About Martand Sun Temple
The Martand Sun Temple stands on a high plateau near Mattan in Anantnag district of the Kashmir Valley. It was dedicated to Surya, the Sun god, who is also called Martanda. Though it is now in ruins and regular worship is not held inside, the massive grey limestone walls, colonnades and gateway still give a strong sense of its former grandeur. It is a protected monument of national importance and one of the most important heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmiri chronicler Kalhana, in his Rajatarangini, credits the temple to King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty, who ruled in the 8th century CE. Some accounts suggest that an older shrine already stood here and was enclosed within the larger complex. Later Kashmiri chronicles say the temple was deliberately damaged in the late 14th or early 15th century, during the rule of Sultan Sikandar; historians discuss the motives and the reliability of these sources. Earthquakes over the centuries caused further damage. The nearby spring at Mattan has long been a place of pilgrimage for Kashmiri Hindus, who perform rites for their ancestors there.
The plan is a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by a colonnade of fluted pillars and many small cells, which once held subsidiary shrines. In the centre stands the main temple, believed to have had a tall pyramidal roof typical of Kashmir. The western gateway is as wide as the temple itself and richly carved. Panels inside show deities such as Vishnu and the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. The style blends local traditions with Gandharan and Gupta influences, and the setting offers sweeping views across the valley towards the mountains.
Martand Sun Temple timings
Usually open from morning to evening as a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Martand Sun Temple
By air
Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is about 65 km away.
By train
Anantnag railway station, on the Kashmir valley line, is about 12 km away.
By road
The temple is reached by road from Anantnag or Srinagar via Mattan. Taxis are easily hired in Srinagar and Anantnag, and the site lies on the way to Pahalgam.
Festivals at Martand Sun Temple
- Herath (Maha Shivaratri), observed by Kashmiri HindusFeb/Mar
- Navreh (Kashmiri Hindu New Year)Mar/Apr
- Ratha Saptami (Surya worship)Jan/Feb
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- No formal dress code; modest clothing is respectful at this sacred site. Carry warm layers outside summer.
- Entry
- ASI-protected monument; an entry ticket may apply. Regular worship is not conducted in the ruined temple.
- Check the local situation and travel advisories before visiting.
- Visit in the morning for good light on the ruins and fewer visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the ground among the ruins is uneven.
- Do not climb on the walls or carvings; this is a protected monument.
- Combine the visit with Mattan spring, Achabal Gardens or a drive to Pahalgam.
Places to visit near Martand Sun Temple
- Mattan spring shrineSacred spring and temple of Martand in Mattan town, about 3 km away
- AnantnagDistrict town with markets and springs, about 8 km away
- Achabal GardensMughal-era garden built around a spring, about 15 km away
- PahalgamHill resort in the Lidder valley, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Martand Sun Temple?
According to Kalhana's Rajatarangini, it was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty in the 8th century CE.
Is worship held at Martand Sun Temple?
The temple is a protected ruin and regular daily worship is not held inside, though Hindus continue to venerate the site and the nearby Mattan spring.
How to reach Martand Sun Temple?
It is about 65 km from Srinagar airport and about 12 km from Anantnag railway station, reached by road via Mattan.
Which god is Martand?
Martanda is a name of Surya, the Sun god, to whom this temple was dedicated.
What are the Martand Sun Temple timings?
Usually open from morning to evening as a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Martand Sun Temple?
No formal dress code; modest clothing is respectful at this sacred site. Carry warm layers outside summer.
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