ASI kick-starts revival of ‘Ancient marvel’ Awantiswami Temple in Pulwama
By: Sualiha Zubair
Srinagar: To preserve the rich heritage of nation, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under central government has embarked on a significant initiative to reconstruct and revive JK’s ancient Awantiswami temple. The temple is located on the banks of river Jhelum in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
Built by the Utappa dynasty’s king Awantiverman who ruled Kashmir in 9th century CE, the temple dedicated to God Vishnu holds immense historical and cultural significance for Jammu and Kashmir and religious devotees from outside the UT.
The restoration of the temple could be seen as a plan under the government’s vision of “Viksit Bhi Virasat Bhi”, which refers to safeguarding historic landmarks nationwide. Speaking about the recent developments, Mohammad Akram, a staff member from the Archaeological Survey of India, responsible for overseeing daily operations at the Awantiswami temple says that although reconstruction of the temple also took place multiple times in the last decade, serious efforts have been taken by the ASI since 2023.
Without altering the pre-existing structure, some new structures are being made around ensuring that these structures are sympathetic with the heritage character of the protected monuments and its surrounding area. “The government began with repairing damaged elements of the temple, then reconstructing missing parts based on historical evidence, and using some new concrete material wherever needed to ensure structural stability,” says Akram.
He adds that these changes are not merely a restoration project, the govt. has various plans to upgrade this place to a full-fledged tourist destination for which various steps have already been taken and will be taken in future. “A well- maintained park has also been developed around the temple to attract more visitors,” says Akram.
While briefing over the footfall of visitors, Akram says that people not just from India but foreign countries are visiting the temple now primarily due to the department’s efforts to maintain the place well.
“Since there is more awareness about the place due to internet and social media many tourists on their way to Pahalgam stop by and spend some time at this temple,” he adds. While sharing some exclusive data he informs that post-COVID there has been a sharp increase with about 42,039 Indians visiting in the year 2022-23. “On an average, around 1 lakh people from India and abroad visit the temple annually,” he concludes.
Locally called as the Pandav Lari, the monument has been declared of national importance under the Ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains act 1958.
Even today it reflects the architectural prowess of J&K from centuries ago. Natural disasters along with years of neglect had turned this revered site into ruins for a long time, prompting concerns about its preservation and continuity.
According to Ishfaq Qadir Bhat, a local resident, Awantiswami temple has been a part of tales they have heard from their ancestors.
“Upon the earliest excavations antique items such as a book, idols of god and coins were found at the place.” Ishfaq adds that it was the flood that hit Kashmir centuries ago which damaged the structure. “The stones of this temple are found deep inside the nearby Jhelum river even now,” he adds.
According to the information present with the National Monument Authority, Ministry of Culture, the temple was brought to light and revived during the large-scale excavation undertaken by the famous archaeologist of ASI, Daya Rama Sahni, in 1913, who did the second and most extensive round of excavations at the site.
His findings were first published in ‘Annual report of the archaeological survey of India 1913-14’ under title ‘Excavations at Avantipur’. During the excavations, a wide range of antiquities were found, including inscribed earthen jars, 108 copper coins issued by various rulers such as Toramana, Sultans of the Shah Miri dynasty, Durrani Afghan rulers and some manuscripts which are preserved at S.P.S museum Srinagar.
Beyond its historical importance, the revival of Awantiswami temple is also providing economic benefits for the town. The influx of tourists and pilgrims drawn to the restored site is already boosting the local economies and creating employment opportunities. “Whether it’s the shopkeepers, bus and sumo drivers, vendors or the local guides. Everybody is earning a good livelihood with the development of this temple,” concludes Ishfaq.
