In a landmark decision, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has opted to renovate the renowned Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, a site of great significance in the Hindu religion. Additionally, the government plans to install a statue of King Lalitaditya. The notification, signed by Neeraj Pandita, Under Secretary to the Government, has been released.

The official statement stated, "The Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Culture, will convene a meeting to discuss the protection, conservation, and restoration of the ancient temples in Kashmir, along with the installation of a statue of Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida in the premises of Martand Sun Temple situated at Anantnag."

Recently, a 'Kalash' originating from Ayodhya was installed at the Ram Temple located within the premises of the famous Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Residents, along with devotees from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, collaborated to place this 'kalash', which was among those dispatched to various Ram temples for this specific purpose.

In the previous month, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, visited the Martand Sun Temple, where he offered prayers. During his visit, he participated in the Mahayagya organized by the Shri Martand Tirath Trust, conveying prayers for the peace, progress, and prosperity of all.

The Martand Surya Temple believed to have been constructed in the 8th century AD, faced multiple attempts of destruction between 1389 and 1413. It is attributed to the Hindu ruler Lalitaditya, who dedicated it to the Sun God or Bhaskar.

Lalitaditya belonged to the Surya (Sun) Dynasty Kshatriya. The temple's construction exhibited unprecedented architectural expertise, employing the principles of Vastu science. Its design ensured that the Sun's rays illuminated the Surya idol throughout the day.

Historical documents indicate that the Martand Surya Temple in Kashmir was demolished on the orders of Muslim ruler Sikandar Shah Miri, also known as Sikandar Butshikan, due to his inclination towards attacking and destroying temples of non-Muslims.

The remnants of the grand Martand temple, constructed by Emperor Lalitaditya at the pilgrimage site of the same name, serve as a testament to the architectural skill of ancient Kashmiri Hindu builders, despite the challenges in locating cities, towns, and ruins from Lalitaditya's era.

Image source: Hindustan Times