Avantishwar Temple, Pulwama

Avantishwar Temple is one of the most important monuments and religious sites situated in Jawbrari village of Pulwama district. This pilgrimage site is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation and Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. The temple was constructed during the 9th century by Raja Avantivarman, the first Utpala king, who also made this place his capital. At present, this temple lies in ruins.

Sandstone was used during the process of construction. This site was actually buried underground and was later excavated by the British in the 18th century. The British took some of the artefacts of the Avantishwar Temple during the excavation process. Tourists can find some other artefacts of this temple at Shri Pratap Singh Museum in Srinagar. Although the temple lies in ruins, travellers can still sight figures of gods and goddesses in different forms.