The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor recently participated in a religious ceremony held at the Martand Sun Temple. This 8th-century Hindu temple is a recognized site of National Importance and is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India. It has been dubbed as one of the most remarkable remnants of the Karkota Dynasty.
Martand Sun Temple: A Site of National Importance
Located about five miles from Anantnag in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Martand Sun Temple, also referred to as Pandou Laidan, was built during the 8th century CE by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida. The temple is dedicated to Surya, the chief solar deity in Hinduism. The term “Martand” is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya.
Unfortunately, this masterpiece of architecture now lies in ruins due to its destruction by Muslim ruler Sikandar Shah Miri. Nonetheless, significant archaeological findings indicate that it was an embodiment of Kashmiri architecture, a fusion of Gandharan, Gupta, and Chinese architectural styles. Today, it features on the list of centrally protected monuments as Kartanda or Sun Temple.
Lalitaditya Muktapida: The Reigning Ruler of the Karkota Dynasty
Lalitaditya, born in 699 AD, hailed from the Nagvanshi Karkota Kayastha Dynasty of Kashmir, which was known for their contributions in the battlefield. Lalitaditya took over the Kingdom of Kashmir in the year 724 AD, during a period when the Arab invasion had begun in India.
Known for his strategic maneuvers, Lalitaditya successfully defended his kingdom against the Arabs. He led his army into war, conquering regions of Ladakh, and expanded his kingdom across central China, West, and South India. His imperial conquests earned him comparisons with Alexander the Great.
Much of Lalitaditya’s reign was marked by prosperity, leading to extensive infrastructure development in Kashmir, including temple constructions. Despite his strong adherence to Hinduism, Lalitaditya upheld religious tolerance and responsiveness to his subjects.
Highlights of the Karkota Dynasty
The Karkota Dynasty, established in the early 7th century, gained prominence in Central Asia and Northern India under Durlabh Vardhana’s leadership. The Hindu rulers of this dynasty were known for constructing spectacular temples at their capital, Parihaspur. Besides, they also patronized Buddhism, as evidenced by the stupas, chaityas, and viharas found in the ruins of their capital.
In summary, the religious ceremony at the Martand Sun Temple serves as a reminder of the grandeur of the Karkota Dynasty, the visionary leadership of Lalitaditya Muktapida, and the blend of diverse architectural styles that characterized ancient Kashmiri architecture.
