Martand Sun Temple, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir India

Martand Sun Temple was dedicated to Surya(Sun-god) is now in ruins and the original site of temple is located near Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Martand is another name for Hindu Sun-god in Sanskrit. The Martand Sun Temple was built by King of Karkota Dynasty - Lalitaditya Muktapida in 8th century AD.It is said to have been built during 725-756 AD.The foundation of the temple is said to have been around 370-500 AD., and also some attributed the construction of the temple began with Ranaditya.

 The temple was built on top of a plateau from where one can view whole of Kashmir Valley. From the ruins and archeological findings, one can say it was an excellent specimen of Kashmir style of architecture, which had blended the Gandharan, Gupta, Chinese, Roman, Syrian-Byzantine and Greek forms of architecture. This beautiful Martand temple has a colonnaded courtyard, with the shrine in its center, which is 220 feet long and 142 feet broad. It was surrounded by 84 small shrines.

The temple was completely destroyed by Sikandar Butshikan in early 15th century. It took one year for Sikander Butshikan to fully damage and destroy this Martand temple.