The Sharda Temple, located in the picturesque Neelum Valley, is a significant historical and cultural site. Positioned on the left bank of the Neelum River, at the meeting point of Madhumati and Neelum’s ancient rivers, the temple is highly revered for its spiritual importance.
According to the Rajatarangini, this confluence is considered sacred for the Sharda pilgrimage (Stein 1900: 282), and the Nilamata Purana underscores the ritualistic significance of the Saraswati rivers in Kashmir (Kumari 1969: 35; Pandita Ravinder, personal communication, November 17, 2015).
According to the Rajatarangini, this confluence is considered sacred for the Sharda pilgrimage (Stein 1900: 282), and the Nilamata Purana underscores the ritualistic significance of the Saraswati rivers in Kashmir (Kumari 1969: 35; Pandita Ravinder, personal communication, November 17, 2015).
However, the Sharda Temple faces serious challenges. Reaching the site is difficult due to the poor condition of the approach road, which often forces visitors to walk across rugged terrain. Even after arriving, the temple’s state reveals a critical need for preservation and maintenance.
Once a prime example of ancient architecture, the temple now suffers from severe decay. Many of its structures are deteriorating, and valuable artifacts have been damaged or lost over time, including the sacred Seri Chakra slab, which has been missing since at least 1892.
The lack of active preservation efforts makes the temple increasingly vulnerable to further damage. Without immediate and effective conservation measures, the Sharda Temple’s rich historical and cultural legacy is at risk.
The temple’s decline not only signifies the loss of a significant historical site but also impacts the collective memory and cultural identity of the region. Urgent action is needed to protect and preserve this invaluable heritage for future generations.
This article draws on comprehensive research by Dr Rukhsana Khan, Assistant Professor of Art & Design at the University of AJK, Muzaffarabad, to better understand the Sharda Temple’s significance and historical context. Dr Khan’s detailed study provides insights into the temple’s importance, architectural development, and broader cultural impact.
Dr Khan’s research traces the Sharda Temple’s significance back to Kashmir’s early history, starting with the Suryavanshi (solar) dynasty and its notable ruler, Gonanda I. She notes, “Historical records on birch bark from the reign of King Zain-ul-Abidin document twenty-five kings from the Pandu dynasty” (Stein 1900: 61; Sufi 1940: 20; Parmu 1969: 35).
The Kushanas‘ influence, marked by King Ashoka’s contributions to stone architecture and sculpture, is evident in the region, with Kushana coins found near the Sharda Temple (Stein 1900: 336).
Dr Khan explains that “the decline of Kushana rule in 178 CE led to the resurgence of the Gonanda Dynasty under Gonanda III, which saw the restoration of Hinduism and the destruction of many monasteries in Neelum (Kishenganga)” (Koul 1990: 23-25; Ray 1969: 36).
The White Huns’ invasion in 528 CE further contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Kashmir. By 580 CE, Hindu King Pravarasena II established the city of Pravarapura (now Srinagar), and the Sharda Temple became part of the broader cultural and religious landscape influenced by King Lalitaditya Muktapida (Ray 1969: 46-48).
Dr Khan’s research also details the temple’s architecture based on Stein’s 1882 examination and subsequent studies. The temple featured “a square room with a west-facing door and columns resembling the Greek Doric style, reflecting a trabeated architectural style prevalent in Kashmir and northern India” (Brown Percy 1942: 189-192; Neve 1947: 80-81).
By 1872, the temple had no permanent roof, and temporary materials were used for protection. The oldest photograph from 1892 shows wooden planks on top of the temple (Pundit Ashok, personal communication, May 4, 2015).
Additionally, Dr Khan’s study identifies the Sharda Temple’s sacred stone slab, or Seri Chakra, which was missing by 1892 (Stein 1900: 286-287). McEwen’s 2005 study suggested that the Seri Chakra symbolized the universe’s creation and had significant religious value (McEwen 2009: 17-37).
Known as Sharda Kund, this slab was associated with the Hindu Goddess Sharika in Kashmiri legends (Pundit Omkar, personal communication, March 2, 2015).
Dr Khan’s comparative study places the Sharda Temple within the context of regional architectural styles. For example, she notes that the Martand Temple in Srinagar, built during King Lalitaditya’s reign in the 7th century CE, shares similar characteristics with the Nagara style, prominent in north Indian and Kashmiri Hindu temple architecture (Meister 1979: 204; Samad Ahmad 2015).
The Vesara style, seen in temples across the Salt Range in Punjab, also shows architectural similarities with the Sharda Temple (Brown 1942:185-188). Temples like Mandhol and Dera in the region demonstrate architectural continuity with the Sharda Temple, highlighting its significant place within a broader cultural and architectural tradition (Report TIAC 2013-14; Neve 1945:81-82).
Dr Khan’s research also includes findings from the 2012-2014 survey by the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, which uncovered various artifacts at the Sharda Temple site. These findings include pottery, a Ganesh head, and coins. The Ganesh head, made of grey schist stone, was likely part of a pillar’s capital (Fig: 15).
Four copper coins were discovered, including one from the Kushana period (140-180 CE) and others from the Muslim period (Fig: 16). Additionally, terracotta bricks and a fragmentary pipe were found, suggesting earlier structures at the site (Fig: 17).
In an enlightening interview, Dr Khan provided further insights into the Sharda Temple’s historical and archaeological significance. She explained, “Kashmir was historically known as Sharda Peet or Sharda Desh, celebrated as a prominent center of learning.”
Dr Khan played an active role in the pioneering excavation conducted between 2012 and 2014 under Prof (Dr) Muhammad Ashraf Khan, which shed new light on the temple’s role.
Dr Khan emphasized that “Kashmir’s civilization dates back to the 4th millennium BCE,” supported by prehistoric tools suggesting advanced agricultural techniques. These tools, authenticated between 2020 and 2021 by Chinese professors, linked Kashmir to the Tibetan Cultural Zone and revealed a robust network with Central Asia.
She also noted the historical connection between Kashmir and Central Asia, highlighted by the traveler Huientsang, who journeyed from Muzaffarabad to Srinagar, learned Buddhist teachings, and witnessed the Third Buddhist Council.
Dr Khan underscored the importance of ancient texts like the Rajatarangini in confirming the Sharda Temple’s significance. Historical accounts mention a battle near the temple and its involvement in various religious and political shifts, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
She added, “The Sharda script, thoroughly documented by scholars, further establishes Kashmir as a center of learning.”
Despite the current structure dating from the 7th century CE, Dr Khan clarified that it is not the original learning center. She explained, “The area around the temple, including old terraces leading to Srinagar, indicates a larger, historically significant structure that served as a major cultural hub. The original site has undergone considerable changes due to deliberate destruction and reconstruction over time.”
Dr Khan expressed caution about the pre-1947 view of Sharda as a major Hindu mythological site. She referred to Sir Aurel Stein’s 1892 observations, noting the area was “barren with no significant religious activities.” However, she acknowledged some local respect for the site around 1920, though not on the scale of major events like the Amarnath Yatra.
Dr Khan concluded, “The broader significance of the Sharda Temple as a center of learning and a site of religious importance for various communities is undeniable,” highlighting its lasting legacy in Kashmir’s cultural and educational history.
In response to the need for preservation, Chaudhry Mehrban, the Director General of the Tourism and Archaeology Department, commented, “Efforts are underway to protect this archaeological site.”
He mentioned that the protection project has been included in the current fiscal year’s annual development program, and a proposal has been submitted to the government for approval. He assured, “Once the project is approved, we will implement it to safeguard the Sharda Temple and ensure its preservation for future generations.”
Have you liked the news article?