Eighth-century old Hindu temple discovered in Kashmir

Pilgrims going to Jammu and Kashmir will now have a new destination to visit, as an eighth-century temple has been discovered recently with only its pyramid shape rooftop seen above water.

Manasbal (J-K), Sep 1 : Pilgrims going to Jammu and Kashmir will now have a new destination to visit, as an eighth-century temple has been discovered recently with only its pyramid shape rooftop seen above water.

Situated in the Manasbal Lake, the temple is located about 32 kilometres away from Srinagar.

The tourist department of the area stumbled on the ancient temple during excavation work. About 8 to 9 feet of the temple structure was below water.

Rising water flows caused by constant digging, however, is hampering the work.

Tourism authorities say they are working in tandem with the State archaeological department to ensure preservation of the heritage site.

We have taken the experts' opinion on how to proceed in the matter so that the temple's architecture does not get disturbed. This place has become a new attraction for Amarnath pilgrims," said Nazir Ahmad Mir, Chairman Manasbal Development Authority.

The site falls enroute to the Amarnath cave, a revered pilgrim destination.

The state tourism department believes the temple will be a new attraction for the pilgrims and tourists alike.

Some locals said they had an opportunity to go inside the temple and see the carvings and the sculptures inside the temple's dome.

"I think 5-8 people can go inside at a time. I saw five sculptures inscribed in the dome structure inside the temple," said Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident who went inside the temple.

The temple is believed to have been built in honour of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction as some shivlings (phallic symbols) have been found in the temple.

ANI