Sharada Temple is an ancient shrine located in Shardi village,
Kupwara District. The temple is near the confluence of the Kishanganga and Madhumati rivers. Kashmir is also known as the Sharada Desh - Abode of Goddess Sharada. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Sharada. The deity is seen in her triple form - Sharada,
Saraswati and Vagdevi.
A flight of 63 imposing stone steps lead to this hillock temple. The construction work of this massive staircase that leads to the quadrangular court is impressive. The entrance gate is built with a double porch of Kashmiri design. To the center of the northern wall, there is a small recess which opens by a trefoil arched door towards the interior of the court. Two ancient lingas are installed here. There is a large slab measuring 6 by 7 ft and a thickness of 0.5 ft which is believed to cover a kunda, or spring, in which goddess Sharada appeared to the sage Shandilya.
From the hills one can have the charming view of the Nanga Parbat and K 2 Range that bows to the goddess from their towering heights. The view from the staircase to the outer temple is magnificent.
The temple is in Neelam Valley, a few kilometers from the line of control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and northwest of Bandipura. To reach the temple by road, one has to cross Kishanganga which is on the way to Muzzafarabad.
