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Located on
the west bank of Dal Lake is Hazratbal, the Place of Majesty. The most scared of shrines
in the Kashmir Valley for here is housed, and venerated, a single hair (Moi-E-Muqqadas)
of the Prophet Muhammad brought (Peace be upon him) which was brought all the
way from distant Medina.when Moi-E- Muqqadas arrived in Kashmir in 1699, it was first kept
in the Shrine of Naqashband Sahib in the heart of the city and later shifted to Hazratbal.
Made of white marble and screened with intricate filigree work, the shrine has a single
dome with an accompanying minaret.
The ground around the shrine is
paved with stones and several chinar trees growing within its premises enhance its
aesthetic appeal. On important religious occasions of the Urs celebrations, and at other
times of year, the landscaped gardens around Hazratbal host a fair where by the gally
decorated waterfront, cottage industry craft, the produce of orchids and livestock's is
traded.

The ziarat of Sheik
Nur-Ud-Din Rishi also known as Almadar-e-Kashmir (the flag bearer of Kashmir), has a
following from people of all faiths. The seer had formed a Muslim sect to comprise
of 'saints' for the propagation of peace and serve mankind. Located 28 km from Srinagar,
Charari Sharief honors his wisdom.
The Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din was born in a village of
Kaimoh (Kulgam) in the 14th century AD. Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din was pious Muslim,
who traveled throughout valley to spread the Islam. He meditated for twelve years in a
cave. During his lifetime he became a legend and a popular religious figure.
The Shrine was gutted in a devastating fire in 1995
after that new Shrine was constructed, as old Shrine was beyond
repairs.

Jami
Masjid largest of Kashmir's mosque. It is said that Sikander But-Shikoh laid the
foundation of the Jami Masjid in 13989 AD and completed it in 1402. He ruled from 1390 to
1414 AD while his son, Zain-ul-Abidin, Improved it aesthetically. It was re-built after a
fire ravaged it in 1479 AD. in 1620, during Emperor Jehangir's reign, yet another fire
destroyed it. In 1674, a third conflagration razed it down and it was left to Emperor
Aurangzeb to rebuilt it. Its principal feature are the four minars and eight wooden
columns as support

Makhdoom Sahib or
hazrat Sultan as he often called. This shrine on the southern side of Hari Parbat,
is visited not only by Muslim but by people of all faiths.

Standing close
to the Hamadan is Pather Masjid that was once as a state granary. It is said that
the mosque was never consecrated as its builder, Empress Nur Jehan, apparently hurt the
sentiments of the religious leaders of the time.

The Shah Hamadan Mosque, which stands on the right bank, is one of the
finest specimens of Muhammandan buildings in Kashmir. Shah Hamadan's complete name
was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. His surname, it is said, was derived from the city of Hamadan
in Persia. Legend has it that a Hindu 'fakir' Sheikh Baba Wali converted to Islam
following a wager with Hamadan, a descendent of 14th Century complex is the tomb of
Shah Hamadan. The chief aesthetic feature of the Khonoah are its beautifully carved
eaves and hanging bells, It is entirely built of wood, the walls of wooden slabs being
laid like bricks. There is some pretty carving in the windows. The lofty roof is
surmounted by a characteristic open spire with gilded ball. The interiors are richly
carved and painted, and chandeliers give it air of opulence.

The Amarnath yatra is generally undertaken in the July-August and
thousand of devotes take part in this obeisance at the cave where an ice-lingam, that of
Shiva, waxes and wanes with the moon. Located 141 km from Srinagar, of which 45 km from
Pahalgam has to be tracked, Amarnath is believed to be among the holiest of Hindu shrines.

The most secred place for Hindus in Kashmir is the spring of Kheer
Bhavani, Situated at Tullamulla in the Srinagar district. Kheer Bhavani, the milk goddess,
is that the Hindus must abstain from meat on the days when they visit her, and offer
sugar, milk, rice and flowers. An annual festival is held here on Jestha ashtami
(may-June) when Hindus visit the place in large numbers to offer prayers and seek the
blessings of the deity.
A beautiful spring of clear water
overshaded by splendid shady trees and often teeming with sacred fish, a bold scarp of
rock, a magnificient mountains torret, or sequestered glade are the accompaniments of the
holy places where the Hindu bathes and offers his gift of flowers and rice.

The scared temple of Shankaracharya is situated to the south east of
Srinagar on the Takht-i-Suleimam Hill. This hill rises to the height of 1,000 feet above
the plain, and over looks the town of srinagar, which spreads away to the foot of the
opposite but somewhat lower eminence called the Hari Parbat.
The antiquity of Shankaracharya, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, dates back 200 BC. The temple's facade is single. A modern ceiling covering
the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of
Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome-shaped and the brick roof, it appears,
is not more than a century old.

Chatti Padshahi, one of the most
important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir.The sixth guru of Sikhism traveled through Kashmir,
stopping to preach occasionally. It is situated just outside the southern gate of
Hari Parbat fort.
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