Kheer Bhawani Asthapana

Overview

The Kheer Bhawani Asthapana in Anantnag is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Parvati. Built in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh, the temple surrounds a sacred spring, famous for its colour-changing water, believed to indicate divine messages. The site is especially important for Kashmiri Pandits, who offer "kheer" as a traditional offering. The temple has deep mythological connections, including ties to the demon king Ravana, who once worshipped the goddess.

Weather

The climate of the Kheer Bhawani Asthapana, located in Anantnag, is influenced by its moderate Mediterranean-like conditions. The region experiences a variety of weather patterns throughout the year.

Summers are mild, with July being the hottest month when temperatures can reach around 33°C, though nights remain cool due to the area's elevation. Humidity tends to be high, but rainfall is minimal during summer.

 Winters, on the other hand, are quite cold and can be harsh, with heavy snowfall occurring between November  and February. The temperature can drop as low as -11°C, contributing to a chilly atmosphere. Anantnag's overall climate is unpredictable, with snowfall and rain occurring sporadically throughout the year, making it a place of high climate variability.

The area also experiences rainfall year-round, but the monsoon influence is less prominent than in other parts of India. Instead, spring brings the highest rainfall, while autumn sees less precipitation.

How to reach

By Air

Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport), located around 50 km from Kheer Bhawani. 

From Srinagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach the temple. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on road conditions.

By Train

Nearest Railway Station: The closest railhead is Anantnag Railway Station, approximately 25 km from Kheer Bhawani Asthapana. 

The station is well-connected to major cities like Jammu and other parts of India. From the railway station, local taxis or buses can be taken to reach the temple, which is around a 40-minute drive.

By Car/Taxi

From Srinagar: Kheer Bhawani is about 24 km from Srinagar, and it takes roughly 1 hour to drive. You can travel via NH1 (Srinagar-Ladakh Highway). The road is generally well-maintained, and you can rent a car or take a taxi for a direct and comfortable journey.

Best time to visit

April and October

Visiting Kheer Bhawani Asthapana in Anantnag during April and October is ideal because these months fall within spring and autumn, respectively, which offer the most comfortable weather and scenic beauty in the region.