Top 11 Famous Temples in Jammu and Kashmir to Visit
Jammu and Kashmir, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is also home to numerous sacred sites and temples, drawing devotees and tourists alike.
These temples are not just places of worship but are deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the region, representing centuries of faith and tradition.
11 Best Temples to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir
Explore the list of 11 famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 11 temples:
1. Vaishno Devi Temple | Katra
The Vaishno Devi Jammu Kashmir temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains. It is one of the holiest Hindu sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi. Thousands of pilgrims embark on a strenuous journey to reach the sacred cave every year.
- Best Time to Visit: March to November.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town is Katra, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Udhampur.
- Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport is the nearest to Katra.
- Nearby Bus Station: Katra bus stand.
2. Amarnath Cave Temple | Pahalgam
The Amarnath Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an elevation of 3,888 meters; known for its naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims embark on a hard journey to see this annual development during the Amarnath Yatra.
- Best Time to Visit: July to August.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town is Srinagar, accessible by road and then trek to Pahalgam.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu.
- Nearby Airport: Srinagar is the nearest to Amarnath.
- Nearby Bus Station: Amarnath bus station.
3. Raghunath Temple | Jammu
The Raghunath Temple in Jammu is dedicated to Lord Rama. The Jammu temple was built in the nineteenth century. Its complex has seven shrines known as "shikaras," each embellished with beautiful carvings and surrounded by a serene atmosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town is Rishikesh, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh.
- Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
- Nearby Bus Station: Jammu bus station.
4. Shankaracharya Temple | Srinagar
The Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking Srinagar's picturesque Dal Lake, is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the valley floor and overlooks the city of Srinagar.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September.
- Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Clim a series of stone steps to reach.
- Nearby Railway Station: Udhampur.
- Nearby Airport: Sheikhul Aalam International Airport Srinagar.
- Nearby Bus Station: Dalgate bus station.
5. Martand Sun Temple | Mattan
The Martand Sun Temple goes back to the eighth century. This well-known Jammu Kashmir temple is an architectural masterpiece. Despite being in ruins, the temple's elaborate sculptures provide a glimpse of its previous greatness.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
- Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town in Srinagar can take a cab or taxi.
- Nearby Railway Station: Anantnag Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Srinagar Air Force Base Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Mattan bus station.
6. Sharika Devi Temple | Srinagar
The Sharika Devi Temple is devoted to the goddess Sharika. This Kashmir temple is situated on the top of the Hari Parbat hill in Srinagar. It is regarded as the presiding deity of Srinagar. Pilgrims come to this shrine to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October.
- Temple Timings: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Clim a series of stone steps to reach or take the cable car.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Tawi.
- Nearby Airport: Srinagar International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Srinagar bus station.
7. Peer Kho CaveTemple | Tawi River
Peer Kho Cave is a famous Jammu temple located on the banks of the Tawi River. It is devoted to Shiva and is known for the Jamwant cave. Tourists and locals flock to the temple to take a dip in the holy water and seek the blessings of the almighty.
- Best Time to Visit: April to August.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: A flight of marble steps reach the cave.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: General bus stand, Jammu.
8. RanbireshwarTemple | Shalamar Road
The Ranbireshwar Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Jammu & Kashmir. It was constructed in 1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its enormous Shiva Lingam.
- Best Time to Visit: April to September.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest road is Shalimar, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Jammu Domestic Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Shalamar bus stand.
9. Kheer Bhawani Temple | Tulmulla
The Kheer Bhawani Temple, located in Srinagar's Tula Mula village, is devoted to Goddess Ragnya Devi. The Kashmir temple is encircled by ancient chinar trees. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir.
- Best Time to Visit: May, June.
- Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest is Mansbal Lake, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Srinagar Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Gundroshan, Lal - Chowk General bus stand.
10. Avantipur Temple | Awantipora
Avantipur is one of the most famous temples in Jammu & Kashmir. Its architecture is inspired by Greek culture and honors Surya Dev Ji. King Avantivarman built this temple in Jammu and Kashmir and planned two more surrounding it.
- Best Time to Visit: April to September.
- Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest road is Srinagar, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Srinagar Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Awantipora bus station.
11. Sharada Mataji Temple | Sharada Village
Sharada Mataji is a well-known Jammu Kashmir shrine on the banks of the Kishanganga River. It was built by refugees who relocated to the area during India's division. This Jammu temple is devoted to Maa Saraswati.
- Best Time to Visit: July to August.
- Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest road is Srinagar, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Train from Jammu to Katra.
- Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Matador bus station.
These temples serve as places of worship and stand as architectural marvels, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A visit to these sacred sites promises spiritual enlightenment and a profound journey through the history and heritage of this enchanting region.
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Is there any temple above Mata Vaishno Devi temple?
Yes, the only temple above Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is Bhairo Baba Temple which is 2 km from the Vaishnodevi temple. The temple is dedicated to a saint named Katra Bhairav.
Are there any restrictions on photography inside temples?
Yes, there may be restrictions. Some temples allow photography, while others prohibit it. It is recommended to inquire with temple authorities or observe any signs regarding photography before taking any photographs.
Is there any entry fee to visit temples?
Yes, there may be an entry fee. Some temples ask for entry fees and some may not. It is recommended to inquire with temple authorities.
How many stairs are there in Vaishno Devi?
There are a total of 740 stairs from the bottom to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple at the top.
What is Sharda Peeth?
One of the historic Hindu temples thaSharda Peeth is currently located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Saraswati, the Hindu goddess, is known in Kashmiri as Sharda. The Sharda Peeth has served as a temple and an educational facility.
Which is the biggest temple in Jammu Kashmir?
Raghunath Temple is the biggest temple in Jammu Kashmir.
Which region of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its temples?
Known as the "City of Temples," Jammu is especially well-known for its assortment of temples, which include Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, and Raghunath. Owing to their great religious significance, these sacred locations draw a sizable number of pilgrims every year.
Why Jammu is called the city of temples?
The city is home to several Christian, Sikh, and Muslim shrines. Jammu also acts as the headquarters for the revered Vaishno Devi shrine.
Which is the oldest temple in Jammu and Kashmir?
Martand Sun in Mattan is one of the oldest temples in Jammu and Kashmir.
Which is the main temple in Jammu?
Among the temples in Jammu, Raghunath Mandir is arguably the most well-known. It is Northern India's largest complex of temples. The temple, which is located in Raghunath Bazar in the city center, was constructed in 1857 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh.