About Martand Sun Temple:

• It is a Hindu temple located near the city of Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is dedicated to the Sun God. Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya.
• It was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida around the 8th Century CE. Lalitaditya Muktapida was the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty. 
• Features:
• It has a unique architecture where the local Kashmiri style is blended with the architectural styles of Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek.
• The temple is located on top of a plateau and has been constructed entirely out of stone.
• It stands in the middle of a large courtyard with 86 fluted columns. The courtyard is connected to the main shrine, where Sun God’s idol was installed. 
• The construction of the main shrine was such that during most of the days’ time, especially during sunrise and sunset, the rays would directly fall on the idol. 
• The central shrine, or vimana, stands tall at around 60 feet. It features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various Hindu gods and goddesses. 
• There are 84 smaller shrines around the main Sun Temple. They are lined along the perimeter of the complex. 
• The temple is believed to have been demolished by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, who ruled Kashmir from 1389 to 1413.