The Monuments of Jammu and Kashmir represents a glorious, unique and historical tradition of the rulers of that province. The people of this state share a great historical heritage with each other due to the presence of different religion and culture. There are well known Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu shrines, monuments and pilgrimage centres.
Some of the wonderful monuments of the region are:
Jami Masjid: Jami Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir situated in Srinagar. It was constructed by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 and was destroyed thrice by fire. This Indo-Islamic architecture was rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap Singh in the later period. Its 370 wooden pillars, four minars and eight wooden columns are the major attractions among the tourists throughout the world. With its sheer colossal beauty Jami Masjid stand as one of the prized monuments of Jammu and Kashmir.
Hazratbal Mosque: Hazratbal Mosque is a white marble edifice situated on the western shores of Dal Lake. It is the only mosque in Srinagar that has a domed roof instead of pagoda like roofs.
Khanqah of Shah Hamadan: Khanqah of Shah Hamadan is the first mosque constructed in Srinagar in 1395. Shah Hamadan was a Persian, came to Kashmir to spread the Islam religion in the 13th century. It is a wooden structure, wonderfully crafted and painted with hanging bells.
Shankaracharya Temple: Shankaracharya temple is situated on the top of the hills in Srinagar and is one of the important monuments of Jammu and Kashmir. It is constructed on an octagonal plinth with flights of steps. Its shrine consists of a circular cell of a modern ceiling of Shah Jahan era.
Hari Parbat Fort and Temple of Shakira Devi: Hari Parbat Fort was constructed in the 18th century by Atta Muhammad Khan in the valley. This fort has two gorgeous gates named as Kathi Darwaza and Sangin Darwaza in which the former gate is considered as the main entrance. The architecture of this fort is influenced from the Persian culture and is wonderfully ornate and sculptured. The fort is situated on the top of the Shakira hills inside which it contains a temple of Goddess Durga famous as Shakira.
Apart from all these monuments the other major attractions of the state are Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Martand temple, Kheer Bhawani and Awantipur temples.
