Shankaracharya Temple (Jyeshteshwara)

Shankaracharya Temple, also known as Jyeshteshwara Temple or Pas-Pahar, is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated atop Gopadri Hill (Shankaracharya Hill) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Elevated 1,100 feet above the city floor, the shrine offers panoramic views of Dal Lake and Srinagar. The foundation dates back to 200 BCE, while the present octagonal stone structure was constructed around the 8th to 9th century CE during the reign of King Lalitaditya or King Gopaditya. Built of massive grey granite masonry over a high stone plinth accessed by 243 stone steps, the temple features a square sanctum enclosed by a low parapet wall. It is associated with the great 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who visited the shrine to consecrate the Lingam and revive Sanatan Dharma in Kashmir. It is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).