Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its natural splendour, rich culture, and a glorious history of art and architecture. Exemplifying this beautiful architecture are several old monuments that primarily include shrines and temples, which also are among the most visited places in J&K today. Here we tell you about the 10 best ancient temples in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amarnath Temple: Located at around 3888 meters, at a distance of 29 km from Pahalgam, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the site of the world-famous pilgrimage called Amarnath Yatra. Hindus regard this temple as one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeethas.
Vaishno Devi Temple: It is dedicated to goddess Vaishnodevi, is located inside a cave, and is visited by millions of devotees each year. Situated at a distance of 48 km from Jammu, this temple is India’s second-most visited holy place.
Shankaragaurishvara Temple: Touted as the oldest temple in Jammu and Kashmir, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by Shankaravarman of Kashmir who ruled between 883 and 902 AD. This temple is located at Pattan, near Baramulla.
Shankaracharya Temple: According to Kalhana, this temple was built by Raja Gopaditya in 371 BCE and formerly known as Gopadri. Adiguru Shankaracharya, who was instrumental in reviving the Sanatan Dharma and popularizing the worship of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir, had stayed in this temple, after which the temple got its current name. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and said to be the oldest shrine in Kashmir.
Martand Sun Temple: Located in Anantnag, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida between 725 and 756 AD. It is believed that the foundation of this temple was laid between 370 to 500 CE. It was destroyed in the 15th century and today, it is in ruins.
Krimchi Temples: It is a group of seven ancient temples located in the Krimchi village in Udhampur district. The group is also called Pandava Temples. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), these temples were built between 8th and 9th century AD.
Pandrethan Temple: Located 5 kms away from Srinagar, this temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It is said to have been built around 921 AD by Meru Vardhana, who was the minister of King Partha, ruler of Kashmir from 921 to 931 AD. The temple is surrounded by a pond and known as Paani Mandir. It is an example of Kashmiri temple architecture and best-known for the geometry and symmetry used in its construction.
Avantiswami Temple: It is an ancient Hindu temple located in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir. The temples were built by king Avantivarman in the 9th century AD, precisely in 853-855 CE.
Naranag Temple: Located in the Naranag village, historians say that the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also said that it is dedicated to the ancient Nagas, which is the reason for its name. This temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century AD.
Mamaleshwar Temple: It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and located on the banks of the Lidder river in Pahalgam. It is believed to have been built in 400 AD and this was the site where Lord Ganesha stood as a doorkeeper and no one was allowed to enter without permission. ‘Mam mal’ means ‘don’t go’ and hence, the Mamaleshwar temple is also called Mammal temple.
The Loduv temple, Narastan mandir, Sugandesha temple, the ancient temple in Ladhoo, and the Payar temple are some of the other ancient Hindu temples in Jammu and Kashmir. These temples are worth visiting for the interesting history, their construction, the legends linked with them, and their architecture. Explore them on your next visit to Kashmir.
