Nestled on the western shores of the enchanting Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, lies a cultural and historical gem – Hari Parbat.

This majestic hill, steeped in centuries of history, stands as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of dynasties, the convergence of diverse cultures, and the interplay of spirituality and military might.

The grandeur of Hari Parbat, or Koh-i-Maran, is not just in its breathtaking panoramic views but also in the layers of stories embedded within its walls, courtyards, and temples. Here is a complete guide on Hari Parbat Fort, a major tourist attraction in Srinagar.

Why Visit Hari Parbat Fort

Perched atop the hill, the Hari Parbat Fort stands as a testament to centuries of historical events, making it a compelling destination for those seeking to delve into the past.

As you ascend the slopes of Hari Parbat, the fort’s strategic location becomes apparent.

Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Srinagar, the experience is not just about exploring a historical monument but also about immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes that characterize the Kashmir Valley.

Beyond the fort, the hill is home to sites sacred to Hindu and Sikh religions. Devotees and curious travelers alike visit Hari Parbat to experience the spiritual ambiance and witness the coexistence of religious and military structures on the same hill.

When I visited Hari Parbat, I was most enamored by the thought of how such an enormous structure was built so long ago in history atop this hilly terrain. The view of Srinagar from up is simply divine! You can also get a view of Badamwari Garden from Hari Parbat.

I found the history, legends, and the story of how a temple, gurdwara, and mosques came to be built on Hari Parbat are so fascinating. Let me take you through some interesting information I gathered about the place.

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History of Hari Parbat Fort

The first fortification of Hari Parbat was started by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1590. He built an outer wall for the fort and a grand gate, called Kathi Darwaza. However, he could never complete the construction of a fort on Hari Parbat.

The construction of the Hari Parbat Fort, also known as Durrani Fort, took place in the 18th century under the rule of Atta Mohammad Khan, an Afghan governor. The fort is a testament to the historical military architecture of the time and has played a role in various periods of conflict and political changes in the region.

The fortification features thick stone walls, sturdy bastions, and watchtowers strategically positioned to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Srinagar and the Dal Lake.

These architectural elements served both defensive and surveillance purposes, reflecting the turbulent historical context in which the fort was built.

The layout of Hari Parbat Fort is designed to withstand external threats, with well-planned ramparts and structures that define its formidable silhouette.

The careful construction of the fort took into consideration the natural topography of the hill, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The integration of military architecture with the hill’s natural features demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both strategic and environmental considerations.

In early 1800s, the Sikh empire took over the fort and later in 1846, the British claimed the fort from the Sikhs.

After the Indian independence, the fort came under the governance of India. The Archaeological Survey of India took over the maintenance of the fort and opened it to public in 2007.

In 2021, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) occupied the fort and hoisted the Indian Flag on a 100 feet tall mast to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Indian independence.

Religious Sites on Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat is a unique spot in India, where religious sites from three different religion coexists side by side. When visiting the hill, make sure you explore Sharika Devi Temple, Gurwara Chatti Patshahi, and Makhdoom Sahib Shrine.

Sharika Devi Temple

Situated at the summit of Hari Parbat, the Sharika Devi Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Sharika. Sharika Devi is considered a form of Goddess Parvati, and the temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and perform rituals.

The location of the temple on the same hill as the Hari Parbat Fort adds a unique dimension to the site, symbolizing the coexistence of military and religious structures.

Legend has it that the temple is a sacred site where the goddess manifested herself for the protection and well-being of the people.

The name “Sharika” itself is derived from the Sanskrit words “Shari” and “Ka,” signifying the embodiment of ultimate energy. Devotees from far and wide make pilgrimages to this holy abode, seeking the blessings of Sharika Devi for prosperity, protection, and spiritual fulfillment.

Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi

Located on the southern side of Hari Parbat, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi is a Sikh shrine associated with Jagat Tarak Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the sixth Patshah.

It is believed that Satguru Patshah visited the Kashmiri Pandits and participated in a feast with Emperor Jahangir in 1616 and then built this Gurudwara atop Hari Parbat. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship for the Sikh community and is an important historical and religious site.

During the Dogra Raj of Kashmir in early 1900s, the Gurdwara was demolished. The Gurdwara as we see it today was renovated by the joint efforts of Gursikh youth of Kashmir and the CRPF.

Makhdoom Sahib Shrine

The Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is a revered religious site located on the southern side of the Hari Parbat.

The shrine is dedicated to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, also known as Makhdoom Sahib or Hazrat Sultan, who was a revered Sufi saint. His teachings and contributions to Sufism have left a lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

Makhdoom Sahib belonged to the Sufi tradition, which emphasizes the inward search for God and spiritual closeness through practices such as meditation, prayer, and the teachings of Sufi masters. The shrine attracts Sufi devotees and followers who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual guidance.

How Hari Parbat Got its Name

The name Hari Parbat is derived from a legend in Nilmata Purana. According to the Purana, a demon called Jhalodabhava (water demon) was harassing the local population of Kashmir. This angers Goddess Sati who takes the form of a myna bird and drops a pebble on Jhalodabhava.

This pebble grows in size, crushes the demon and kills it. The pebble continues to grow and becomes a hill. The hill takes the Kashmiri word for myna bird “Haeri” to be its name and becomes “Haeri Parbat,” which eventually evolved into “Hari Parbat.” This is the fascinating story of how Hari Parbat got its name from the Hindu mythology.

Visiting Time and Entry Fee

Hari Parbat is open to tourists from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week, except Sundays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for Indian adults and Rs. 100 for foreign tourists. You can expect to spend around two hours here.

Tips for Visiting Hari Parbat

Here are some tips for exploring Hari Parbat in Srinagar.

• Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs.
• You can carry water, but food is not allowed.
• If it is sunny, wear sunscreen, a hat or carry umbrella, and wear sunglasses. There will be a lot of sun exposure as there are no trees acting as shade while you are climbing up the stairs.
• Don’t expect a proper toilet on Hari Parbat. All you have is a shack with a tarpaulin sheet as the “door” and some water in a container.

Conclusion

Hari Parbat, with its historic fortifications, religious shrines, and cultural significance, stands as a symbol of resilience, diversity, and the enduring spirit of the people of Kashmir.

As we step back from this virtual odyssey, let the essence of Hari Parbat linger—a harmonious blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, encapsulated in the heart of Srinagar.

Whether you are drawn to its military architecture, the serenity of the Sharika Devi Temple, or the panoramic views of the valley, Hari Parbat beckons, inviting all to delve into its timeless allure and cherish the cultural tapestry it weaves in the soul of Kashmir.