Martand sun Temple Kashmir
The Martand Sun Temple, also known as the Martand Temple or Martand Bhawan, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple was dedicated to the Sun God and was built in the 8th century by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Kashmiri architecture.
The temple was built on a plateau, which overlooks the beautiful Kashmir Valley. It was constructed using grey limestone and is believed to have been built over a period of several centuries. The temple complex originally consisted of a central shrine, surrounded by a large courtyard, with 84 smaller shrines surrounding it.
The central shrine, which was dedicated to the Sun God, was built on a high platform and had a gabled roof. The temple was renowned for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The walls and pillars of the temple were adorned with beautiful carvings, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple was an important pilgrimage site for Hindus for many centuries. It is believed that the temple was destroyed during the 15th century by the Muslim ruler Sikandar Butshikan, who is said to have destroyed many Hindu temples in Kashmir. The temple was left in ruins for many years and was rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists.
Today, the Martand Sun Temple is a major tourist attraction in Kashmir and attracts visitors from all over the world. Despite the damage caused by the earthquake in 1885, the ruins of the temple are still impressive and are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in India.
The Archaeological Survey of India has been working to preserve the temple complex and has carried out extensive restoration work over the years. The Martand Sun Temple is now a protected monument and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley.
Location of Martand Sun Temple
Sun Temple, Mattan, Jammu and Kashmir 192125 , 64 kilometers away from Srinagar.
Geographic coordinates: 33°44′44″N 75°13′13″E / 33.74556°N 75.22028°E Coordinates: 33°44′44″N 75°13′13″E / 33.74556°N 75.22028°E
Architecture of Martand Sun Temple
The temple was constructed using locally available grey limestone, and it was built on a plateau that overlooks the Kashmir Valley. The complex originally consisted of a central shrine, surrounded by a large courtyard, with 84 smaller shrines surrounding it. The main shrine was accessed through a series of steps and gateways, which were decorated with intricate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The architecture of the Martand Sun Temple is a unique blend of Indian, Persian, and Greek styles. The temple's design reflects the influence of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, and it is believed that the temple was built by skilled craftsmen from all over India and Central Asia.
The temple's main shrine, which was dedicated to the Sun God, was built on a high platform and had a gabled roof. The temple's walls and pillars were adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The temple's courtyard was surrounded by a colonnade, which consisted of 84 smaller shrines. Each shrine was dedicated to a different deity and was built in a similar style to the main shrine. The colonnade was decorated with elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses, animals, and geometric patterns.
The Martand Sun Temple's architecture is renowned for its intricate carvings and delicate details. The temple's carvings reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley and are a testament to the skill and creativity of the craftsmen who built the temple. Despite being damaged by the earthquake in 1885 and subsequent looting, the temple's ruins continue to attract visitors from all over the world, who marvel at its exquisite architecture and rich history.
Interesting Facts About Martand Sun Temple
1- According to historians the temple was completely destroyed by Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century CE. The architects built this magnificent edifice in a unique way so that the sunlight would fall on the idol (idol of Sun God) throughout the day.
2- The Martand temple was built on top of a plateau from where one can view whole of the Kashmir Valley .
3-Martand Sun Temple is now more than 1200 years old.
4- Martand sun temple is in Anantang District "Anantnag" derives from the name of the spring at the southern end of the town, whose Sanskrit name Anantanāga was mentioned in the Nilamata Purana and other texts.
According to the Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladak, it is named after Ananta, the great serpent of Vishnu and the emblem of eternity.
Meaning of Martanda
Martanda In sanskrit मार्तंड in Hinduism is the eighth and last of the Vedic solar deities called Adityas .
Martanda is etymologically derived from "Marta " meaning “Dead " and Anda "an egg or a bird". The name denotes a dead sun . or a sun that has sunk below the horizon . Martand Sun Temple is also a symbol of sun .





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