PandrethanThis
place is about 4 miles from Srinagar. Here was the old capital of Kashmir,
which was founded by king Ashoka of Buddhist fame. The word is a corrupt
form of Purana-old, adhishthan-capital. There is now a cantonment at this
pace. Not very far from the road there is a very low spring in the middle
of which stands a beautiful stone temple. The roof of the temple consists
of one stone artistically carved. This was erected by Meru, the minister
of kinz Partha who ruled ashmir from 921-931 A.C. It was dedicated to Vishnu
and was called Meru Vardhana Swami. It must have been a place of pilgrimage
in the olden times. Mention of it has been made in the Amar Nath Mahatmva,
but the place has now lost its sacred associations.
Text by: Samsar
Chand Koul
Pandrethan (near Srinagar). One of the few temples of Kashmir with
roof intact. Although miniature in size, it is ornate with structural symmetry.
10th century era.
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