Kakapora Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Kakapora Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Kakapora Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Kakapora Town in Pulwama District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Jehlum River and Romshi, one of the tributaries of the Jhelum River. This temple is one of the less studied and unexplored temple in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is located close to Asian Masjid in Astan Mohallah Kakapora. Kakapora is often referred to as the rice bowl of Kashmir The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

Kakapora is a historical place associated with King Avantivarman of Utpala dynasty and finds mention in Rajatarangini, a legendary and historical chronicle written by Kashmiri historian Kalhana. The temple was built in 10^th century CE. The temple was under worship by Kashmiri Pandits till 1980’s. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The temple is built in the centre of a courtyard enclosed by peristyle. Only base of the sanctum and a few cells of the peristyle are preserved. A sculpture of a female (locals call this sculpture as Rani) and a bath tub can be found in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kakapora Railway Station, 6 Kms from Parigam Main Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Pulwama, 11 Kms from Awantipora, 24 Kms from Srinagar, 27 Kms from Srinagar Airport, 37 Kms from Anantnag and 245 Kms from Jammu. The temple is situated on Srinagar to Pulwama route via Pampore.

Location