Parihasapura Temple Complex: The Lost Glory of Kashmir

Parihasapura Temple Complex: The Lost Glory of Kashmir
Introduction
Parihasapura, meaning "City of Joy," was the capital of Kashmir during the reign of King Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century. Located near Narbal, 14 kilometers from Srinagar, it stood as a testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural zenith of ancient Kashmir. The temple complex spanned over five acres and consisted of grand edifices dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist deities.

The Five Temples of Parihasapura

Mukta-Keshava Temple

This temple housed a golden idol of Vishnu and was considered the grandest structure within the complex.
Parihasa-Keshava Temple

Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was central to the spiritual practices of the time.
Mahavaraha Temple

Known for its depiction of Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) incarnation, this temple featured an idol clad in golden armor.
Govardhanadhara Temple

This temple enshrined a silver idol of Vishnu holding Govardhan Hill.
Rajavihara Monastery

A large Buddhist monastery with a quadrangular structure, trefoil arches, and accommodations for monks. It also housed a massive stupa built with elaborate carvings and adorned with precious metals.
Architectural Features
The temples were constructed using massive limestone blocks with finely dressed surfaces and precise joints. The structures featured:

Trefoil arches: Carved with images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
Colonnaded verandas: Supporting wide courtyards and circumambulatory paths.
Decorative elements: Pilasters, filleted torus moldings, and carved atlantes figures on the walls.
Massive stupas: With mortice holes for stone umbrellas.
Gold, silver, and copper were extensively used, with over 3,600 kg of silver and 62,000 kg of copper employed for creating idols and decorative elements.

Causes of Destruction

Decline in Political Importance

After Lalitaditya's death, Parihasapura lost its prominence as the capital moved back to Srinagar. This led to neglect and a gradual decline in the site's significance.

Destruction by Sikandar Butshikan

During his reign (1394–1416 AD), Sikandar Butshikan, infamous for his temple destruction campaigns, systematically demolished the temples of Parihasapura. The idols were melted, and the architectural materials were reused for other constructions.
Natural Calamities and Looting

Earthquakes and successive invasions further contributed to the destruction. Pilferage of building materials by locals has also been a persistent issue.

Current State
Today, the Parihasapura temple complex is a site of ruins. The remnants of its grandeur include:

Heaps of boulders and stone debris.
Foundations of the temples and stupas.
Sculptural fragments, including images of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Vishnu.
A dilapidated chaitya and quadrangle structure of the monastery.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has marked the site as a protected monument. However, restoration efforts remain limited. Signboards and partial restoration works were initiated in 2010, but the site still suffers from neglect and pilferage.

Significance and Call for Restoration
Parihasapura stands as a reminder of King Lalitaditya’s vision for a cultural and spiritual hub. Its ruins symbolize the historical and architectural legacy of ancient Kashmir. Efforts are needed to:

Prevent further pilferage of materials.
Restore and reconstruct the remaining structures.
Promote the site as a heritage tourism destination.
With proper preservation, Parihasapura can regain its place as a symbol of Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritual history.