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Recently, in accordance with an annual, longstanding tradition related to the Amarnath pilgrimage, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva made its way to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple. There are many intriguing aspects related to this temple that offer insights into its historical and cultural significance.
Overview of the Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple is also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists. Persians and Jews refer to it as Bagh-i-sulaiman or the Garden of King Solomon, named so due to the plethora of Persian inscriptions found within the temple walls. Geographically, it sits atop the Shankaracharya Hill, alternatively known as Hill of Solomon, on the Zabarwan Mountain in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Known as the oldest temple sited in the valley of Kashmir, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Positioned at a thrilling height of 1,000 feet above the plain, it provides a bird’s-eye view of the city of Srinagar. Historical traces suggest that the origins of the temple date back to 200 BC, even though the existing structure likely originates from the 9th century AD. The temple is closely associated with Adi Shankara, who visited the temple, thereby leading to the temple being named after him – the Shankaracharya Temple.
Architectural Details of the Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple is a remarkable archetype of the early Kashmiri style of architecture, effectively showcasing the techniques prevalent during its era of construction. The influence of the early Shihara style is prominently noticeable in the temple’s design, which manifests a horseshoe arch type pattern. This massive stone edifice is built on a high octagonal plinth, standing approximately thirty feet high, further accentuated by a short parapet wall.
The temple comprises a cell that is circular in shape from the inside, with a diameter of thirteen feet. The temple’s square structure gains its support from the basement, maintaining the sturdy structure that has endured centuries.
About Shankaracharya
Also known as Adi Shankara, he was born in 788 CE in Kaladi, Kerala. He is well-renowned for propounding the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism) and authoring several commentaries on the Vedic canon — including the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita — in Sanskrit.
His major works include:
1. Brahmasutrabhasya, which is a Bhashya or commentary on the Brahma Sutra.
2. Bhajagovinda Stotra.
3. Nirvana Shatakam.
Shankaracharya’s Contribution to Hinduism
Shankaracharya played a monumental role in reviving Hinduism in India during a time when Buddhism was gaining momentum. He established four Mathas, or monastic centres, across the four corners of India, a tradition that persists to the present day. His work and contributions continue to be highly revered and celebrated in the annals of Indian religious history.
