The shrine has a long history. It started as a temple dedicated to Shiva, but later it became known as a Shakti Peetha, a powerful place for the Goddess Shakti. This shows how the spiritual beliefs in Kashmir have changed over time.
Zeashta Devi Shrine is more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. Visiting the shrine is like stepping back in time and experiencing the beauty and spirituality of this amazing region.
I still remember when as a child I went to Zeathyar, there was a garden on the left and then a steep mountain was there to reach the destination. In winter, this place just looks awesome, and the snow all around makes it look really beautiful.
The Zeashta Devi Shrine has a long and interesting history. It started as a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, named the Jyeshtrarudra Temple. As time went by, influenced by the local people's beliefs and stories, it became a special place for worshipping Shakti, especially Jyeshta or Zeashta Devi.
Historical records and discoveries show that people have been visiting this shrine for a very long time. This tells us a lot about the rich culture and religious traditions of the region.
The legend of Zeashta Devi Shrine is connected to a famous Hindu story called the "Churning of the Ocean". In this story, the Gods and Demons fight to get the "Amrit", the drink of immortality, from the ocean of milk. During the fight, a deadly poison called "Halahal" comes out. Lord Shiva drinks the poison to save the world, earning the name "Nilkanth", which means "blue-throated".
The story continues with the creation of Zeashta Devi and Vira Vaitala to fight the demons and save Goddess Lakshmi. This shows how the shrine is a sacred place where Gods have helped people and given them spiritual freedom.
The Zeashta Devi Shrine is located in the beautiful city of Srinagar, known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is close to "Gupkar", a place with a special meaning in Hindu mythology. This makes the shrine even more attractive for people seeking spiritual peace.
The shrine offers different types of accommodation for people who come to visit. These include;
These facilities provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey.
The Zeashta Devi Shrine offers many different facilities to meet the needs of pilgrims throughout the year. These include:
A Calendar of Events
The shrine also hosts many religious and cultural events throughout the year. These include:
Helping the Community
The shrine also helps the community by providing financial aid to people in need and publishing a magazine called "ZEASHTA SANDESH."
When to Go:
The best time to visit Zeashta Devi Shrine is between April and June. The weather is pleasant during these spring and summer months, making it easier to explore the shrine and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. If you're interested in experiencing festivals and special occasions, Navratri is a great time to visit.
But for me, winters seem just perfect for enjoying the snow all around the temple area. But I think they only take reservations from March onwards till December.
How to Get There:
You can fly to Srinagar International Airport, which is about 9 kilometers from the shrine. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the shrine. If you're coming by train, you can get off at Srinagar Railway Station or Jammu Tawi Railway Station and then take a road trip to Srinagar.
A Spiritual Journey
Zeashta Devi Shrine is a special place that reflects the rich culture and spiritual traditions of Kashmir. Whether you're looking for peace or enlightenment, or simply want to admire its beauty, visiting this shrine is a truly unforgettable experience.
Have you ever been to Zeathyar? If yes, please share your experiences in the comments section below. Thanks!