Temple Details

Hari Parbat   Srinagar


About Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat Hill lies on the west of Dal Lake in Srinagar, in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. This Mughal structure was built by an Afghan Governor Atta Mohammed Khan in 18th century. Laterm a long wall was constructed in 1590 by Emperor Akbar. Surrounded by commendable structures from all religions, this fort sits at the top giving a spectacular view of Dal Lake.

This fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and still stands impressive with old apartments and tall pillars. Hari Parbat provides a top view of Makhdoom Sahib that lies at its foot. Other attractions near the fort are Sharika Devi Temple and Lalmandi Chowk. Hari Parbat is a sacred hill for Hindus because it is home to a Sharika Temple. This temple is known to have presence of Goddess Durga.

The fort can be reached by foot or by a taxi amidst almond orchards soaring high especially during full blossom in April.

Jammu can be accessed by road as it is connected with well maintained roads to most of the major cities in the region. Distances from major cities are:

Delhi to Srinagar 860 km

Gulmarg to Srinagar 43 km

For railway travellers the closest railhead to Srinagar is at Jammu at a distance of 290 km. Jammu and Srinagar are connected by frequent bus and taxi services.

Srinagar hosts a domestic airport which is connected via Delhi for international flights and all major cities are connected directly to Jammu by various airlines.

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According to one legend, at the place Hari Parbat stands today was a huge lake. A demon named Jalobhava resided here. Local inhabitants prayed goddess Parvati to get rid of the demon. She took a small pebble and threw it on the head of this demon. The pebble kept growing until it completely crushed his head. Locals believe this pebble turned into the present Hari Parbat and became the home of gods and goddesses.

Another story tells that there were two demons, Tsand and Mond who lived in this valley. They both troubled villagers here by hiding at where the present day Hari Parbat and Mond at Dal Lake Gate. Goddess Parvati came to rescue villagers by taking the form of a small bird and threw a pebble on Tsand which grew into a large size and transformed into Hari Parbat. That is how Parvati is worshipped here as Sharika. This part of the hill is also called as Predemna peeth.

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