The Lost Martand, also known as the Pandu Mandir, is an ancient temple located in Panjnara village near Kalakote in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple, now in ruins, holds immense historical and architectural significance.
The Martand temple was built during the reign of the Karkota dynasty in the 8th century CE. It is dedicated to the Sun god, Surya, and was one of the most important and grandest temples of ancient Kashmir. The temple complex was constructed on a plateau surrounded by picturesque mountains, offering breathtaking views of the valley.
The architecture of the Martand temple is a splendid example of the Kashmiri style of temple construction. It is primarily built using locally available grey limestone, which was meticulously carved and chiseled to create intricate designs and exquisite sculptures. The temple complex comprised a central shrine, several smaller shrines, courtyards, and a surrounding colonnaded peristyle with numerous pillars.
The central shrine of the Martand temple was dedicated to the deity Surya. It featured a pyramidal roof, known as shikhara, adorned with intricate carvings depicting various mythological figures, celestial beings, and motifs. The entrance to the shrine was marked by an ornate gateway supported by massive pillars. The interiors of the shrine housed a sanctum sanctorum where the idol of Surya would have been placed.
The temple complex also included other structures like mandapas (pillared halls) and various subsidiary shrines dedicated to different deities. The colonnaded peristyle surrounding the main shrine consisted of rows of pillars, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. These pillars were intricately carved with motifs such as lotus flowers, animal figures, and mythological scenes.
Tragically, the Martand temple fell into disrepair and ruins over the centuries. Historical records suggest that it was destroyed during the early 15th century, possibly due to a combination of natural disasters, invasions, and socio-political upheavals in the region. The temple complex was subsequently abandoned, and today, only the ruins remain as a testament to its former glory.
Despite its dilapidated state, the Martand temple continues to attract visitors and researchers from around the world. The site stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Kashmir and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The intricate carvings, grandeur of the architecture, and the scenic location of the temple make it an intriguing and captivating historical site.
Efforts have been made by the archaeological authorities to preserve and protect the remaining structures of the Martand temple. The site has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), ensuring its conservation and restoration for future generations to appreciate and understand the legacy of this lost marvel.
Pandu Mandir, also known as the “Lost Martand” of Rajouri, is a 10th-century Hindu temple located in the Panjnara village of Kalakote district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple is dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata epic.
The temple is built in the Kashmiri Shaiva architectural style, and is similar in design to the Martand Sun Temple, which was destroyed in the 14th century. The Pandu Mandir is a three-storey structure, with a square base and a pyramidal roof. The walls of the temple are decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities and mythological figures.
The temple was originally built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty in the 10th century. It was later abandoned and fell into ruins. In the 19th century, the temple was rediscovered by British colonial officers.
The Pandu Mandir is a significant example of Kashmiri Shaiva architecture. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is currently undergoing restoration work.
Here are some additional details about the Pandu Mandir:
- The temple is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level.
- The temple is surrounded by lush green hills and pine forests.
- The temple is about a 2-hour drive from the town of Rajouri.
- The temple is open to visitors from 6am to 6pm.
If you are interested in visiting the Pandu Mandir, I recommend visiting during the spring or autumn months, when the weather is mild. You can also visit the temple as part of a day trip from Rajouri.
The Martand Sun Temple was destroyed in the 14th century by the forces of Timur. Timur was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who invaded India in 1398. He sacked many cities and temples, including the Martand Sun Temple.
The Pandu Mandir was also destroyed in the 14th century, but it is not clear who was responsible. Some historians believe that it was destroyed by Timur’s forces, while others believe that it was destroyed by the forces of the Sultanate of Delhi.
The villages of Panjnara and Kalakote were also destroyed in the 14th century, but it is not clear who was responsible. Some historians believe that they were destroyed by Timur’s forces, while others believe that they were destroyed by the forces of the Sultanate of Delhi.
The district of Rajouri was also affected by the invasions of Timur and the Sultanate of Delhi. Many villages were destroyed, and the population was displaced.
The destruction of these historical sites is a great loss to the cultural heritage of India. However, there is still much that we can learn about these sites from the ruins that remain.
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