Sharada Devi temple in Kashmir may have originally been a Buddhist temple

There are conflicting opinions regarding the origin and history of the Sharada Devi Temple in Kashmir. Some historians believe that the temple was originally a Buddhist shrine and was later transformed into a Hindu temple by the King Jayasimha in the 12th century, while others suggest that it was always a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sharada.

According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built to honor the goddess Sharada, who is considered to be the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. The temple is also believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, which are sacred places associated with the goddess Shakti.

On the other hand, some scholars suggest that the name "Sharada" has Buddhist origins and the temple might have been a Buddhist learning center in the past.

However, there is not enough evidence to support any particular theory, and the true history of the Sharada Devi Temple remains a matter of debate.

There is a widespread belief among historians that the Sharada Devi Temple in Kashmir was originally a Buddhist temple. Here are some reasons why:

1. Historical records: According to Dr. H.C. Sethi’s book "History of Medieval Kashmir," the temple was initially a Buddhist temple. He cites the writings of the Chinese traveller and monk Xuanzang, who visited Kashmir in the 7th century CE and mentioned a Buddhist monastery in the vicinity of the temple.

2. Architecture: The temple's architecture is reminiscent of Buddhist temples found in other parts of India. For instance, the wooden pillars within the temple are similar to those found in ancient Buddhist monasteries.

3. Place name: Sharada is believed to be a name derived from the ancient Buddhist center of learning, Sharada Peeth, in present-day Pakistan.

4. Goddess Sharada: The goddess Sharada, who is worshipped in the temple, is seen as a reincarnation of the Buddhist goddess Saraswati.

Overall, while there is no absolute certainty, the available evidence suggests that the Sharada Devi Temple was likely a Buddhist temple before it was converted into a Hindu temple.

















 There are several pieces of evidence that suggest that the Sharada Devi temple in Kashmir may have originally been a Buddhist temple:

1. The temple's location: The Sharada Devi temple is located in the village of Sharda, which is situated in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir. This area was historically a center of Buddhist learning and culture, and there are several other Buddhist sites in the region.

2. The temple's architecture: The temple's architecture is similar to that of other Buddhist temples in the region, with features such as a stupa-like structure and a central courtyard.

3. The temple's name: The name "Sharada" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Saraswati," which is the name of the Hindu goddess of knowledge and learning. However, the name "Sharada" is also associated with the Buddhist goddess of learning, Saraswati.

4. The temple's history: According to some historical accounts, the Sharada Devi temple was originally a Buddhist monastery that was later converted into a Hindu temple. This is supported by the fact that the temple's main deity, Sharada Devi, is a Hindu goddess who is associated with knowledge and learning.

5. The temple's artifacts: Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered several Buddhist artifacts, including a stone slab with inscriptions in the Sharada script, which was used for writing in Sanskrit and other languages in ancient India. This suggests that the site may have been used for Buddhist learning and scholarship at some point in the past.

Overall, while there is no definitive proof that the Sharada Devi temple was originally a Buddhist temple, the evidence suggests that it is a possibility.