Pandrethan Temple

Pandrethan or Puranadisthana (means old capital city) is a place close to Badami Bagh Cantonment, 3 km from Srinagar in its South. Now a day it is called Paani (water) Temple.

In ancient times, the place was known for Ashoka’s capital city and the ancient Srinagari mentioned by Kalhana which is non-extant now. It was also known for the ancient temple, built during the reign of King Partha, by Meruvardhana, who dedicated this temple to Mahadev under the tile Meruvardhana Swamin. During the reign of Abhimanyu, the old city was destroyed by fire but the temple survived.

The preserved temple of Pandrethan, which is mandapa type, open on all the four sides and situated on the left side of the National Highway, stands in the middle of a tank of 40 mts. square; with water about 4 feet deep and the temple measures 18 feet square with a projection portico on each side. The plinth of the temple remains submerged almost throughout the year. The water of this tank comes from a spring which is oozing on the north side of this tank. The temple has a pyramidal roof, containing 9 stones arranged in three overlapping squares, with carving on it and the floor paved with stones, in the centre of which is supposed to have been a pedestal for the image worshipped. The ceiling of the temple represents a fine example of stone carving found in Kashmir. According to Dr. Ernest Neve, “The ceiling of the domed roof is remarkable as it is covered with sculpture of purely classical design. The date of this temple is early tenth century”. The temple is surrounded by a grove of willows and Chinar trees. A number of relics have been found at this site. These include the images of Chamunda, Indrani, Vaishnavi and Buddha, which are not part of SP Museum, Srinagar. William Moorcroft, George Trebeck, G.T.Vigne and A. Cunningham had visited this temple. A Cunningham also noticed ancient remains, which includes carved stones, old pottery extending for a long stretch.

At present this temple is being maintained by Indian Army.