Srinagar Old Town : A Walk Through

Today was a Diwali day well spent as early in the morning I decided to walk my home town especially the area called "Downtown" where all the troubles usually are.

Hopped onto an auto and went straight to the beautiful wooden Dargah called the Khanqah e Moula. Located in Zainakadal it's a Mosque and Shrine of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. Built in 1395 AD its one of the oldest Mosques in the Valley. The pic below features this Mosque with the Hari Parbat Fort in the back ground.

After that I walked across the Bohrikadal Bridge and visited the Pathar Masjid in Nowhatta. It's a Mughal Era stone Mosque opposite the Khanqah on the opposite back of the Jehlum. It was built around the 1620's.

Then I walked to the Budshah Tomb in Zainakadal. This is the final resting place of the mother of Sultan Zain ul Abidin a renowned Sultan of Kashmir. This was built in 1430.

The Tomb of Sultan Zainul Abidin's Mother

Then I again hopped into an auto and went to pay my obeisance at the Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara. The Gurudwara is associated with the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. It is situated just outside the main gate of the Hari Parbat Fort, the Kathi Darwaza. Was offered Tea and had a cup. Someone invited me to the Langar but I had to move on.

The Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara during a Snowfall

Walked into the Kathi Darwaza there on and went to Badamwari on my way to the Sharika Devi Temple, which unfortunately was locked. The Temple is dedicated to Shakti who is worshipped as Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati or simply Sharika Devi. She is considered the presiding Diety (isht Devi) of Srinagar.

And again took an auto to round off the tour with a visit to the Holiest Mosque and Shrine in Kashmir, the Hazratbal Dargah. The Mosque houses a holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The Shrine was built around the 1630's. The best part is the Pigeons who fly around there're. A beautiful place nonetheless.

So that's how Diwali day of an atheist was spent. Visiting Holy Places and requesting all Gods to let peace and harmony prevail.

Happy Diwali Everyone.

Pic from today. Taken from Zainakadal Bridge, showing the Khanqah with the green conical Roof and the Hari Parbat in the back ground.