Popular all over the world for its mesmerizing natural spring, Chashme Shahi happens to be a section of the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a dedication to his son, Dara Sikoh, this stunning garden was constructed back in 1632 by the emperor’s governor, Ali Mardan. According to popular beliefs, this place was first discovered by Rupa Bhawani, Kashmir’s renowned female saint. The name of the site is thus inspired from the clan to which the saint belonged, that is the Sahib clan of Kashmiri Pandits.Chashme Shahi features a well-manicured triple-terraced garden, showcasing the Persian style architecture. A two storey hut has been positioned atop the garden’s top terrace and this structure is considered as the source of origin of the natural spring.