SRINAGAR, August 11, 2025 – Thousands of devotees flocked to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar on August 9, 2025, to offer special prayers on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between siblings. The centuries-old temple, perched atop the Shankaracharya Hill overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake, resonated with devotional chants and hymns as pilgrims from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond gathered to mark the auspicious day.From early morning, long queues of men, women, and children carrying puja thalis (prayer plates) lined the steep pathway to the temple, patiently awaiting their turn to pay obeisance. The temple, believed to date back to the 9th century, saw an unprecedented footfall, with reports indicating around 73,000 devotees visiting on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, a record for the shrine.
Temple authorities made special arrangements to manage the massive influx of pilgrims, ensuring smooth access and safety. “We had a large turnout today, with devotees coming not just from Kashmir but from various parts of the country,” a temple official noted. The festival’s spiritual significance, combined with the temple’s serene ambiance and panoramic views of Srinagar, created a vibrant yet reverent atmosphere.For many, the visit was a blend of faith and familial bonds. “Raksha Bandhan is about love and protection, and offering prayers here adds deeper meaning,” said a devotee from Delhi, who traveled with family to celebrate the occasion. The temple, also known as Jyeshtaeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, remains a key spiritual and cultural landmark in Srinagar, drawing visitors for both its religious importance and scenic beauty.The surge in devotees reflects a renewed vibrancy in the region, with some attributing the increased footfall to improved accessibility and peace following the abrogation of Article 370, as noted in posts on X. The Shankaracharya Temple continues to stand as a symbol of devotion and unity, especially during festivals like Raksha Bandhan.
