A significant step towards the restoration of the historic Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, is set to take place with a high-level meeting scheduled for Monday. The temple, dating back to the 8th century and built by Hindu king Lalitaditya Muktapada, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance as one of Bharat’s oldest Sun temples. The meeting, convened by the Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Culture, aims to discuss measures for the protection, conservation, and restoration of ancient temples in Kashmir. Of particular focus will be the proposal to install a statue of Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida within the premises of the Martand Sun Temple.
The Martand Temple, revered for its architectural grandeur and historical importance, stands as a testament to Kashmir’s rich heritage. Belonging to the illustrious Karkota dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapada ruled Kashmir during the seventh century, as chronicled by historian Kalhana in his epic Rajatarangini. However, the temple faced devastation centuries later, purportedly on the orders of Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri.
Recent endeavors to revive the temple’s splendor have garnered attention, including the installation of a ‘kalash’ from Ayodhya at the Ram Temple within the premises of the Martand Sun Temple. This symbolic gesture, conducted with the participation of devotees from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, signifies the collective effort to preserve and honor ancient religious sites.
The forthcoming meeting underscores the commitment of authorities to safeguard and restore Kashmir’s cultural heritage. The visit of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to the Martand Sun Temple last month further emphasizes the significance attached to this endeavor. His participation in the Mahayagya organized by Shri Martand Tirath Trust, accompanied by prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity, reflects the spiritual and cultural resonance embodied by such historic sites.
As discussions unfold in the upcoming meeting, stakeholders anticipate collaborative efforts to ensure the preservation and revitalization of the Martand Sun Temple, reinforcing its position as a cherished symbol of India’s ancient spiritual legacy.
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