Adi Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar

This is something we have been sighting since day 1 up the hill but managed to be there just before leaving Srinagar. Few blossoms just blooming and flowing freshness was that hill. Could feel loads of positive energy as we went up and then the cab stopped. We had to take 250 steps to get to the temple. We wished we had enough time to actually climb up the hill on foot too. They do not allow phone or cameras beyond this point. Hence you can keep leave your minds free to just soak in the present. The stairs were not very tiring but yes, people do take small breaks and smile at each other. To add to the beauty, there were 3 schools having their day excursion there. They come up the hill by foot and then are at the stairs. Those innocent beautiful Kasmiri girls and boys added more vibrant energy as they quickly run up and then gasp yet again race with each other. They bump into strangers as they run and throw an innocent child smile to them before they continue to rush. No doubt innocent children always have the power to make you smile.

As we get higher and higher, the altitude was uncovering a glorious view of the city. WOW! Was just not enough….  A few deep breathes before our minds could sink in the beauty seen and give us words!  Populous city around a cheerful lake with colorful boats and house boats. River Jhelum made an excellent twist and turn in the city to add to the picturesque view.   This habitat is encompassed with green hills and those green ones in turn encompassed by seemingly dark hills with white icing. We stood there under a maple tree with hue green leaves. For sure the maple trees envy the beauty and change color to attract attention towards them at least for few months an year. None the less, the huge maple (Chinar as called by Kashmiris) trees are definitely a pride to this place. It looked like a challenge nature was giving itself. With hills all around, there are different views one can get. All the elements, Lake, hills, greenery, blossoms, snow covered hills, river Jhelum and beautiful people with colorful boats (shikaras)  were racing against each other to stand out and high in the enthralling view of the city.

The temple is a simple small and robust stone structure. This is reputed to be the place where Shankaracharya meditated. As the clock rushed, it pushed us back to the cab to head to the airport.