Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Srinagar | Srinagar Garhwaltype = city | state_name = Uttarakhand
latd = 30.22 | longd = 78.78
district = Pauri Garhwal
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altitude = 973
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 19,861| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
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area_telephone =
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Srinagar is a city and a municipal board in Pauri Garhwal District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Geography
Srinagar is located at coord|30.22|N|78.78|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Srinagar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Srinagar] ] It has an average elevation of 973 metres (3,192 feet).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Srinagar had a population of 19,861. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Srinagar has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 79%. In Srinagar, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
History
When the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak (1469-1539), visited Haridwar in 1504 AD, on the Baisakhi day, he went on to visit Kankhal, en route to Kotdwara in Garhwal, followed by Srinagar, where his visit is commemorated by a gurudwara, "Charanpadaka".[ [http://www.globalsikhstudies.net/pdf/janamsakhi.pdf Janasakhi] Janamsakhis of Miharban and Mani Singh, mention this visit to have taken place on the Baisakhi day in 1504 AD. Janamsakhi Tradition, Dr. Kirpal Singh, 2004, Punjabi University, Patiala. ISBN 81-7205-311-8. p. 92. www.globalsikhstudies.net. ] .]Home to H N Bahuguna Garhwal University (formerly Garhwal University), Srinagar is situated on the banks of Alaknanda river. Srinagar was the capital of Garhwal before the arrival of British rule. Srinagar received its name from Sri Yantra. It is a centre of Divine Energy, a Siddha Pith since ancient times. The old Srinagar city was destroyed later in the Gohna Lake dam-burst which destroyed all the old relics of the town.
Today this town is an important cultural and educational centre. It carries equal significance in religious texts, history, philosophy and faith. Being placed in Central Garhwal at a moderate height, it is a happening Valley Bazar in the hills. There is a handsome number of temples, monuments and places which are worth visiting in and around Srinagar. It has adequate quota of Hotels, Lodges, Tourist Rest House and Dharmashalas.
Education
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna University
Established in Dec. 1st 1973 with the name Garhwal University, it was rechristened as HNB University late in 1989. The Birla campus in Srinagar was established as "Birla Sanghatak Mahavidyalaya" in 1969. Later when garhwal University was insiped in 1973 it was transferred to it.
Temples
Srinagar Garhwal is the last night stop towards the holy Hindu temples of "Badrinath" and "Kedarnath". Srinagar also has its own share of temples.
1) Kamleshwar Mahadev-- Dedicated to God Shiva this has quiet a few fan following. About its origin, there is a story that once God Vishnu came to this place and seeing the beauty of this place decided to pray to God Shiva and to offer him 1000 Lotus(Kamal) as a token of devotion. So he collected the 1000 Kamal and started his prayer. Shiva to test his devotion quietly hide one of the lotus(kamal) from amongst the 1000.When Vishnu came to the end of his prayers he realised that there was one Lotus missing. Now to leave the prayer without offering the 1000 lotus flowers as he had committed in the start would be disrespect so Vishnu thought of another way. He remembered that he is known as KamalNayan (one with beautiful lotus shaped eyes), so he pick up his sword to pull out one of his eye to offer it as the last lotus. But before he could actually do it, Shiva appeared before him smiling with the lotus in his hand. So in order to celebrate this incidence a temple was built and inside is Shiva is worshiped with the name of Kamaleshwer(God with the Lotus Flower)
2) Kilkileshwar Mahadev-- Another Shiva temple located in the banks of river Alaknanda, Kilkileshwar Mahadev was established by Shankaracharya the legendary Hindu Guru.
Festivals
Baikunth Chaturdashi Mela is the main festival celebrated in Srinagar in the month of October or November where artists from across the country perform in various cultural shows. Hundreds of couples incapable of having children, pray throughout the night in the Kamaleshwar temple with a belief that their prayers on the auspicious day of Baikunth Chaturdashi would be answered by God.The whole town is illuminated with lights and decoration and many sports events are organized during the four day festival.
References
External links
* [http://picasaweb.google.com/sandeepbist/Classy Images from Srinagar and Nearby Places]
* [http://www.srinagargarhwal.com/ Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand Himalayas]
* [http://www.uttara.in/hindi/apexinstitutes/hnbgu/campuses/srinagar.html Srinagar campus of HNBGU]
