Devi Sri Khir Bhavani

Sarwasya buddi roopena janasya hridhi samsthithe |
Swargabavargade devi Bavani namosthude ||  

Khir Bhavani shakthi peeth in Kashmir is situated in a place called Thulamula - 12 km from srinagar.

According to the legend of Dakshayani the left ear from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place and so it became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
There is a shrine for Maruthi in this temple complex. This devi is very holy and powerful. It is stated in Sri Padmachala puran that this is Saraswathi Peetam. This is also said to be 'Yogamaya peetam' or 'Srujana-peetam'.
The idol of Sri Devi Syama that was being worshipped by Ravana of Ramayana fame was brought here by Maruthi and installed in Tulamulla.Three hundred and sixty Nagars also are supposed to have accompanied  the idol to safe guard her. She is 'Rajyasri', 'Sri-Madha-Maharagne' the names from the 1008 names in 'Lalitha Sahasranama' which is a hymn in praise of the Devi
The legend is that even now Mandodhari Ravana's wife worships the Devi here on Ashtami day. Similarly Vibeeshana Ravana's brother worships here on Navami-days and Sri Rama on full moon days - unseen by us.
Holy saints did penance to her for many years to make her reveal herself. When Devi thought it was time, at her behest a snake led Govinji Gutru to the place where the Devi revealed herself as 'Simha-vahini'. Gutruji established  a temple for her worship. The public belief is that the Vasantham the spring like beauty of Kashmir and all the wonders there are because of Devi Bhavani's Blessings.
Though Maruthi brought the icon of 'Shyama devi' and installed it here for worship the Devi peetam is the Holy Tank in the shape of a foot. There is a 'mantapam' and a 'kalasam' in the middle of this tank and there sits the devi in all glory bedecked in flowers and jewels.
The holy tank water keeps swirling forming images of 'wheels'. The color of the water also keeps changing from dark blue to dark green to yellow to white etc for no apparent reason. The water is considered to be so holy that People refrain from touching the water nor use it for any purpose.
The kings of Kashmir have given a wealth of gold, diamond and other precious gems and ornaments to this temple and also constructed the temple and the temple tower.
Swami Vivekananda meditated for long in this place and has written about his miraculous experiences. The Devi here was his favourite deity.
                           
Om Sakthi  

Location: Khir Bhavani kshetram is in Thulamula 12 km from Srinagar, Kashmir.