Temples of Tranquillity (Exlporing Kashmir's Sacred Sites)

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About the Book The Kashmir Valley, strategically situated at the crossroads of the Silk Route where Himalayan culture converges with influences from the east, west, south and north, boasts a rich cultural landscape shaped by millennia of interactions with Afghanistan, China, Tibet and India from the prehistoric period. This unique location has cultivated a distinctive cultural identity as a result of exchange. This is exemplified by the Naranag Temple Complex and other art and architecture of Kashmir Valley.

This book invites you to uncover this hidden gem of Kashmir, exploring its evolution from the Mauryan period to the present. The 8th-century Shiva temples at Naranag showcase a stunning blend of architectural grandeur and spiritual depth. Through meticulous research and personal insights, the author reveals the complex's historical journey, its fusion of local and foreign styles, and its pivotal role in Kashmiri culture and Shaivism and relationship with other philosophies in the Indian subcontinent. Combining vivid storytelling with documenting thorough analysis, this work celebrates a cherished piece of Indian heritage, inviting readers to rediscover the enduring legacy of prehistoric Kashmir till temple complex that continues to inspire and captivate.

About the Author Sarla (Rashmi) Bhirud (b. 1971) is a renowned academic and prolific writer with a background in Zoology, Mass Communication, Indology, and Archaeology. Her vast corpus of work encompasses many genres, such as poetry in Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu, in addition to important essays and social media posts that significantly advance history and archaeology. Sarla's literary skill and scholarly understanding are evident in her publications, which also demonstrate her strong dedication to investigating and conserving cultural heritage. Her love of exploration and the natural world is evident in her writing, which inspires readers and enhances the literary canon. She is an enthusiastic hiker and wildlife enthusiast.

Preface While studying at Deccan College for my M.Phil. in archaeology, my topic of thesis was "Unknown temples at Bhusawal taluka at Khandesh at Maharashtra." So I was familiar with temple architecture and religions aspects attached to it. While trekking at Kashmir great lakes, at last day of trek, I came across the remains of this temple complex, Naranag temple complex at Wangath, when I saw it, suddenly it a was great excitement and eager to learn more about it. This temple was studied widely but not much known or popular as other temples in Kashmir, some questions raised in my mind. So I decided to write about it and interestingly it was Shiva temple and I was much curious to know more about Kashmiri Shaivism this text is the result of it.

Introduction Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost State of India consists of three divisions Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. It shares a border with Himachal Pradesh to the south, Pakistan to the north and west and the People's Republic of China to the northeast and east. However, the Kashmir Valley lies between the Karakoram and the Pir Panjal mountains of the Himalayan chains. The altitude of the region rises steeply from 305 m. to 6910 m. above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The presence of high mountains like the Pir Panjal, the Zanskar and the Karakoram cause different weather conditions at different places. The summer monsoonal winds from the east bring considerable rainfall in the plains and hills during the summer season while the Mediterranean winds from the west cause heavy snowfall and rainfall in the Valley during the winter. These geographical peculiarities and the climatic conditions deeply influenced and shaped the architecture of Kashmir, both secular and religious. Kashmir's culture is different and unique due to its strategic location, which connects China, Tibet, Arabia, and its geographical features. The Silk Route just touched it, making it one of the connecting centers of the Silk Road network, thus incorporating cultural essence from people of different areas and walks of life. High standards of living and a rich culture characterize Kashmir. Lalitaditya Muktapida was indeed a notable Kashmiri king, known for his military prowess and expansionist policies. He successfully repelled Arab invasions into Kashmir during his reign in the 8th century CE, consolidating and extending his rule over a vast territory.