Martand Sun Temple Jammu & Kashmir

Martand Sun Temple








Located on a plateau in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, Martand Sun Temple is dedicated to the Sun god built by the King of Karkota Dynasty in the early 8th century AD. The temple was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century, and it has stood in ruins ever since. The placement of the Temple enables a panoramic view of the beautiful Kashmir Valley. The Shrine is situated in the centre while the remains of the other structures are scattered around the premise. The Martand Sun Temple is one of the important archaeological sites in India.

According to local legend, Surya, the Sun God of Hindu Mythology was born of Aditi from a lifeless egg called Martand. Aditi was the wife of Kashyap, the saint from whom Kashmir probably takes its name. Surya was her 13th child, the spring of Mattan is attributed to this legend. Lord Vishnu Surya has been worshipped in his Martand manisfestation. The modern name of the village Mattan seems to has evolved from the Sanskrit Martand (mart = dead / and <— anda = egg) with the passage of time.

This temple was Martand. Though Kalhana, Kashmir Historian, has given contradictory references regarding the founder of Martand. For example at one place, he has mentioned that King Randitya founded Martand. And in another book he has mentioned the name of famous warrior King Lalita Ditya Mukta Pida. The construction of the world famous Martand is usually ascribed to Lalita Ditya Mukta Pida. The king appeared to be a worshiper of Sun as an all pervading phenomenon. He also offered to the Diety “the territory of Kanyakubja (Kanauj) together with the villages.” The fact was that Kanauj King Yasho Varman had suffered defeat at his hands and this had made his task easier to march on to the bay of Bengal on Turning back, he passed through Mysore and Konkan territory where he met with little or no resistance. So his power and valour naturally would have made him 'Lalita Ditya Mukta Pida' (swelled with pride). And he paid homage to the fierce luminary by founding Martand (Sun Temple). It is now in ruins. Only some parts have survived but its pictures have been preserved in most of the books written on Kashmir.

This is another pricess Indian heritage destroyed by the Mughals.

Krishnamachari Santhanam