About Avantiswami Temple
The Avantiswami Temple stands at Awantipora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, on the old road between Srinagar and Anantnag, close to the Jhelum river. Today it is a ruin protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, but its massive stone walls, gateway and carved pillars still show how grand the temples of early medieval Kashmir were. Locals sometimes call such ruins Pandav Lari, the house of the Pandavas.
The temple was built in the 9th century by Avantivarman, the first ruler of the Utpala dynasty, who founded the town of Avantipura and made it an important centre. Historical tradition records that he built two temples here: Avantiswami, dedicated to Vishnu, and Avantishwara, dedicated to Shiva, whose ruins lie a short distance away. Kashmir in this age was a great centre of Sanskrit learning and of Shaiva and Vaishnava thought. In later centuries the temples were damaged and abandoned, and the site lay partly buried until it was excavated in the early 20th century.
The temple follows the classic Kashmiri plan. A central shrine stands on a raised platform inside a large rectangular courtyard enclosed by a colonnade of small cells. Fluted columns, trefoil arches and triangular pediments give the style its distinctive look, related to the earlier Martand Sun Temple. The gateway and the plinth carry fine reliefs, including figures of Vishnu and his consorts and scenes believed to show the royal patron. Visitors can walk around the courtyard and study the carvings at close range. Because the courtyard floor lies below the level of the road, the ruins come into view quite suddenly, which adds to the sense of discovery.
Avantiswami Temple timings
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Avantiswami Temple
By air
Srinagar airport is about 30 km away.
By train
Awantipora station on the Kashmir valley railway line is close by; Srinagar station is about 30 km away.
By road
The temple lies beside the national highway between Srinagar and Jammu, so buses and taxis pass right by.
Festivals at Avantiswami Temple
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Maha Shivaratri (Herath)Feb/Mar
- World Heritage WeekNov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors).
- Combine the visit with the nearby Avantishwara ruins and the saffron fields of Pampore.
- Morning light is best for photographing the carvings.
- Do not climb on the walls or columns.
- Check local travel advisories before visiting.
Places to visit near Avantiswami Temple
- Avantishwara Temple ruinsShiva temple built by the same king, about 1 km away
- PamporeTown famous for saffron fields, about 12 km away
- SrinagarCapital city with Dal Lake and Shankaracharya hill temple, about 30 km away
- Martand Sun TempleGrand 8th-century temple ruins near Anantnag, about 35 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Avantiswami Temple?
It was built in the 9th century by Avantivarman, the first king of the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir.
Which deity was Avantiswami Temple dedicated to?
It was dedicated to Vishnu; a separate temple nearby, Avantishwara, was dedicated to Shiva.
How far is Avantiswami Temple from Srinagar?
It is about 30 km from Srinagar on the highway towards Anantnag and Jammu.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, an ASI entry ticket is required, with separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors.
What are the Avantiswami Temple timings?
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Avantiswami Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended.
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