Zeashta Devi Shrine
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Jyeshteshvari Temple
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| image = File:Zeashta Devi Shrine.jpg
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| caption = Zeashta Devi Shrine
| map_type = India Jammu and Kashmir
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| map_caption = Location in Jammu and Kashmir
| coordinates = {{Coord|34|4|41.6388|N|74|52|21.5328|E|type:landmark_region:IN_scale:100|display=inline,title}}
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| location = Srinagar
| deity = Goddess Jyeshteshwari
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| tradition = Kashmiri Pandits
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| district = Srinagar
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| state = Jammu and Kashmir
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| country = India
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| website = {{URL|http://www.zeashtadevi.com}}
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| established = 1968 (Present structure)
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| inscriptions = Śāradā script
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| elevation_m = 1700
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Zeashta Devi Shrine or Zeathyar ({{langx|sa|ज्येष्ठेश्वरी}}) is a Hindu shrine located in Srinagar{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/kashmiri-pandits-throng-zeashta-devi-shrine/articleshow/58730339.cms |title=Kashmiri Pandits throng Zeashta Devi shrine - Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=2018-07-15}} in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.{{Cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/jammu-and-kashmir/hundreds-of-kashmiri-pandits-throng-mata-zeashta-devi-shrine-in-srinagar-for-annual-maha-yagya-2006079.html |title=Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits throng Mata Zeashta Devi shrine in Srinagar for annual 'maha yagya' |date=2017-05-17 |website=Zee News |language=en |access-date=2018-07-13}} Primarily dedicated to a form of Shakti, Jyeshta/Zeashta Devi (not to be confused with Jyeshta), this temple has been held in high reverence by Kashmiri Pandits since ancient times.
History
According to British archaeologist M.A. Stein, a shrine dedicated to Shiva was constructed on Gopadri hill by King Gopaditya, known as the Jyeshtarudra Temple. While referring to Kalhana's Rajatarangini and archaeological evidences, he explains that one mile from the east foot of the hill lay the related tirtha of Jyeshteshvara, which in Kashmiri is now known as Zeathyar. It was in this vicinity where King Jalauka might have founded the city of Srinagari, though there is no strong archaeological evidence to prove it. He further mentions, "This Tirtha which undoubtedly derives its name from Jyeṣṭeśvara, lies in a glen of the hill-side, a short distance from the east shore of the Gagri Bal portion of the Dal."{{Cite book|last=Stein|first=M.A.|chapter-url=https://ia600407.us.archive.org/23/items/MemoirOnMapsIllustratingAncientGeographyOfKashmir/Memoir%20on%20Maps%20Illustrating%20Ancient%20Geography%20of%20Kashmir.pdf|title=Memoir on Maps Illustrating the Ancient Geography of Kashmir|date=1899|publisher=Baptist Mission Press Calcutta|pages=159|language=en|section=5. THE ENVIRONS OF SRINAGARA}} Fragments of ancient Lingas in the vicinity of the shrine point towards the temple originally being a Shiva shrine, gradually transforming into a prime Shakti peeth.
Gallery
File:Mountains seen from Zaethyar.jpg
File:Shiv Lingam in Zaethyar.jpg
File:Forest seen from Zeashta Devi Shrine.jpg
File:Ganesha Idol in Zeashta Devi Shrine.jpg
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.zeashtadevi.com Official website of Zeashta Devi Shrine ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124222302/http://www.zeashtadevi.com/ |date=24 January 2019 }}
{{Kashmir Valley}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Hindu Temples in Jammu and Kashmir}}
Category:Buildings and structures in Srinagar
Category:Hindu temples in Jammu and Kashmir
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