Harischandir Temple is an ancient shrine of Shiva Vijayeshvara, situated at Bijbehara, about 4 km from
Anantnag, in
Jammu and Kashmir. The main deity worshipped here is having 11 lingas called Ekadash Rudr. An idol of
Lord Ganesh, 2 ft height, is also worshipped. There is a sculpture of
Nandi in the temple compound besides many fragmented sculptures of ancient date. A peculiar stone called Kah-Kah pal is of great curiosity to both pilgrims and tourists.
The temple was built during the period of King Ashoka. It was burnt down during the reign of King Ananta and later restored by Raja Kalasha. The temple has three golden Kalashas and a pointed spire surmounts the temple.
The present temple was built of the stone materials of the ancient temple. The shrine was renovated by Ranbir Singh in 1859 and named as Harischandir temple. The stylized ancient architecture of Kashmir with a curvilinear roof makes the temple more attractive.
Harischandir Temple is on the pilgrim route to Martand and Amarnath, about 45 km from Srinagar.
