About the Book

What happened to the glorious temples of Kashmir after repeated plunders by foreign mercenaries? How much does the world know or care about the beautiful temples of Kashmir?

Kashmir is not only the beauteous ‘heaven on earth’; it is also a victim of vandalism at the hands of intolerant fundamentalists. Innumerable holy caves, springs, shrines, and temples dotted the crown of India, most of which have been destroyed by plunderers or relegated to neglected oblivion by the majority.

Through in-depth research, Sopory has attempted to set straight generations of misrepresented historical facts about Kashmir. She has brought forth the ancient and lost cultural and spiritual wealth of Kashmir that has over the centuries faced multiple attacks. Not only does this book chronicle the legacy of Kashmir’s temples, it raises a fervent plea for remedial action. 

A comprehensive and painstaking effort to document Kashmir’s sacred heritage—existing, remnant, or decimated—this work should be viewed as a gut-wrenching plea for imperative and urgent remedial steps.

- Ashwin Sanghi, Bestselling author

Kashmir has been very critical to our ancient Indian civilisation, particularly for the Shaivite stream. And as all know, temples have been at the heart of our way of life. They were not just spiritual centres, but cultural and civilisations hubs, to keep the lifeblood of our ancient way flowing in a constant beat. It is no surprise therefore, that invaders repeatedly attacked our temples. The aim was not just wealth, but to wipe out that which keeps our culture alive. But history has been witness, that a civilisation does not die when it is attacked or defeated or its centres destroyed. A civilisation dies when its adherents forget. Avanti, through this book, is ensuring that we don’t forget. We must remember the great temples of Kashmir, for only when we remember, can we revive. My compliments to Avanti on this very important endeavour.

- Amish, Bestselling author, diplomat

What happened to Hindu temples during 14th–20th centuries in Kashmir is the theme of book by Avanti Sopory. She describes vividly the surviving early art and architecture remains of temples. It is a must read book to know how the rich cultural heritage became victim of vandalism at the hands of intolerant fundamentalists.

- D.P. Dubey, PhD, Professor, Department of Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology University of Allahabad