Shiva Temple / Maharani Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1 km from Gulmarg Bus Station, Shiva Temple is an ancient religious shrine located in Gulmarg. Situated on a small hillock in the center of Gulmarg, it is one of the popular and must-visit shrines in Gulmarg.

Also known as Maharani Temple, the Shiva Temple was constructed in 1915 by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of the erstwhile Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir Hari Singh. It was also the Royal temple of the Dogra kings of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also known as the Mohineshwar Shivalaya and is dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva, and his consort Goddess Parvati. The temple became famous when the Bollywood number 'Jai Jai Shiva Shankar' was shot here in the early 1970s featuring Rajesh Khanna - Mumtaz.

The temple was built in the true Hindu style of architecture and can be viewed from any corner of Gulmarg. Another interesting thing about the temple is that the priestly duties have been performed by a Muslim priest - Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh for the last 17 years. The local and visiting communities have gracefully accepted a Muslim performing Hindu Temple rituals like puja, aarti, and distributing Prasad among the devotees.

The temple is located on a small hillock amid peaceful surroundings and verdant meadows that make it an ideal place for meditation. There are many public and private vehicles available to reach Rani Temple (Shiv Temple) in Gulmarg.

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Entry: Free