Page 36 - Seniorstoday June2023
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At the other end of the market is a small Dynasty. Although patronized by different
temple, a gurdwara and a mosque all one kings, both temple complexes housed
after the other. We went into the gurudwara many shrines with the main structure in
where the Bhaiji offered to take our picture the middle, built on a raised platform and
when we were struggling to take a group adorned by graceful figural sculptures.
selfie. Places to visit beyond Pahalgam are, These were destroyed by Sikander Shah
Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Sheshnag and Miri in the 15th century. The ruins and
Chandanwadi, the last two are campsites the remains were further damaged due to
enroute to Amarnath. several earthquakes.
While driving through this magnificent Another small temple attributed to king
valley, you will see the towns dotted with Avantiraman was recently found near the
big and small mosques, which stand Manasabal Lake. This is unique as it is half
out due to their green painted tops, but submerged in water within a small tank,
many are not aware that prior to the which has a spring within.
Muslim conquests, Kashmir was a centre
of Shaivism philosophy and the seat for
Sanskrit learning and literature. So you
come across many temples as well. Mostly
dedicated to Lord Shiva, but there are others
too. The most famous from architectural
heritage point of view are the Martand Sun
Temple and the Avantiswami Temple both
are currently in ruins and have not been
reconstructed or renovated although they Submerged Ancient Temple
are protected under ASI. Other famous temples which people
visit and pray at are Shankaracharya,
Mattan Martand and Mata Kheer Bhawani
temple. Shankaracharya temple is said to
be the oldest of all. It is dedicated to Lord
Shiva, situated on top of a hill in the city of
Srinagar and attributed to king Gopaladitya
around 371 BCE. It is believed that this
temple was visited by Adi Shancracharya in
the 8th century, hence its present name.
Ancient Temple of Awantipur Mattan Martand Temple is dedicated to
The Martand Sun Temple is one of the Martand Rishi son of Rishi Kashyap (from
four main Sun Temples in the country. It whom Kashmir derives its name) Martand
was built in the 8th Century by Lalitaditya is another name for Sun God so some
Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty. The people call it the birthplace of the Sun God.
Avantiswami Temple also lies only a few The temple complex has two three small
kilometres away. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu temples with different deities, but the main
it was built between 855-883 AD, during stands inside a tank which has lots of fish
the reign of king Avantiraman of the Utpala in it. These fish are considered sacred. By
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