Description: Dedicated to Martanda (the Sun god), the sun temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida (724 -760 AD). The represents the apogee of Kashmir temple architecture and is unique for its dimensions and grandeur. It consists of courtyard with the principle shrine in the middle which stands on double base. The main temple is enclosed by 220 x 142 feet colonnaded peristyle. The peristyle contains 84 fluted columns. The entrance in the middle of western side of quadrangle faces in the sanctum. It has human figures, floral scrolls, pairs of geese and figures of Ganga, Yamuna and Vishnu. The walls are profusely decorated with pedimented niches. The main shrine has three distinct chambers and some of its walls are carved with images. It consists of an oblong, garbha graha (sanctum), antrāla and spacious mandapa. Two double chambered sideways flanking the mandapa are novel and special feature of the temple. The images carved on the sidewalls of antrāla and mandapa are of Ganga, Yamuna, Vishnu and other deities. There are also six subsidiary shrines in the courtyard. Fine dressed devri stone has been used in the construction of the temple. The large earthen jars within the compound, some of which are still in situ were unearthed during excavations. A beautiful garden has been developed.
Mythology: The worship of Sun god is famous from the Rigvedic era. We find it's importance in Martanda Brahman and Somāvalopanishad. Gāyatri Mantra is also a mystical worship of Bhargaswarūpa Martanda.
भास्वत्पुञजकरं प्रसन्न वदनं पीतम्बरालिकृतं । पद्मेचाभय पुस्तके जपवदी हस्तेदधानं विभुभ् ॥
सवर्ताग्निसमानकान्तिममंल नेववयोद्भासितं । देविभि परिवारिन्त च वरदे मार्तण्डनाथस्नमः ॥
During Satya Yuga, thirteenth Surya Martanda was born in the house of Kashyapa and Aditi with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. In the previous birth he was the son of Vikarna Muni and because of the curse he had to live in Satisar, the unfathomable water body. When Kashyapa, with the help of Vishnu converted Satisar into the captivating region called 'Kashmir', they found a radiant oval pinda (ball) with the inspiration of Parvati. This pinda was bore by Aditi, that she threw in the Satisar. Then Lord Vishnu with his chakra divided this into two part, from which comes a light-mass that became famous with the name of Martanda.
मृताद् अण्डात् आगतः इति मार्तण्डंः
The two parts of this oval pinda and famous as the ponds of 'Vimala' and 'Kamala' and are present still today. And the stream that came out of them became famous and Chakrasuta (Chāka)
How I reached there: I hired a taxi from Srinagar. As the temple is on the hill, the taxi driver asked for some extra money at the last moment...
Mythology: The worship of Sun god is famous from the Rigvedic era. We find it's importance in Martanda Brahman and Somāvalopanishad. Gāyatri Mantra is also a mystical worship of Bhargaswarūpa Martanda.
भास्वत्पुञजकरं प्रसन्न वदनं पीतम्बरालिकृतं । पद्मेचाभय पुस्तके जपवदी हस्तेदधानं विभुभ् ॥
सवर्ताग्निसमानकान्तिममंल नेववयोद्भासितं । देविभि परिवारिन्त च वरदे मार्तण्डनाथस्नमः ॥
During Satya Yuga, thirteenth Surya Martanda was born in the house of Kashyapa and Aditi with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. In the previous birth he was the son of Vikarna Muni and because of the curse he had to live in Satisar, the unfathomable water body. When Kashyapa, with the help of Vishnu converted Satisar into the captivating region called 'Kashmir', they found a radiant oval pinda (ball) with the inspiration of Parvati. This pinda was bore by Aditi, that she threw in the Satisar. Then Lord Vishnu with his chakra divided this into two part, from which comes a light-mass that became famous with the name of Martanda.
मृताद् अण्डात् आगतः इति मार्तण्डंः
The two parts of this oval pinda and famous as the ponds of 'Vimala' and 'Kamala' and are present still today. And the stream that came out of them became famous and Chakrasuta (Chāka)
How I reached there: I hired a taxi from Srinagar. As the temple is on the hill, the taxi driver asked for some extra money at the last moment...
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