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Jammu & Kashmir Hari Parbat
Hari Parbat is a well-known hill located in Srinagar. Located on the West of the Dal Lake and on the foothills of this hill, Hari Parbat Fort adds to the beauty of this hill and was established during the eighteenth century by Atta Mohammad Khan. Even today, the Archaeological department maintains this fort and issues the needed permission to individuals willing to visit the same.
History
According to legendary evidences, the Koh e Maran or Hari Parbat hill was formerly a huge lake owned by the demon Jalobhava. The residents invoked goddess Durga for help who disguised herself as a bird and dropped a stone on the demon's head. The stone grew larger and larger in size and finally crushed him. Koh e Maran is honored as that stone, and believed to have become the shelter point for all the gods and goddesses of the Hindu origin.
According to another myth, there were two demons, Mond and Tsand, who occupied this valley. While the former resided somewhere close to the present day Dal Gate the latter made the present location of Hari Parbat his shelter. It is believed that they terrorized the residents of the valley so much so that the gods invoked Durga to help them rescue from the terror. Goddess Durga disguised herself as a Haer, threw a pebble on Tsand’s head. The stone grew into the size of a mountain and crushed the demon’s head completely. Today, Durga is worshipped as Goddess Sharika in Shri Tsaka on the western slope of this mountain.
Places to See in Hari Parbat
Sharika Temple
Kashmiri Pandits consider the Hari Parbat to be a sacred destination chiefly because of the presence of the Sharika temple. Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, a form of goddess Durga is worshipped in this temple and is symbolized by a Mahamaha Shrichakra.
Makhdoom Sahib
One of sacred shrines in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, it is also known as the shrine of Mehboob-ul-Alam and Sultan-Ul-Arifeen and Sheikh Hamza Makhdum.
Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi
Noted as one of the significant Gurudwara in Kashmir, the Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi was formerly the shelter point of the sixth guru of Sikhism.
How to Reach
By Air
To reach Hari Parbat by air, you need to first arrive at the Srinagar domestic airport. The airport is well connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai. International tourists can avail connecting flights from Delhi International Airport.
By Rail
Located approximately 290 km from Srinagar, the nearest railway station from where you can reach Hari Parbat is the Jammu railway station. This railway station is well connected to all important cities in India. You can avail direct train services from Trivandrum, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Upon arrival, you may avail cab services from Jammu to Srinagar; however prefer bargaining well before hiring.
By Bus
There are various bus service providers that arrange for luxurious bus packages from different neighboring cities. The city is well connected to Delhi (876 km), Jammu (290 km), Chandigarh (630 km), Leh (434 km) and Phalgam (96 km) by road.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Srinagar enjoys freezing winters and pleasant summers. The summers are remarkable for visiting the beautiful gardens and lakes while the winters make a good choice for travelers interested in experiencing some heavy snowfall. The best time to plan a visit to Srinagar is between the months of April and October.
Where to Stay
The hotels located close to Hari Parbat are designed for travelers of all budgets. So, whether you are in search of budget hotel or a luxurious hotel, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from including City Forest Resort, Peacock Houseboats, Hotel City Plaza, and Privilege Houseboats.
Tips For Travelers
- While shopping, ask assistance from the hotel staff or a local friend (if any) as they’ll help you get items at reliable prices and you’ll not be cheated.
- While planning a travel to Srinagar, don’t forget to carry your jackets, woolen clothes, gloves, woolen gloves and scarves.
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