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Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Mandir - श्री खीर भवानी दुर्गा मंदिर

Key Highlights
◉ It is one of the holiest temples for Kashmiri Pandits
◉ It is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, a form of Durga.
◉ The grand Kheer Bhawani Mela is held here annually.
◉ It is associated with the spiritual experiences of Swami Vivekananda.

Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple, also known as the Ragnya Devi Temple, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Kashmir. Located in the village of Tulmulla in the Ganderbal district—approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Srinagar—this temple is dedicated to Mata Ragnya Devi (Kheer Bhawani). The word 'Kheer' refers to a pudding made of milk and rice, which is offered to the Goddess as the primary prasad (sacred offering). This offering became so closely associated with the Goddess that she came to be known as Kheer Bhawani.

Visiting Hours for Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple
The Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple remains open throughout the week, with visiting hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Main Festival of Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple
The Kheer Bhawani Mela is the temple's most significant festival, held during Jyeshtha Ashtami (May–June). Thousands of devotees from across the country—particularly Kashmiri Pandits—visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. It is one of the largest gatherings of Hindus in Kashmir, second only to the Amarnath Yatra.

This temple is closely associated with Swami Vivekananda , who visited it in 1898. It is believed that he had a profound spiritual experience here, which further deepened his devotion to the Mother Goddess.

How to reach Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple
The Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple is located in Tulmulla village in the Ganderbal district, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Srinagar. Regular taxi and bus services are available from Srinagar to Tulmulla village. The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (approximately 30 kilometers away).

Popular Name: Ragnya Devi Temple

Timings

Open Close Timing

6 AM - 8 PM

Festival

Kheer Bhawani Mela, Navratri | Read Also: एकादशी

History of the Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple

The Shri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Rajatarangini, reflecting its long-standing significance in Kashmir's spiritual heritage. The current marble temple and its complex were constructed during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. Mata Ragnya Devi is a revered form of Goddess Durga and serves as the Kuldevi (family deity) for many Kashmiri Pandits.

An idol of the Goddess is enshrined in this marble temple, which serves as the primary center of worship. Nestled amid magnificent Chinar trees, the temple enjoys a serene, pleasant atmosphere. A sacred hexagonal pool encircles the main temple structure. The complex offers a unique blend of simplicity and spiritual beauty, rather than ostentatious ornamentation.

The temple's sacred pool is renowned for its mysterious nature, as the color of its water is believed to change. Devotees interpret the varying colors of the water as signs of the Goddess's blessings and indicators of the valley's condition. Traditionally, a dark or black hue is considered inauspicious. According to legend, Mata Ragnya Devi was originally worshipped in Lanka and was later brought to Kashmir, where she made Tulmulla her abode.