Martand Sun temple
Also called: Martand temple · Topic: Early Medieval North India: Harsha to the Rajputs · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Martand Sun temple is a ruined 8th-century temple to Surya, the Sun god. It stands near Anantnag in Kashmir. The Karkota king Lalitaditya Muktapida is credited with building it. It shows the typical Kashmiri style of temple building, with grey stone, a raised plinth and a large courtyard surrounded by columns.
Example
The main shrine stands inside a courtyard enclosed by rows of small cells and pillars. Its ruins are still visible on a plateau near Anantnag. The temple was badly damaged under Sultan Sikandar of Kashmir (r. c. 1389–1413).
Don't confuse with
- Konark Sun temple: built in Odisha by the Eastern Gangas in the mid-13th century. It is shaped like a giant chariot.