Shankaracharya Temple, located in the south-eastern part of Kashmir, is an excellent example to showcase the ancient Kashmiri architecture. Built on the picturesque location of Gopadari Hill, this Shiva temple stands on a solid rock and consists of an octagonal basement of 13 layers. The temple was built in 371 B.C. Since then, it has been repaired and renovated several times, yet it boasts of the architectural style of those times. The main shrine is built in a circular chamber and offers a wonderful view of Kashmir Valley, comprising of enchanting lakes and the majestic Himalayas.
Built at a height of 1100 feet above Srinagar city, the temple has a Persian inscription that dates back to the reign of emperor Shah Jahan. People believe that the saint Adi Shankaracharya visited Kashmir in the first quarter of the 9th century to revive Sanatan Dharma. This incident led to the renaming of the temple as the Shankracharya temple.
