Martand Sun Temple, Hindu temple in Anantnag district, India
The Martand Sun Temple is a large temple ruin in Kashmir, set on a raised plateau overlooking the valley below. The central shrine is surrounded by a colonnade, while open courtyards and low walls form the outer sections of the complex.
King Lalitaditya Muktapida built this structure in the 8th century and dedicated it to the sun god Surya. Later, the complex was destroyed during a military conflict and has remained in this condition ever since.
The carved stone panels show river goddesses and other divine figures, reflecting the religious imagination of the time. These images follow a tradition developed over centuries and give the structure its recognizable artistic character.
The ruin sits about an hour's drive from Srinagar and can be reached by a well-traveled road. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and scattered with stone debris.
The builders combined elements from Greek-Buddhist, Indian, and Chinese traditions to create a distinct architectural language. This interplay is especially visible in the column shapes and the curved rooflines.
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