Govt initiates restoration efforts for Martand Sun Temple in J&K

Efforts to resurrect the grandeur of the ancient Martand Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district have been set in motion by the government. The temple, dating back to the 8th century and once a symbol of spiritual heritage, is poised for restoration after centuries of neglect.

A pivotal high-level meeting, scheduled for Monday, will mark a significant step towards the temple’s protection and conservation. Government officials will deliberate on strategies to safeguard this historical treasure and explore avenues for its restoration.
Among the agenda items is the proposal to install a statue commemorating Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida within the temple precincts. Lalitaditya Muktapida, an influential figure from the Karkota dynasty, played a pivotal role in the temple’s construction and represents an integral part of its legacy.

Quoting an official notification issued by the Jammu and Kashmir government, Hindustan Times reported, “Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Culture shall take a meeting to discuss the matter regarding protection/conservation/restoration of the ancient temples in Kashmir with the installation of the statue of Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida in the premises of Martand Sun Temple situated at Anantnag…”

The Martand Temple, revered as one of the oldest Sun temples in India, has endured centuries of tumultuous history. It is believed to have been razed on the orders of Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, yet its architectural remnants continue to captivate scholars and visitors alike.

In a symbolic gesture earlier this year, a ‘Kalash’ from Ayodhya was ceremoniously installed at the Ram Temple located on the Martand Sun Temple premises. This act of reverence underscored the temple’s enduring significance and the collective efforts to revive its spiritual essence.

The upcoming meeting follows a recent visit by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to the Martand Sun Temple. Sinha’s presence at the temple, where he partook in prayers and joined the Mahayagya organized by Shri Martand Tirath Trust, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

As stakeholders convene to chart the course for the temple’s restoration, hopes are high for a renewed chapter in the illustrious history of the Martand Sun Temple, heralding a renaissance of its spiritual legacy for generations to come.