Bandi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Bandi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Bandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bandi village near Uri Town in Baramulla District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Temple is also called as Datta Mandir (ruined temple). The temple is situated on the banks of Jhelum River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 10^th Century CE. The temple housed an idol of Lord Vishnu in its sanctum, but it was broken by raiders in 1947. Lt. Col. Kamal Kant of Gorkha Rifles installed a marble idol of Lord Shiva in 1992.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards north east. It is built with green limestone. It housed an idol of Lord Vishnu in ancient times. The original idol was broken and only the pedestal can be seen currently. It houses a marble idol of Lord Shiva in its sanctum now. The jambs of the shrine were decorated with half-engaged columns, remnants of which may still be seen in the south-western corner of the peristyle.

There are two small shrines similar to the main shrine can be seen in the north-western corner of the courtyard. The bases of the columns which supported the trefoil arch of the gateway are still in situ. Fragments of columns as well as their beautifully carved capitals are lying about in the compound and the area outside the gateway.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Mahurra, 5 Kms from Uri Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Uri, 25 Kms from Buniyar, 43 Kms from Baramulla, 95 Kms from Srinagar, 103 Kms from Srinagar Airport and 359 Kms from Jammu. The temple is situated on Baramulla to Uri route (NH 1) very close to Uri town.

Location