Pandrethan Temple is a 10th century shrine located on the left hand side of the cart road at
Pandrethan in
Srinagar District,
Jammu and Kashmir. The temple stands in the middle of a low spring and is said to be dedicated to either
Shiva or
Vishnu.
This well-preserved medieval temple is noted for its construction. The ceiling is rated as the best example of carving in stone in the entire valley. At the center, there is a depression measuring about 7 sq ft with only carved Yakshas. The overall structure is about 18 sq ft in area and is built in the mandapa model. The roof of the temple is of pyramidal type, whereas its monotony is relieved by an ornamental band of dentils which divides it horizontally into two-storied. There are four trefoiled ventilation apertures in the upper section of the pyramid, which resemble the architecture of Gandhara.
In the cellar, there are 9 stones arranged in the form of three overlapping squares. The pair of flying Yakshas, facing each other and holding a garland in their hands, are depicted in each triangle in the lowest squares. The base of the temple remains submerged for the greater part of the year. A remarkable feature of it is the string-course of elephants which runs round the temple and upon which the walls of the sanctum rest. There are various folklores giving different ideas about the age and the erection of this temple.
By road, Pandrethan Temple is accessible by travelling 3 miles from Srinagar, on the Anantnag cart-road. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station and the airport is Srinagar Airport.
