Colossal three faced Shiva (8th c. CE) Pandrethan, Kashmir
This massive Shiva sculpture in classical Kashmir style was excavated at Pandrethan (Puranadhisthana or ancient capital) near the Sri-Meru-Varddhana-swami temple - the best preserved Shiva temple of Sarvatobhadra style.
This massive Shiva sculpture in classical Kashmir style was excavated at Pandrethan (Puranadhisthana or ancient capital) near the Sri-Meru-Varddhana-swami temple - the best preserved Shiva temple of Sarvatobhadra style.
Pandrethan was part of the original site of Srinagar founded by King Pravarsena (4th c.). The temple was built on a lake, with sculptures of deities on ceiling & walls; the 2-tiered pyramidal Garbha Griha was stunningly beautiful reflecting the mastery of ancient Hindu artisans
It has 4 entrances with pedimented trefoil designs. Situated in the foothills of Zabarwan range, on Jhelum River, along with this massive Shiva Murti were found magnificent sculptures of Shiva Trimurti, Varaha, Indrani in a dancing pose & several Shiva Lingas.
Its relative inaccessibility helped the temple to escape complete destruction by Islamic invaders, but before the 1800s, it was converted into a Dargah by plastering over the Murtis & decorations - the commonest & easiest way for Muslims to misappropriate ancient Hindu temples.
It is thanks to the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army in Kashmir, that the site is so well preserved. They adopted the ancient excavation site of Pandrethan within Badami Bagh cantonment & after restoration, aptly named it ‘Dharohar’.
Large Shiva: Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Srinagar
Large Shiva: Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Srinagar
The colossal Shiva linga & other architectural remains for miles around Pandrethan indicate that it was part of a much bigger temple complex & city. This was the heart of ancient Srinagar as established by both historical accounts & the name itself which means "ancient capital"
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