Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for elections on 90 assembly seats this year, a political controversy has erupted over the naming of Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar. The dispute erupted after National Conference (NC) and Congress announced their alliance ahead of the elections.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani accused Congress of planning to rename Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-e-Suleman, raising questions about Congress’s stance on the issue. “Does the Congress want the Shankaracharya Hill to be known as Takht-e-Suleman and Hari Parvat as Koh-i-Maran,” said Irani.
How old is Shankaracharya Hill?
Shankaracharya Hill, which is located in the Srinagar district, is home to the historic Shankaracharya Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, considered the oldest in the Kashmir valley, is significant to Hindu devotees.
The hill, however, has had several names over the centuries. According to historian Kalhan’s ancient Sanskrit text “Rajtarangini,” the hill was originally called Jeetlark or Jetha Lark.
Later, it was known as Gopadari Hill after King Gopaditya, who ruled around 371 BC. King Gopaditya constructed a temple on the hill and gifted the surrounding land to Brahmins from Aryadesh (Arya Bhoomi).
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) reported that the temple was built by Emperor Ashoka’s son from the Maurya dynasty, though Kalhan’s writings suggest it was constructed by Jaloka, son of King Ashoka of the Gonandiya dynasty. This hill has historical importance to Buddhists as well, who call it Pas-Pahad. Both Ashokas were followers of Buddhism, adding to the temple’s significance.
The hill’s association with Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian Vedic scholar and preacher, further solidified its name. Shankaracharya is believed to have stayed at the temple during his visit to Kashmir, where he worked to revive Sanatan Dharma.
It is reportedly said that he attained enlightenment on this very hill, which rises 1,100 feet above Srinagar and can be reached by climbing 240 stairs.
Where did the name Takht-e-Sulaiman come from?
According to TV9 Bharatvarsh reports, some accounts attribute the name Takht-e-Suleman to a man named Suleiman (also referred to as Solomon or Sandyman), who is said to have conquered the hill long before the advent of Islam. It is believed that after his conquest, the hill became known as Takht-e-Suleman, while the surrounding area became known as Koh-e-Suleman, and Kashmir itself as Bagh-e-Suleman.
Shankaracharya Hill remains a nationally protected monument under the Archaeological Monuments, Sites and Remains Act of 1958, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In 2013, tensions rose in Srinagar when there were allegations that the ASI had renamed the hill as Takht-e-Suleman, igniting protests.
According to reports, a plaque at the temple claimed that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had constructed the temple’s roof in 1644 AD. The temple has been renovated several times over the centuries, first under the reign of Lalitaditya, and later by Zain-ul-Abidin after an earthquake damaged it. Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh is credited with building the stone steps leading to the temple.