Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya Temple, also known as Jyeshteshwara Temple, crowns the 1,100-foot Shankaracharya Hill at the centre of Srinagar. The stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir, with origins traditionally placed at the 3rd century BC under Mauryan prince Jaluka, though the present structure dates to around the 9th century AD. The great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya meditated here in the 8th century AD, lending the temple its enduring name. 243 stone steps lead to the sanctum.