Manasbal Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Manasbal Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Manasbal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Manasbal village in Ganderbal District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of Manasbal Lake on the Jhelum Valley. It is partially submerged in the Manasbal Lake during the greater part of the year. It is stated to be a new pilgrimage attraction for pilgrims who visit the cave shrine at Amarnath and the Kheer Bhawani temple at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple was believed to be built in 9^th century CE by Avantivarman (Shankaravarman), founder of Utpala dynasty.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of Manasbal Lake. The temple had been constructed in local grey stone. It is a submerged stone temple with unique double pyramidal roof with triangular pediment on the western side. The lower half of this temple was buried under earth. The cornice of the lower roof, and the horizontal band which divides it from the upper storey, are decorated with series of dentils and metopes.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Ganderbal, 29 Kms from Bandipora, 29 Kms from Srinagar, 29 Kms from Pattan Railway Station, 39 Kms from Srinagar Airport, 41 Kms from Srinagar Railway Station and 295 Kms from Jammu. The temple is situated on Ganderbal to Bandipora route.

Location