Avantipur Ruins

Interest in heritage leads to observations and explorations beyond one's own neighbourhoods. One starts to value diversity and multiplicity of heritage and its manifestations across the length and breadth of India.

Avantipur Ruins

- By Janhvi Dahiphale

King Avantivarman, who ruled Kashmir from 853AD to 888AD built two temples- Avantiswami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Avantisvara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The two temples dating from 9th Century are only one kilometer apart. The Avantisvara Temple is renovated and now in use, however, Avantiswami Temple is now a ruin and that constitutes a part of the great heritage of India.

In 18th Century, Avantiswami Temple was excavated by the British. Some idols were taken to a museum in England but quite a few can still be seen in the SPS Museum in Srinagar.

The temple was buried under ground for centuries until the British carried out the excavation.
Today's ground level can be seen by the houses behind the temple.

The small columns outlining the temple were the small temples within
the Avantiswami temple as are found in most of the temples.

The Royal Family carved on the main stairs leading towards
the main base of the temple

This is a carving of King Avantivarman
himself along with his queens

The guide also told us that in the northern part of India you can find a lot of temples of Lord Shiva.
But it is difficult to find one of Lord Vishnu and this temple is one of them.