Author: Unni and Krishna
As per the lineage of oral references, Adi Shankaracharya before attaining the highest seat of learning at Sharada Peeth, there are other three sites in the Valley of Kashmir in connection to the tradition. They are as follows:
- Shurayar Temple
Shurayar Temple is located at the banks of Jhelum River at Batwara, near Indira Nagar, Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to the form of Shiva. This Shiva-linga was established by Adi Shankaracharya, as it is said that for his disciples. Shurayar was the place where Adi Shankaracharya used to take bath in river Jhelum. According to sources says, at times of Maharaja Hari Singh he use to worship daily at Shurayar Temple before going to the Secretariat. [1] The temple was maintained under the Sadhu tradition, Giri parambara; and currently followed by Swamy Prem Giri, the successor of Swamy Shankara Giri. The present sadhu (Swamy Prem Giri) natively belongs near to the land of Adi Shankara (in Aluva, Kerala).
2. Durga Nag Temple
Durga Nag Temple is located at the left side of the main road when moving from Dal Gate to Gupkar road, Srinagar. It is been followed by many lineages that Adi Shankaracharya had recognized the prabhava of ‘Shakti’ (Goddess) here. As a result, Adi Shankaracharya had established a Pindi above the Nag (an underground water); and it is considered that the Pindi is dedicated to Goddess Durga. [2] Due to this act of instating Durga over the Nag, the name later evolved as ‘Durga Nag’. In another finding, it is said that instead of establishing Pindi over the Nag, Adi Shankaracharya had directly instated Goddess Durga as visible today. [3]
In spite of the two oral references, the fact is been visible through the appearance of the premises that, the recognition of Shakti is been attained here. Thus, it is known as the ‘Sidha Peetha’ of Adi Shankaracharya. Also, as per the sources, Adi Shankara used to stay here before attaining the position/designation as an Acharya. [4]
The temple was initially maintained by Shri. Shiv Ratnanand Saraswati Maharaj, who belongs to Saraswati Parampara or lineage. Currently, the temple is maintained under— Durga Nag Trust.
3. Jyestheshvara Temple ((Shankaracharya Temple))
Adi Shankaracharya temple is located at the topmost Gopadri hill (today known as Shankaracharya hill), in the heart of Srinagar. Earlier the temple was known as Jyestheshvara Mahadev. This is the place where Adi Shankara stayed for 13 months for the debate and attained the position/designation as an Acharya, which is followed by ‘Adi Shankar-Acharya’.[5]
According to sources, the path which Adi Shankaracharya used to reach the hill begins from the back side of Durga Nag Temple. Currently, the Shankaracharya temple is observed by Archeological Survey of India and administrated under J&K Dharmarth Trust.
It takes an hour to reach the top-hill (Shankaracharya temple) in a normal walk. Along the path, the Valley can also be seen in all its beauty.
Altogether, these are the three temple sites (at present) which is related to Adi Shankaracharya in Srinagar. Apart from (3)Adi Shankaracharya temple, the (1) Shurayar Temple and (2) Durga Nag Temple doesn’t have much prominence among common people, in connection to the traditions of Adi Shankaracharya.
References
[1] S. PremGiri, Interviewee, Adi Shankaracharya in Kashmir. [Interview]. 10 February 2021.
[2][4][5] R. Shukla, Interviewee, Adi Shankaracharya in Kashmir. [Interview]. 24 January 2021.
[3] S. Shastri, Interviewee, Adi Shankaracharya in Kashmir. [Interview]. 13 September 2021.
(featured image credits: indiatemple.com)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article belong to the author. The Admin desk is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in the article.
