Kashmiri Tea Culture: Kahwa, Noon Chai and the Samovar
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Kashmir has been called the land of saints, or Pir Vaer. For centuries, Sufi mystics, Hindu sages and Buddhist scholars lived and taught in the valley, and their shrines, temples and gurudwaras still shape its landscape and daily life. Many are places of extraordinary beauty, with carved wooden architecture, hilltop views and peaceful courtyards. Visiting them respectfully is one of the most rewarding ways to understand Kashmir.
This guide introduces the valley’s major sacred places, explains the Sufi tradition known as Rishi Sufism, covers festivals at shrines, and offers etiquette and planning tips for visitors of all backgrounds.
Rishi Sufism: Kashmir’s spiritual heritage
Islam spread in Kashmir largely through Sufi saints from the fourteenth century onwards. A distinctive local tradition, the Rishi order, was founded by Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, known as Nund Rishi, who lived in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. He was deeply influenced by Lal Ded (Lalleshwari), a Shaivite mystic poet. The Rishis emphasised simplicity, vegetarianism, compassion and harmony with nature, and they are revered by Kashmiris across faiths. This shared reverence for saints is a key part of Kashmiriyat, the valley’s culture of coexistence.
Major Sufi shrines
Hazratbal Shrine, Srinagar
A gleaming white marble mosque with a single dome on the northern shore of Dal Lake. It houses a relic believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad, displayed on special occasions. Friday prayers and festival days draw large crowds; at other times, the lakeside setting is serene.
Khanqah-e-Moula, Srinagar
One of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir, on the banks of the Jhelum, dedicated to Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the Persian Sufi credited with spreading Islam and many crafts in the valley. Its wooden architecture, pagoda-like roof and richly painted papier-mâché interior are spectacular.
Dastgeer Sahib, Khanyar
A shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Abdul Qadir Jilani, beloved by Srinagar’s residents. It was damaged by fire in 2012 and has been rebuilt with traditional craftsmanship.
Makhdoom Sahib, Hari Parbat
The shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, a sixteenth-century saint, on the slopes of Hari Parbat. Steps lead up through the old city to a beautiful complex with views over Srinagar.
Naqshband Sahib, Srinagar
A seventeenth-century shrine in the old city, notable for its fine woodwork and khatamband ceilings.
Charar-e-Sharif, Budgam
The shrine of Nund Rishi, the patron saint of Kashmir, about 30 kilometres from Srinagar on the way to Yusmarg. Revered by people of all faiths, it was rebuilt after a fire in the 1990s.
Aishmuqam, Anantnag
A hilltop shrine of Zain-ud-Din Wali, a disciple of Nund Rishi, on the road between Anantnag and Pahalgam, with views over the Lidder valley.
Baba Reshi, near Gulmarg
The shrine of Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi, a Rishi saint, set among forests below Gulmarg. Easily visited on the way to or from Gulmarg.
Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
Not a shrine but Srinagar’s grand congregational mosque, built in the fourteenth century and rebuilt several times. Its vast courtyard surrounded by hundreds of deodar pillars is unforgettable.
Hindu temples
Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
An ancient stone Shiva temple on a hilltop above Dal Lake, traditionally associated with the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The views over the city are breathtaking.
Kheer Bhawani, Tulmulla
A temple dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi, built in a spring-fed pool whose water is said to change colour. It is central to the faith of Kashmiri Pandits, and its annual mela on Jyeshtha Ashtami (usually late May or June) draws large numbers of devotees.
Sharika Devi, Hari Parbat
A temple to the goddess Sharika on the slopes of Hari Parbat, revered as the presiding deity of Srinagar.
Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag
The impressive ruins of an eighth-century temple to the sun god, built by King Lalitaditya. A protected monument rather than an active temple.
Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam
A small ancient stone Shiva temple beside a spring.
Amarnath cave
The ice lingam in the Amarnath cave, high in the mountains above Pahalgam and Sonamarg, is the destination of the annual Amarnath Yatra in July and August. Pilgrims must register in advance.
Sikh heritage
Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi on Hari Parbat commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru. Kashmir has a long-established Sikh community, and the gurudwara welcomes visitors.
Buddhist heritage
Kashmir was once an important centre of Buddhist learning. Remains can be seen at Harwan near Srinagar and Parihaspora near Pattan, where excavated stupas and monasteries recall this chapter of the valley’s history.
Festivals at shrines
- Urs: the death anniversary of a saint, celebrated at his shrine with prayers, Sufi music, night-long gatherings and fairs.
- Eid: large congregations at Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid.
- Relic displays at Hazratbal: on certain religious occasions.
- Kheer Bhawani Mela: on Jyeshtha Ashtami at Tulmulla.
Dates follow religious calendars and change each year; ask locally.
Etiquette for visitors
- Dress modestly: long sleeves and trousers or long skirts. Women should cover their heads at mosques and shrines; men may also be asked to.
- Remove shoes before entering and leave them where indicated.
- Follow access rules: some shrines have areas reserved for men or women, and non-Muslims may be asked not to enter certain inner spaces. Respect the caretakers’ guidance.
- Visit outside prayer times, especially Friday midday prayers.
- Photography: ask before taking photos, and never photograph people praying.
- Be quiet and respectful; these are active places of worship.
- Donations: small offerings are welcome but never required.
- Security: at some temples and shrines, phones, bags and leather items may need to be deposited.
A heritage day in Srinagar
- Morning: Hazratbal Shrine and Naseem Bagh.
- Late morning: Hari Parbat: Makhdoom Sahib, Sharika Devi and Chatti Patshahi.
- Lunch: traditional Kashmiri meal in the old city.
- Afternoon: Jamia Masjid, Naqshband Sahib, Khanqah-e-Moula and Pathar Masjid.
- Evening: Shankaracharya Temple for sunset views.
Our Kashmir Sufi & Heritage Trail and Sacred Kashmir Shrines Tour include these places with knowledgeable local guides.
Architecture of Kashmir’s shrines
Kashmir’s sacred buildings are some of the most distinctive in South Asia. Many early mosques and shrines were built almost entirely of wood, especially deodar (cedar), using techniques suited to a cold, earthquake-prone valley. Look out for:
- Tiered pyramidal roofs topped with a spire, as at Khanqah-e-Moula, echoing older Kashmiri temple forms.
- Log-and-brick walls (taq construction) that flex during earthquakes.
- Khatamband ceilings: geometric patterns made from small wooden pieces fitted together without nails.
- Papier-mâché interiors: walls and ceilings painted with floral designs in rich colours.
- Pinjrakari lattice screens: intricate wooden window grilles.
Older Hindu temples like Martand and Avantipora, by contrast, are built of massive grey limestone blocks, with fluted columns and trefoil arches that show influences from Gandhara and beyond.
Lal Ded and Nund Rishi: two voices of Kashmir
To understand Kashmir’s spiritual heritage, it helps to know two fourteenth-century figures. Lal Ded (Lalleshwari) was a Shaivite mystic who left home to wander and teach, expressing her experiences in short, powerful verses called vakhs. Nund Rishi (Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani), who was deeply influenced by her, founded the Rishi order of Sufism, preaching simplicity, compassion and respect for all living things. Their verses are still quoted by Kashmiris of all faiths, and both are seen as symbols of the valley’s shared culture.
Planning your visits
- Time of day: mornings are calm and best for photography outside; avoid Friday midday prayers at mosques and shrines.
- Clothing: carry a scarf and wear easy-to-remove shoes.
- Guide: a local guide explains history and customs and helps you understand which areas are open to visitors.
- Combining sites: Hari Parbat’s shrine, temple and gurudwara can be seen in one morning; the old-city shrines in an afternoon.
- Festival days: Urs and religious festivals are colourful but very crowded; plan accordingly.
A two-day sacred heritage itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar’s old city and lakeside
- Morning: Hazratbal Shrine on Dal Lake, then a walk through Naseem Bagh’s chinar grove.
- Late morning: Hari Parbat: Makhdoom Sahib shrine, Sharika Devi temple and Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi.
- Lunch: a traditional meal in the old city.
- Afternoon: Jamia Masjid, Naqshband Sahib, Khanqah-e-Moula and Pathar Masjid along the Jhelum.
- Evening: sunset from Shankaracharya Temple.
Day 2: Beyond Srinagar
- Morning: Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla.
- Midday: return via Ganderbal and visit the Mughal Gardens.
- Alternative: head south to Martand Sun Temple and Aishmuqam on the way to Pahalgam, or west to Charar-e-Sharif on the way to Yusmarg.
Our Sacred Kashmir Shrines Tour and Kashmir Sufi & Heritage Trail follow similar routes with local guides.
Shrines and craft
Kashmir’s shrines are also showcases of its crafts. At Khanqah-e-Moula, look closely at the painted papier-mâché panels and carved wooden pillars. At Naqshband Sahib, admire the khatamband ceilings. Many shrines have chandeliers, carpets and screens made by local artisans. A heritage walk that combines shrine visits with craft workshops, where you can see papier-mâché painting or wood carving in progress, gives a deeper understanding of how faith and craft are woven together in Kashmiri life.
A note on sensitivity
Kashmir’s sacred places carry deep meaning for the people who worship there, and some are linked to painful chapters of the valley’s recent history. Approach every visit with respect and quiet curiosity. Listen more than you speak, follow the guidance of caretakers, and avoid political discussions at religious sites. You’ll find that people are often eager to share the stories and significance of their shrines and temples when asked kindly.
Photography guidelines at sacred places
- Always look for signs about photography and follow them.
- Ask a caretaker before photographing inside.
- Never photograph people while they pray.
- Avoid flash inside shrines.
- Exterior architecture and courtyards are usually fine to photograph respectfully.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims visit Sufi shrines in Kashmir?
Yes, most shrines welcome respectful visitors of all faiths, though some inner areas may be restricted.
What should women wear when visiting shrines?
Loose, modest clothing covering arms and legs, and a scarf to cover the head.
When is the Kheer Bhawani mela?
On Jyeshtha Ashtami, usually in late May or June.
Is photography allowed?
Often outside, sometimes inside with permission. Always ask and never photograph worshippers.
Can I visit Kheer Bhawani outside the mela?
Yes. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year and is peaceful outside festival days.
Are there entry fees at shrines?
Most shrines and temples have no entry fee. Protected monuments like Martand may have a small fee.
Is Martand an active temple?
It is a protected archaeological monument. Visitors come to see the ancient ruins.
Explore Kashmir’s sacred heritage with us
We can arrange guided heritage walks and shrine visits with local guides who explain the history and customs, as part of any Kashmir package or on our Sufi & Heritage Trail.