Martand Sun Temple (Kashmir)

Martand Sun Temple is considered as an important historic ruin of Kashmir. It sets a perfect example of a typical ancient Sun Temple mostly seen in India, with the other one existing as the Sun Temple of Konark, situated in Orissa, India

Martand Sun Temple was dedicated to Surya (Sun) and is now in ruins. The ruins of the temple are located near Anantnag in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Martand is another Sanskrit name for the Hindu Sun-god. The temple was built around 8th century. The Martand temple is situated at Kehribal, 9 km east-north-east of Anantnag and south of Mattan.

The Sun Temple at Martand is among the most imposing ruins and was/is the largest Hindu temple in Kashmir. This historic temple was built by Ram Ditya in the 5th century probably between 490 and 555 AD. The collonade probably dates back to 693-729 AD. It was further modified by King Lalitaditya in the 8th century.

King Lalit Aditya belonged to the Surya dynasty period, and was a Kshatriya or King of the Warrior Military Caste, considered to be a highly authoritative figure, yet considerate and gentle leader to his people, during those times. It was during his era when the Sun, Moon and Holy entities were greatly worshipped and believed to possess spiritual and supernatural powers. Built to represent this Solar or Surya Dynasty, King Lalit Aditya had the Martand Temple built to commemorate Bhaskar, known then as the Sun God.
The name Martand is derived from the word ‘Mattan’, a word that sprouts from ‘Macch – Bhawan’ or ‘Fish Mansion’. Mattan is also known by several names that include Martand and Matan and these are the words from where the Temple got its name as most likely, the King thought of naming it after the profession of his people of those days, who were primarily fishermen and traders.

Martand thus, captures a very high position amongst the exquisite architectural designs of the world and is considered to one of the most famed examples of the architectural skills of the Kashmiri people who took pride in their skills. They ensured that an equally perfect scenic spot was chosen as the place to erect this beautiful Temple that would one day be the pride of Kashmir as well, putting it in the map of architectural excellences on a global scale.

The temple was completely destroyed by Sikandar Butshikan in early 15th century. It took one year for Sikander Butshikan to fully damage and destroy this Martand temple.

Sikandar won the sobriquet of but-shikan or idol-breaker, due to his actions related to the desecration and destruction of numerous temples, caityas, viharas, shrines, hermitages and other holy places of the Hindus and Buddhists. He banned dance, drama, music and iconography as aesthetic activities of the Hindus and Buddhists and fiated them as heretical and un-Islamic. He forbade the Hindus to apply a tilak mark on their foreheads. He did not permit them to pray and worship, blow a conch shell or toll a bell. Eventually he went on burning temples and all Kashmiri texts to eliminate Shirk. Sikandar stopped Hindus and Buddhists from cremating their dead. Jizya (poll-tax) equal to 4 tolas of silver was imposed on the Hindus.

Today, the ruins of the King Lalit Aditya era seems to have vanished with time and only the remnants of this massive Martand Temple exists, which stands as testimony to the religious obeisance of the ancient inhabitants of Kashmir, who used this temple premises as their worship and pilgrimage ground.