Avantiswami Temple

Avantiswami Temple
Remains of Avantiswami Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Pulwama
Deity	Shiva Vishnu
Governing body	Indian Archaeological Survey
Location
Location	Awantipora
State	Jammu and Kashmir
Country	India
Location within Jammu & Kashmir, India Show map of Jammu and Kashmir Avantiswami Temple (India) Show map of India
Geographic coordinates	33°55′24″N75°00′46″E / 33.9232602°N 75.012846°E / 33.9232602; 75.012846
Architecture
Type	Medieval Hindu
Founder	Avantivarman
Date established	9th century CE

The Avantiswami Temple is a ruined Hindu temple complex situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, approximately 28km southeast ofSrinagar, in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India. This site originally comprised two temples, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu, ^[1] built during the reign of King Avantivarman of the Utpala dynasty in the 9th century CE. Today, the ruins are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. ^{[2] [3]} Locals call the temple Pandav Lari, meaning "house of the Pandavas". ^[4]

History

The temple was built by King Avantivarman between 853–855 CE. The site was located in the ancient town of Viswasara, which also served as the capital of Kashmir during his reign. Avantivarman, the founder of Avantipur and of the Utpala dynasty, is credited with building several Hindu temples across Kashmir, though many were later damaged or abandoned due to Muslim conquests. ^[5] During the Avantivarman's rule, the region experienced significant prosperity and cultural development. The Avantiswami Temple represents a fine example of Kashmiri stone temple architecture from that period.

Prior to the Muslim conquests, Kashmir was a center of Shaivism and Hindu philosophy, and a seat of Sanskrit learning and literature. By the 14th century, Kashmir had come under Muslim rule, and most of its early temples were deserted or sacked by the early 15th century. Two temples here are attributed to him: the Avantiswami Temple dedicated to Vishnu and the Avantishwara Temple dedicated to Shiva. The Avantiswami is smaller, but similar in planning to the earlier Martand Sun Temple. ^{[6] [7]}

Architecture and Artwork

Surrounded by the remains of elaborately carved pillars, the Avantiswami Temple complex is situated on an elevated stone platform. Reliefs of mythological scenes that are still visible demonstrate the excellent craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans in the ninth century. The temple's original design included a central shrine set inside a large oblong courtyard, four smaller shrines at the corners, and a roofed peristyle surrounded by monastic cells. The temple's ceremonial grandeur was enhanced by an imposing gateway that once marked its entrance. ^[8]

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See also

• Martand Sun Temple
• Shankaragaurishvara Temple
• Vishnu Devi
• Awantipora
• Kheer Bhawani

References

1. "Origin of Lord Shiva and Vishnu - Relationship Between Shiva & Vishnu". TemplePurohit - Your Spiritual Destination | Bhakti, Shraddha Aur Ashirwad. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
2. "Avantiswami Temple, Avantipur". Archeological Survey of India . Retrieved 20 April 2016.
3. Sen, Sailendra Nath (1999). Ancient Indian History and Civilization. New Age International. p. 295. ISBN   978-8122-411-98-0.
4. "The History Behind Avantipura". GK.
5. "Early Muslim Conquests (622-656 CE)". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
6. "Lost in the rubble". The Hindu . Retrieved 12 July 2013.
7. "Kashmir. General view of ruins of Temple of Avantiswami at Avantipore. Probable date A.D. 852 to 854". British Library. Retrieved 26 March 2009.
8. Arav (2 September 2013), English: Avantipur (Lat 33° 55' N: Long 75° 1' E) is located 28 km south east of Srinagar in Anantnag district overlooking the Jhelum river. The foundation of the town is ascribed to Avantivarman (AD 855 – 883 AD), the first king of the Utpala dynasty. , retrieved 14 May 2025