Zeashta Devi Shrine, Hindu shrine in Zaethyar, Srinagar, India
The Zeashta Devi Shrine is a Hindu temple on Gopadri Hill in Srinagar, situated near the eastern shore of Dal Lake. The complex consists of several structures spread across the hillside, including an open courtyard.
The original Jyeshtarudra Temple was built by King Gopaditya in the 6th century and later renovated by King Lalitaditya in the 8th century. Over time, the site shifted from a Shiva-centred place of worship into a major Shakti peeth.
The shrine grounds become a gathering point during the Jyesht Ashtami festival in May or June, when Kashmiri Pandits come together to perform the maha yagya ceremony. It is one of the few places where this community keeps its old rituals alive on Kashmiri soil.
The shrine is open during the day and is most easily reached by car or autorickshaw from central Srinagar. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons.
Archaeological digs near the hill have uncovered ancient Lingas, suggesting the site was considered sacred well before the first temple was built. This finding has helped researchers trace how worship at the site gradually shifted from Shiva to a goddess over many centuries.
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