On the opposite side, between Srinagar city and Nagin lake, is a low hill held e goddess Durga with the Chakradhara temple on the north-western side which has a mosque that replaced the original structure on one side. Crowning the hill is the Hariparbat Fort built between 1 592 and 1598. The outer walls and gateways, though much restored, bear evidence that the Mughal emperor Akbar also contributed to the construction of this fort situated at this dramatic vantage point overlooking the lovely city of Srinagar.
In accordance with the style of the day, the fort once contained many palace buildings, ceremonial halls, apartments for royalty, quarters for servants, but nothing of this Mughal past remains today. On the southern side of the fort is the Shrine of Makhdum Sahib and a relatively new mosque. The shrine draws hundreds of pilgrims as it is reputed for its healing powers. Below it is the Mosque of Akhund Mulla Shah built by Shah jahan` s favourite son Dara Shikoh. Like his great grandfather, the Mughal emperor Akbar, Dara Shikoh delighted in the study of religions and sacred texts of the ancient world.
Unfortunately he was executed in 1659 by his brother Aurangzeb who succeeded Shah Jahan to the throne, so little of Dara Shikoh`s architectural heritage remains today.
Hariparbat - Srinagar