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Avantiswami Temple

Avantiswami Temple

Nestled on the banks of River Jhelum from the southeast of Srinagar, Avantiswami temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is in the town of Avantipora in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.Built during the 9th century AD by King Avantivarman of the Utpala dynasty, the temple is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, which are representative of the style of architecture that was popular during the medieval period in Kashmir. Though in a very dilapidated and crumbled state at present, the temple still boasts of a magnificent architecture that must have been a sight to see during its time.

The temple complex consists of two main shrines - one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. The main shrine of Lord Vishnu has a large image of the deity, which is believed to have been brought from Central India. It also has several smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The temple was excavated during the 18th century and numerous coins of copper were found from the site which belonged to the Shah Miri Dynasty and Durrani Afghan rulers. The temple and other Hindu temples in Kashmir are the product of the Shaiva and Vaishnava cults along with the seat of Sanskrit learning and literature that flourished in the Kashmir valley.

Over the years, the Avantiswami Temple has undergone several renovations and restorations. However, it has also suffered damage due to natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods. Despite this, the temple remains an important site for Hindu pilgrims and tourists who visit the region.

Timing and Entry Fees

  • Timing– 6am to 6pm
  • Entry Fees – INR20 for Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC visitors and INR250 for Foreign visitors
  • Location–National Highway 1A, Awantipora, Pulwama District, Jammu and Kashmir.

History

Standing proudly as a reminder of our glorious spiritual history amidst the scenic green views of the Kashmir Valley, the majestic Avantiswami temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnuand was built during the 9th century AD by King Avantivarman of the Utpala dynasty. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and hence erected two shrines for the deities. The Avantiswami temple for Lord Vishnu and the Avantishwara temple for Lord Shiva.

The temple is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, which are representative of the style of architecture that was popular during the medieval period in Kashmir. The temple complex consists of two main shrines - one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. The main shrine of Lord Vishnu has a large image of the deity, which is believed to have been brought from Central India. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. These temples have withstood the test of time and invasions that the town of Awantipora has faced which includes the attacks of Muslim rulers and the destruction faced by natural calamities.

In addition to its religious significance, the Avantiswami Temple is also important from an archaeological perspective. The temple complex is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of medieval temple architecture in the region. The intricate carvings on the temple walls depict various scenes from Hindu mythology and provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious history of the region. Excavated in the 18th century, the temple might have been a majestic structure during its time, with some pillars standing tall even today.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of two main temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The Avantiswami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands at the centre of an expansive oblong courtyard enclosed by four small shrines at its four corners. A pillared, open sided mandapa can be seen in front of the staircase of the main shrine within the Garudadvaja. The temple has excellent carvings and sculptures distributed along its walls and pillars which are an exquisite example of the ancient Indian architecture and art.

The temple is built on a raised platform and has a square plan with four entrances, eachfacing a cardinal direction. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings of various gods and goddesses, including Lord Vishnu in his various incarnations. The carvings also includescenes from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.

It is believed that the temple structure has sunk 20feet deep under the earth and that only the apex is visible now. The main shrine of the temple is constructed on a double base with four small shrines at four corners. The bases are still whole, but the sanctum has almost vanished. The original grandness of the temple has been lost and demolished and all that is visible now is the remains of the stunning architectural wreckage on the site.

Accommodation
  • Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi : Located about 32 km from Avantiswami Temple, this hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. It also features an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre.
  • The Orchard Retreat & Spa :  Situated about 34 km from the temple, this luxury resort offers spacious rooms and suites with mountain views. It also has an on-site restaurant, a spa, and a fitness centre.
  • Lemon Tree Hotel Jammu : Located about 35 km from Avantiswami Temple, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. It also features an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre.
  • Hotel Raghunath : Situated about 36 km from the temple, this hotel offers simple rooms with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. It also has an on-site restaurant and provides 24-hour front desk service.
  • Ramada Jammu City Centre : Located about 37 km from Avantiswami Temple, this hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. It also features an on-site restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a fitness centre.

Restaurants

  • Hotel Pine Spring Restaurant: Located about 4 km from the temple, this restaurant offers Indian and Chinese cuisine in a casual setting.
  • Taj Garden Retreat:Situated about 8 km from the temple, this restaurant offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, including a breakfast buffet.
  • Hotel Grand Valley:Located about 8 km from the temple, this restaurant offers a range of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes, as well as a selection of desserts.
  • Hotel Mughal Darbar:Situated about 9 km from the temple, this restaurant offers authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including dishes like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo.
  • Ahdoos Hotel:Located about 37 km from the temple in Srinagar, this restaurant is a popular local spot offering traditional Kashmiri dishes as well as other Indian and continental options.

Nearby Attractions

  • Martand Sun Temple: Located about 7 km from Avantiswami Temple, this ancient temple is dedicated to the sun god and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
  • Awantipora Ruins:Just a short walk from Avantiswami Temple, these ruins are the remnants of an ancient city that dates to the 9th century
  • Parihaspora:Located about 16 km from the temple, this archaeological site is home to the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery.
  • Kokernag:Situated about 35 km from Avantiswami Temple, this scenic spot is known for its natural beauty and hot springs.
  • Verinag:Located about 45 km from the temple, this town is home to a beautiful Mughal-era Garden and a natural spring that is said to have healing properties.
  • Srinagar:The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir is located about 30 km from Awantipora and is known for its scenic beauty, Mughal gardens, houseboats, and traditional markets.
BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit the Avantiswami temple complex in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, is during the summer months, from April to June, and during the autumn season, from September to November.

During the summer months, the weather in the region is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and temple visits. During this time, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and the lush greenery in the area.The autumn season, from September to November, is also an excellent time to visit the temple complex. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, and the region is known for its stunning fall foliage. This is a great time to witness the natural beauty of the region and to visit the temple complex.

How To Reach

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, which is about 28 km away from Awantipora. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple complex.
  • By Train:The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi railway station, which is about 276 km away from Awantipora. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple complex.
  • By Road:Awantipora is well connected by road to major cities in Jammu and Kashmir. Buses and taxis are available from Srinagar and Jammu to reach Awantipora.
Avantiswami Temple

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

WHO DESTROYED AVANTISWAMI TEMPLE IN KASHMIR?

Sikandar Shah Miri, the then invader and ruler of Kashmir, destroyed the Avantiswami temple along with many other Hindu temples of Kashmir valley.

WHO BUILT AVANTISWAMI TEMPLE?

Avantiswami temple was built by King Avantiverman of the Utpala dynasty and the then Hindu ruler of the Kashmir Valley.

IS THERE ANY ENTRY FEE FOR AVANTISWAMI TEMPLE?

Yes, there is an entry fee for the Avantiswami temple which is INR20 for Indians and INR250 for foreigners.

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