I K Koul (Talib Kashmiri) · Apr 26, 2012

MAMAL (Village) or MAMLESHWAR (Temple)
The name given to a small temple of Lord Shiva (internal dimension being about 8' x 8') at village Mamal near Pahalgam where river Lidder divides into two branches is the ancient Mammeshwar or Mamleshwar as known presently, according to Amreshwar Kalpa. The Amreshwarmahatmya calls the Shiv Linga inside the temple as Mammeshwar and the village as Mamalaka. But the present Linga appears to be of much later period though its base or Pranali is of old origin. Jayasimha (1128 55 AD) offered a golden Amalaka (an ornament) to this shrine.
The small temple of typical Kashmiri architecture still exists on the hill above Mamal and is visited by the pilgrims of Holy Amarnath. The internal cella has an extended porch outside resting on stone columns. In front of the temple a 12 ft. square tank lined by stone slabs is fed by a fine spring issuing from underneath the temple base. The old stone boundary wall is in dismantled state except for a portion on the left side. However, of late the Archaeological Survey of India has taken some steps to preserve this ancient temple of historical importance.

Note : Self paid the latest visit to this temple in June 2011 and interacted
with several local people including its present caretaker a Muslim boy who provides necessary items of pooja and also extends help with good faith and reverence for the Deity.

I. K. Koul
(Talib Kashmiri)
April 26, 2012

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