Holy Sites of Jammu & Kashmir in The Surroundings of Mighty Himalayas

Brimming with devotees of all religions, the pilgrimage places of Jammu and Kashmir are wondrous creations. The state has several holy sites, which are situated amidst the picturesque surroundings of the mighty Himalayas, valleys and lovely spots overlooking the rivers. On one hand, Jammu is popularly called "The City of Temples" while the Ladakh region is known as "The Land of Gompas.
The Kashmir region, too, has a number of temples and mosques of outstanding beauty. Every pilgrimage is a wonder in some or the other perspective. Vaishno Devi is among the most visited religious places and Amamath Cave is popular for the natural 'ice Shiva-Lingam'. Apart from these Hindu pilgrimage places, Hazratbal Shrine (where Prophet Mohammad's hair is kept inside a glass casket) and some other 'Dargahs' are renowned mosques Hari Parbat Pilgrim Centre is an elevated and splendid place where a mosque, a temple and a Gurudwara stand side by side and give you a feeling of brotherhood.
Most of these Hindu, Muslim, Sufi and Buddhist temples and shrines were built centuries or decades ago and depict the ancient architectural art.

Badruddin Muqeem born in 1944, Served in Education Department of J & K for about 24 years. Joined General after Administrative Service in 1992, aft qualifying Competitive combined Service Examination (KAS). Retired as Assistant Transport Commissioner, of Motor Vehicle Department of J&K.
The Author is a versatile writer in English presently with half a dozen books to his credit.