Hari Parbat is located along the outskirts of the city of Srinagar. It is one of oldest and holiest attractions of Kashmir. It is known as the house of Maha Shakti, the holy mother of Shri Amaba Sharika. The 18-armed goddess Sharika is considered to be the controlling divinity of Srinagar. The Goddess Sharika is symbolized by the “Sri Chakra”, also well known as “MAHA SRI-YANTRA”. It comprises of round mystical impressions and a triangular pattern with the fort at its center. The religious 'shri-chakar', self-engraved on a vertical divine rock, is situated at the heart of the western face of Hari Parbat. It is now safeguarded by the archaeological department. The fort is now an elegant historical monument of Srinagar. The Mughal emperor's castle crowns the peak of Hari Parbat. Though slightly shy of its former magnificence, the parapets are still astonishing and the old apartments within the castle, even though in ruins, convey a tranquil sight of the magnificence of the grand Mughal summer vacations in ‘Paradise’. An Afghan governor named Ata Mohammad Khan later developed the fort in the 18th century. The hill is considered as sacred to the Hindus due to the presence of the shrine of Sharika, who is supposed to be the goddess Durga.

History of Hari Parbat

The infamous Mughal fort was constructed during the well-known reign of Akbar but it achieved its current form only in the 18th century. This fortress looks like a bride under the illumination of the fort. The perfect view of this fort can be best observed from the Dal Lake. This fort seems like the perfect bride with the reflecting light from the calm lights of the fortress.

At Hari Parbat in Srinagar, one will find a Parvati temple located on the western side and the holy shrines of Akund Mullah and Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib on the southern side. There is also a Gurudwara, in reminiscence of Guru Hargobind Singh, placed at the southern side of the external wall of Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar. A considerably small Hanuman temple seen at the right surface of the hill is the initiating point of the Parikrama route. The entire circulation of Hari Parbat split ultimately ends at the Kathi Darwaza.

Hari Parbat is given the honor of being the small rock that turned out to be the house for all the 33 crores Hindu gods. Hari Parbat Hill emerges more or less in a central position in the valley, precisely the way the Mandalay Hills emerge in the Irrawaddy Valley. It mainly consists of a kind of basaltic rock that's considered to be beneficial to the growth of almond foliage. The entire hill is made of stone and every single speck of dust is believed to be revered by the Hindus. On the southern side of the hills lies the monastery of Akund Mullah Shah, the mentor of Dara Shikoh along with the shrine of Maqdom Sahib and the mosque. The age-old myth connected to this hill states that two demons, better known as Tsand and Mond once lived in the flaxen valley.

Hari Parbat is a 5,606 ft / 1,709metres tall mountain peak in Srinagar. Based on the analyzed data, it is considered to be the 212th tallest mountain in India. The adjoining peaks are Alastiung, Karala Sangari, Ahadeo, Zhakhran, Tilwankain, and Khachi Handar. The Mountain is at a height and lies above a contiguous area that's surrounded by a small summit area, precipitous slopes and a closed relief of approximately 300m or more.

Tourist Attraction Points

The State Archaeological Department provides the necessary consent required to visit the fort. Other main tourist attractions points near the Prabhat Hills are the Almandine Square and the Sharika Devi Temple. The imposing Hari Parbat Fort, now occupied by the Indian Army, graces the hill. Around the base of the hill are the remains of the old city walls built by Akbar in the 1590s.

How to Reach

Tourists have to request special permission from the army department in order to gain access to this prehistoric fort. Various Flights are operated by airline providers such as Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Go Air, Jet Lite, Air Deccan and Indian Airlines from Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh to Srinagar. The frequency is generally once or two times a day which is standard amongst all the airlines. It is still too well guarded and one can expect to see numerous soldiers with guns. It is also accessible by road or by trek from Dal Lake.

Best Time to Visit

This hill is surrounded by several almond orchards that creates an attractive sight during April when the foliage blossoms. This symbolizes the arrival of spring in Kashmir.