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Forgotten Temples of Kashmir
Photo series Part-17 An effort to preserve and record Hindu cultural and religios heritage of Kashmir NARASTAN TEMPLE Exclusive images and report from a remote village in Kashmir provided for Shehjarby Chander M. Bhat |
arastan
Mandir, now in ruins, lies in the North-East of Avantipora, 16 km from
Tral town towards famous Aripal. The place of Narastan is famous for its
ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, standing against the backdrop
of lofty mountains of the Brariaangan Range. The name Narastan is the
deviation of the original Narayan Sthan (place of Narayan).
Architecturally, the temple claims a place of pride among many ancient
temples of Kashmir. Minor excavation work undertaken by Lawrence showed
existence of specimens of old sculpture. This stone temple is
distinguished for its architectural works; it is dissimilar from all the
other temples in the Kashmir Valley. Dating back to more than 1400
years. The interior compound measures about 8.6 feet square. An
interesting feature of the Narastan Temple is, it has no ceiling. The
courtyard measures 70 feet square. From the outer wall, there is a small
side entrance near the southwestern side. This circular shaped temple
is wholly constructed with stones in Gandhara style of architecture. The
temple is on a single base consisting of only four courses of stones.
At the top of the pediment, there is a figure that resembles a Garuda,
the king of birds, sacred vehicle to Lord Vishnu, who is half man and
half eagle with the power to acquire any shape. The main draw of the
temple is the trefoil arches on the peripheral of the shrine walls.
Another remarkable feature is the absence of any circumambulatory path
on top of the base. From the courtyard, a flight of four steps leads to
the shrine of Narastan. There is a stream of water that gushes down near
the front of the temple3. The main temple, except the roof, if very well preserved. The important features of the temple are:
Notes and References: 1. Place Names in Kashmir by B.K.Raina & S.L.Sadhu, published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai & Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, New Delhi, 2000. 2. Encyclopedia: Kashmiri Pandit: Culture & Heritage by C.L.Kaul, published by Ansh Publications, 2009. 3. Ancient Monuments of Kashmir by Ram Chand Kak, published by Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2000. 4. Kalhan’s Rajatarangini….A Chronicle of the Kings of Kashmir, Vol: II by Stein, Aurel, published by Motilal Banarasi Dass, 1979. |
Front Side of the temple |
Inner Roof |
Main Entrance |
Narastan temple complex |
Back side of the temple |
Courtyard of the temple |
aBase of a stone piller |
Right side of the plinth |
Temple Walls |
Temple ruins Author in the temple premises Author with a Gujjar Boy at Narastan |
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*Born on 20th March, 1960 in Murran a village in North Kashmir,
Chander M. Bhat is presently working as an Assistant Supdt. Posts, in
Department of Posts, Govt. of India. His articles regarding Posts and of
non-political nature stand widely published in various papers and
magazines of the country. A booklet 'How to Collect Stamps" published by
the Department of Posts, has earned him genuine accolades. He worked on
the project of tracing the roots of his co-villagers and of the village
Murran, resulting into the culmination of a widely acclaimed book
"Murran -My Village". Man with depth, Chander M. Bhat has also another
book, "Ocean by Drops" (collection of poems) in his vase having colorful
poems. His book "Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir", confirms his
researching capability. Various research papers like "The Splendor that
is Amarnath" and "Vitasta" The Sacred River of Kashmir" are valuable
additions to his works that has proved very fruitful and guiding force
in the exile period of Kashmiri Pandits community of which the author is
also a member. Presently the author is wor |
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Forgotten Temples of Kashmir Photo series Part-17
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