it.
  • Devalgarh A cluster of temples situated about 19 km from Srinagar include the Laxmi Narayan Temple, Gauri Devi Temple & Rajrajeshwari Temple. These are architecturally significant and were built in the 16th century AD.