Shiva Temple, Payar, Jammu and Kashmir
Payar Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kakapora Payar village near Pulwama City in Pulwama District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
History
The temple was identified as
Narendrasvami temple, built by Narendraditya (483 – 490 CE) by General
Cunningham was incorrect. The temple is believed to be built in 11th
century CE based on its architectural style.
The Temple
The temple is 8 sq. feet internally and is about 21 feet tall including the base. The temple is open on all sides but is reached only by a flight of steps on the eastern side. It houses a Shiva Linga in its sanctum. It consists of a double pyramidal roof with triangular pediments on all the four sides enclosing a trefoil arch. The other sculpted reliefs on the exterior include, geese, bulls and decorative bands.
Lakulisa can be seen in the eastern
trefoil niche, six-armed Nataraja carrying trident & Khatanga, dancing to
the tune of male drummer and female flute player can be seen in the western trefoil
niche, three headed Lord Shiva accompanied by Aghora and Uma can be seen in the
northern trefoil niche and Gaja Samhara Moorthy can be seen in the southern trefoil
niche.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5
Kms from Pulwama, 5 Kms from Pulwama Main Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Awantipora
Railway Station, 14 Kms from Awantipora, 23 Kms from Shopian, 30 Kms from Anantnag,
34 Kms from Srinagar, 34 Kms from Srinagar Airport and 244 Kms from Jammu. The temple
is situated on Pulwama to Awantipora route.
The fact that Lord Shiva is dancing suggests that there was a rich culture of dance and music in ancient kashmir something like bharatanatyam
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