Martand Sun Temple

Location:	Near Anantnag
Dedicated To:	Bhaskar, the Sun God
Constructed By:	King Lalitaditya, a King of Surya (Solar) dynasty

The Martand Sun temple is situated on top of a plateau, near the town of Anantnag. It is a medieval temple dedicated to Bhaskar, the Sun God. King Lalitaditya, a Kshatriya of Surya (Solar) dynasty, got the Martand Sun temple constructed to commemorate Surya. This beautiful Martand temple has a colonnaded courtyard, with the shrine in its center. Built with 84 columns, the temple offers a magnificent view of the Kashmir valley. Martand temple of Kashmir counts amongst the best and most memorable works of King Lalitaditya.

The architecture and style of the Martand Sun temple counts amongst the rare ones in the world. Built up of hard and square limestone, the Martand temple serves as a living proof of the skill and talent of the Hindu Kashmiris of the bygone era. Apart from the exquisite architecture, another attraction of the Martand temple is its picturesque surroundings. The temple, standing in a square field with the beautiful snow covered mountains serving as its backdrop, presents an awe-inspiring sight.