The Shankaracharya Temple also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar, is located in Srinagar, Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the summit of the same name at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the plain, and is overlooking the city of Srinagar. The temple dates back to 200 BC, although the present structure probably dates back to the 9th century AD. The temple was visited by the Adishankaracharya and has ever since been associated with him. Furthermore, it is regarded as being sacred by Buddhists, who call the mandir "Pas-Pahar."The temple was originally built by Sandiman, who reigned in Kashmir from 2629 to 2564 BC. It was repaired by King Gopaditya (426 -- 365 BC) and by King Lalitaditya (697--734). Its roof was also repaired by Zain-ul-Abidin after an earthquake; later, its dome was repaired by Sheikh Ghulam Mohiuddin, a Sikh Governor (1841--1846). Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC, and has been known by different names. The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, named it Parvasenpur. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition.[citation needed] Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley. The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city. Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate, with a climate much cooler than what is found in much of the rest of India, due to its moderately high elevation and northerly position. The valley is surrounded by Himalayas on all sides. Winters are cool and temperature remains below freezing at night. Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in winters and the only road that connects Srinagar with the rest of India may get blocked a few days due to avalanche Srinagar is one of several places that have been called the "Venice of the East" or the "Kashmiri Venice". It is known for its lakes, which include Dal Lake -- noted for its houseboats -- and Nagin Lake. Srinagar has some Mughal gardens, f
