J&K govt to restore 8th century Martand Sun temple in Anantnag. All you need to know

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Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag which was destroyed centuries ago, will finally be restored for devotees and visitors. A high-level meeting of government officials, set to take place on Monday, will make a final decision on the protection of the temple.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir news: Avalanche hits near Hung; several tourists stranded According to the official notice informing about the meeting, the officials will also discuss the installation of the statue of Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida on the premises of Martand Sun Temple. “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, in his office chamber (Room No 2/40) Civil Secretariat, Jammu on 01.04.2024 at 2:30 pm," Hindustan Times quoted the notification issued by Jammu and Kashmir government.

Also Read: Centre to revoke AFSPA Act, reduce troops in Jammu and Kashmir: Amit Shah The grand temple was built in the 8th century king Lalitaditya Muktapada stands tall as the oldest Sun temple in India. The ASI-protected monument is a symbol of invaluable ancient spiritual heritage.

The 1200-year-old grand temple was believed to be destroyed on the orders of Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri. King Lalitaditya was from the Karkota dynasty that ruled Kashmir in the seventh century.

The epic Rajatarangini, revolving around the history of Jammu Kashmir also found mention of the Karkota dynasty. In January, a ‘Kalash’ from Ayodhya was installed at the Ram Temple on the premises of the famous Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag