The Hazratbal Shrine is located on the western shores of Dal lake (Bud Dal). Earlier the site was called Bagi Sadiq-Abad, laid by a Mughal noble Sadiq Khan in 1632 AD. It had a beautiful building (Baladari) in the centre having decorative naqash nigari in the walls and was named as Ishrat Mahal. When Emperor Shah-i-Jahan visited the place in 1634, he was highly pleased to see it and desire to call it as Ibadat Mahal. Necessarry changes were accordingly made in the buildingas per the orders of the Emperor Aurangzeb, that it housed the relic of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The relic was transferred from khanqah khwaja Naqashband Sahib, on the orders of Subidar Fazil Khan, (1699-01) governor Kashmir to avoid stampede deaths at he Khanqah, during the exibition of the relic for the public.

The relic is reported to have actually been brought to kashmir from Madina Sharief by Sayed Abdullah Sahib in I I I I. H. Sayed Abdullah transfered the relic to kashmiri merchants, khwaja Noor-ud-Din Sahib Ishawari at Bejapur, Deccan. Khwaja Sahib was arrested in the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb, in order to force him to part away with the whole relic. But khwaja Sahib coul not bear the separation if the relic. It is reported the he handed over the relic to his trustedservant (Ghulam Midanish) before his death, for taking it to Kashmir. Subsequently the relic was shifted from Khanqah Naqashband Sahib to the new mosque built for it, and the site wasgiven the name as Hazratbal by Fazil Khan governor. In 1793 Nawab of Deccan, Nawab of Ahsan-ul-Lah Khan who is reported to be orginally a kashmiri, constructed a big hamam adjacent to mosque fot the convenience of the devotees (zaireens) during winters. With changes and additions were made in the ziyarat in 1851, 1942 AD. The relic now has been kept in a newly built grand mosque called "Madina Sani". It was built under the direct supervision of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in late sixties (1968) to late seventie (1979). The surroundings of the mosque have been further cleared of all old structures and butified further to accommodate more number of zaireens. Considering the popularity of the ziyarat with the people in the valley, having location in the immdiate neighbourhood of prestigious institutions like Nationa Institute of technology (NIT) and Kahsmir Universit (KU), its expansion, beautification and improvement programme need to be contimued further by the Waqaf (endowment) Board in the collaboration with State goverment.

Jamia Masjid.
Down southwest of the ziyarat of Makhdoom Sahib, lies the towering Jamia Masjid, which has been built in 1398-1402 AD by Sultan Sikandar Shah at Sikandarpora, prestent Nowhatta. Master builders were brought from khurasan on the advise of Mr Syed Ali Hamdani for building the Mosque. lachmi Khatoon wife of Malikh Jalal-ud-Din Tahkor, a wazir of budshah sahib, got a canal (kual) extended from Nowshehra upto Jamia Masjid and came to be known as Lachmi Kual. The water from the canal was stored in a black stone tank in the masjid. The water aftr using for ablution was drained in Nalamar. The remains of the Lachman Kaul are no more seen now. The masjid was rebuilt in 1479, 1619, 1674 and 1841 AD, because of demages caused mostly by fires, sectarian conflicts and political changes. The masjid was rebuilt/repaired in 1912 also, when a non local top muslim revenue officer (Sheikh maqbool Hussain Qidwai) was approached by senior respectable local mulims, with a request, to place, levy an additional anna or half as malia (land tax) on muslim presents, so as to utilize the same amount for reconstruction/renovation of the masjid, which was very kindly agreed to, with the approval of Maharaja. The repair work was undertaken under the supervission of qualified engineers provided by Nawab of Bhopal and British Resident of Honorary basis. The masjid was closed during Sikh rule, by governor Moti Ram and was reopened only during the governorship of Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din (Punjabi) before Dogras took the kashmir from his son, Sheikh Lamam-Din (1846-47) who attempted a first uprising against Dogra rule in kashmir. maharaja Pratap Singh and hari Singh are reported to have also allowed the restoration and repairs of the Masjid during their rule. As per the opnion of the historians like Hasan Khoihami, Stein and Lawrence, the masjid has been built on the orginal site of a Buddhist vihar (Tshang Tshiblak) are a hindu temple (Maheshvari).

Fort Hari Parbat.
The fort has a moat as well around the fortification for the defence perpose and to restrict entry of common people inside the fort. the city inside the fort was called "Nagernager" and had a royal residence for Mughal nobles. it is reported that Sheikh-ul-Islam Baba Mohammad Ismaiel Zahid, 'Kubravie' had costructed a madrassa with residential facilities on the eastern side of the fort near 'Pokhri Bal' a branch from nagin Lake, the remnants of which (madrasa)are no more seen now. It is said that people of Kubravie thought would recite the "Aurad-e-Fathia" loudly after the morning prayers in the madrasa, leaving an echo in the surrounding area of the Dal Lake. Emperor Akbar is reported to have built a palace called "Jarokha Shahi" on/arround the same site, having attached beautiful gardnes, extending to shores of nagin Lake. The garden(s) were called Darshani or/and Rooh/Noor Afza bag.

The place and gardnes were built under the supervision of Kh. Hassan Shah Kabli. The palace was beautifully decorated having naqsh nigari inside with use of sangi blour. Precious stones were used in the Mahal Khana. According to Hugel, during the Afghan and Sikh rule, the whole palace was looted and plundered as it possessed valuable things, leaving nothing behnd to be seen around. the fort and its fortification needs to be repaired, restored and developed on the pattern of Agra and Golkanda fort(s) to attract more number of tourists there. the land usurped by locals/slum dwellers in and out side the fortification (Kalai) with connivance of local land maifa and willful criminal connivance of concerned authorities, have turned it, in a centre of crimnal activities, hence, warrants immediate action, even at the cost of displeasure of the local vote bank. This timely bold measure could only save the precious heritage site from further defacing, decay and destruction.

Present Central jail and Mental Hospitals are located within the precincts of these gardnes. Upto recent past, the area used to be famous for "Badam Vari" (Almound Blossom) even upto mid 1960's, when the people would through the gardens in early spring for enjoying mass effect of almond blossom.

Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara.
On the southeastern side of the hill, just one side Khatee Darwaza, is a Sikh Gurudawara a built in memory of Shri Har Gobind Singh Sahib, who accompanied the Emperor Jahangir to valley (1620). Guru ji is reported to have stayed in official residence built for royal guests at Nagernagar and remained in the valley for about three months. Guru ji is reported to have met Bai Ram Das, a Sikh convert who was living just one side the fort wall. Thus the site became subsquently scared for Sikh community. The Gurdawara was built (1819-21) during sikh rule, at this very place and is called " Chatti Padshahi." Intially a small wooden structure for the Gurdawara was first built when Hari Singh Nalwa was governor fo the valley. Bhai Seva Ram son of Mata Bag Bari was appointed first sevak (attendant) and cutodian of the Gurdawara. The Gurdawara was repaired and renovated in early fifties. At present a new Gurdawara and other structures are being built under the supervision of SGPC Kashmir. Large numbers of Sikh Pilgrims visit the place on sunday and anual devas. the whole area is inhabited by Muslim community who live in perfect harmony with the Sikhs.

Kohi-i-Suleiman (Shankeracharya).
The hiltop, present "Koh-i-Suleiman" is reported to have been visited by King Soloman/Suleiman/Sandhimau during 2629-2564 BC, that is why it is still now as Takht-e-Suleiman. The visit gets substantiated when archaeologists/historians report about the mound in "Osh" Kyrgystan (Central Asia) which is reported to have been blessed by king suleimn's vist, when he move towards East. It still bears the name Takht-e-Suleiman or Seat of Suleiman. The place is a seat of pilgrimage for local muslims and Nestorian Chirstians. The present structure at the hill top was built by king Gopadatiya 426-365 BC, subsequently restored by Gopadatta in 78 AD and further repaired by king Lalitaditya 699-736 AD. It is reported that sultan Zain-ul-Abdin (Budshah) also ordered for its repairs during (1420-1470) AD. The village below the hill is still now as Gopkar. Some report that it was built by King Jaloka in 220 BC. It is also reported that the structure had a stone slab mentioning about the visit of Youz Asif to the valley Kashmir which has either been stolen or damaged during Sikh/Dogra rule due to religious base. Notwithstanding the presents lingan inside the temple is reported to have been placed by Raja Histi in 54 hindu era. The hill top was rechristened as Shankeracharya after reappearance of Hindu revivalist movement (Brahmanical) lead by Shankeracharya (a non-local) from south India. It is also reported that the hill was called as Shankeracharya from April 1865 AD, on the orders of Maharaj Ranbir Singh , when persecution of kashmiri muslims started in valley, as a reaction to Shawal Baf's agitation against Dogra rule in Srinagar City, because of leve of heavy taxes on shawls.

Hasanabad Imam Bara.
Imambara Hassanabad is the 2nd oldest shrine and is a world famous place of mourning and worship of one million shia population of J&K is Imambara Hassanabad situated in south west of city centre Lal Chowk. The Imam Bargah is surrounded by world famous Hazratbal shrine one side, Temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other side. Hassanabad was a developed city during the Moughal Rule period and the Imam Bara is surrounded by Moughal Graveyard "Baba Mazar" which is the resting place of a number of Kashmir Lumaneries i.e Baba Ali, Syed Mirza Shah , the great persian poet of 17th century "Mulah Abdul Gani" and famous poet of Kashmiri Marsia "Hab Saheb Mullah".

Budgam Imam Bara.
Known as one of the prime religious attractions of Jammu & Kashmir ImamBara Budgam is located in the Budgam district of the state. A shrine meant for the Shia sect of Muslim community, ImamBara Budgam stands as a symbol of immense respect and faith in the valley.

Boasting of a magnificent architectural acumen, ImamBara Budgam comprises of five entry points one of which is specially made for the women followers. Built in 1857, ImamBara Budgam can be seen in the shape of an octagon. Influence of the Indo-Iranian construction skill is quite evident in the interior premises of ImamBara Budgam.

The Shiiete Muslim communities of the state of Jammu & Kashmir consider ImamBara Budgam as an important religious place. The followers are frequently found in ImamBara Budgam who gather there to pay their homage and seek blessings of the Almighty. During the local festivals of Muslim groups in Kashmir, ImamBara Budgam is visited by large number of people who come to offer their prayers to the feet of the ultimate divine power.

The diversity of places under the Jammu & Kashmir pilgrim tourism is quite enthralling. ImamBara Budgam is one such enticing pilgrim spot of the state which claims reverence not only from the followers of Islamic faith but also from all those who believe in other religions. As an ancient pilgrim spot of Jammu & Kashmir ImamBara Budgam has become a subject of prime interest for historians too.

The governing body of Budgam district takes every initiative time and gain that can enhance the footfalls in the shrine of ImamBara Budgam.

Zadibal Imam Bara.
Mir Shams-ud-Araqi a muslim preacher of Shia faith came from araq/Talsh (Iran) to Kashmir in the reign of Sultan Hassan Shah grand son of Budshah in 1472 AD as an ambassador of the ruler of Khurassan. Some report that he was actually exilled by the ruler/governor of Khurasan and was forced to seek asylum in the valley Kashmir. Being a renowned scholar of Shia faith having enough persuasive compatibilities as a preacher, he was able to persuade a famous noble of Chack rulling dynasty of the Srinagar (Khwaja Hussain Chak) to Shia faith, Consequently hundreds of the people who were under the influence of the noble accepted the new creed of Islam as well. In the first spell, he stayed in srinagar for eight years and preached secretly the Shiaism in the city. He went back to Iran but returned at the behest of Shia Qasim Noor Baksh, head of the Noor Bakshi sect. A first prayer house was built by Baba Ali Najar of Hassanabad, an influential Shia convert, at Zadibal for him, which was subsequently also called as Noor Bakshi Khanqah. It is during Check rule that Shiaism recieved official support in Kashmir and Shams-ud-Din (1484-1526) AD. During the period of Mirza Haidar Douglat, Shia and Sunni riots were very common in the city, which lead to huge loss of propertyand human lives. The situation went so bad that even his son Mir Daniyal and Mirza Haidar Douglat were slain in the communal frenzy. Mir Shams-ud-Din came back to srinagar and died in 1526 AD ans was buried at Zadibal Khanqah. His son Daniyal was also reburied at Zadibal Khanqah whis his dead body was retrieved from the graveyard at Dab (Ganderbal). His mausoleum is held in great esteem by Shia Muslims of Kashmir. Some of the persons have reported that Sham-ud-Din's dead body was removed stealthily from the graveyard at Zadibal and taken to Chadora for re-burial by his commited followers, in order to avoid any disrespect or damage to the dead body during acute sectrian riots. The grave has been now identified at Chadora, restored and repaired by Aga Sahib of Budgam and is visited by large number of Shia Pilgrims.