Temple sculpture of Jammu and Kashmir forms an imperative element in the traits and individuality of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. From Amarnath Temple and Raghunath Temple to Vaishnodevi Temple, the state attracts thousands of pilgrims in groups all through the year, for the great religious significance is attached to this place.
Famous Temples of Jammu and Kashmir
Following are the famous Temples of Jammu and Kashmir:
Amarnath Temple: It is considered as Kashmir`s oldest existing temple, dating back to the 5th century. The temple is famous for a `Shiva-Lingam` which is a natural formation of ice.
Raghunath Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is a wonderful and exclusive temple in Northern India. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are several galleries with lakhs of `Saligrams` (the divine stone of Lord Vishnu).
Vaishno Devi Temple: This temple has the sculpture of the three forms of Goddess Vaishnavi here, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
Sudh Mahadev Temple: This small temple, devoted to Lord Shiva is a great piece of art. There is a natural black marble `Shiva-Lingam` and an idol of Goddess Parvati mounted on the idol of Nandi.
Avantipur Temple: It has wonderful piece of artwork. The key temple is popular for its amazing carvings. There is a sculpture of the royal family on the stairs leading up to the main shrine. Moreover, there are carvings of "Apsaras" as well on the stairs. From "Navagrahas" to the beautiful "Kinnara", the temple walls, floors and pillars are filled with wonderful piece of artwork.
Baboor Temple: The site is basically consisting of the ruins of six different temples. These temples are wonderfully decorated with carved idols of Gods, Goddesses, Celestial Dancers and Musicians. The sculptures of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva in Nartya Mudra, Bhairav, Bhrish vahan Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Surya can be found here.
Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji: The Gurudwara has a 3 feet long white marble statue of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a separate room. The statue and the whole Gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Partap Singh with a medieval style of construction.
Ranbireshwar Temple: Ranbireshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Raja Ranbir Singh, a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He established a seven-and-a-half feet high gemstone lingam in the temple. Apart from the main Shiva-Lingam, there are twelve other Shiva-lingams of crystal measuring from 15 to 38 inches.
Shankaracharya temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It dates back to 200 BC. As it was visited by the Adishankaracharya it has been since associated with him. The temple had minimal sculpture but is currently in a dilapidated condition.
