Avantipura was an ancient city in Kashmir. Today, it is known as Awantipora. Avantipura is a town, just opposite of Pulwama city, on the banks of the river Jhelum in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The city was founded by King Avantivarman of Utpala dynasty of Kashmir. The city was first known as Vishvekasara and had been held sacred since early times. The city continued to retain its importance for some centuries after the reign of Avantivarman. He built a temple dedicated to Avantisvamin in the 9th century BCE.
Before ascending to the throne, Avantivarman, a notable
historical figure, commissioned the construction of a Hindu temple in
Awantipora that was devoted to the deity Vishnu. This temple, known as
"Avantisvamin," was erected during his pre-reign period.
Subsequently, during his rule, Avantivarman oversaw the construction of another
Hindu temple in Awantipora, named "Avantisvara," dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Both of these temples were situated within spacious rectangular paved
courtyards, showcasing the architectural and cultural significance of their
era.
Unfortunately, these splendid temples fell victim to the
ravages of time and were ultimately destroyed during the Middle Ages. The
remnants of these once-majestic structures lay buried and forgotten for
centuries.
In the early 20th century, the renowned archaeologist Daya
Ram Sahni undertook the excavation of these historical sites. His efforts
uncovered the long-lost beauty and historical importance of the Avantisvamin
and Avantisvara temples, shedding light on the rich heritage of the region and
the artistic achievements of the past.
The remains of about half a dozen temples were brought to
light at the site. Two of these temples, Avantisvara, a Shaiva shrine, and
Avantiswamin, a Vaishnava shrine, deserve special mention. Though all that remains
of Avanitshwara temple is only its foundation, there is sufficient evidence to
show that the temple was an imposing structure. A panchayatana (five-shrined)
temple, it consisted of a central shrine and four supplementary shrines.
Avantiswamin temple is smaller but better preserved than
Avantishwara temple. The five shrines are independent of each other.
The two temples bear testimony to the highly developed stage
of architectural art, as also the prosperity of the people during the reign of their
builder, Avantivarman.
A large number of sculptures have been found at the site. Of
these a Vaikuntha form of Vishnu image and an Ardharishwara image of Shiva are
exquisite pieces of sculpture. Other noteworthy things to be found there
include terracotta figurines and objects, potsherds and coins of kings of
different dynasties, mostly those who ruled over Kashmir.