Krimachi Group of Temples in Udhampur, Jammu, J&K, India

Krimchi temples is a complex of seven ancient Hindu temples in the Udhampur District of the Jammu Division in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located on bank of a stream Birunala in village Krimachi, 12 km from Udhampur. This group of temples is locally known as the Pandava Temples.

History

Architecture of a Krimchi Temple's spire
Krimchi Temples as seen from the Krimchi Fort

According to the Archaeological Survey of India these temples were constructed during 8 to 9 century AD.[1] The temples were constructed in stages. It appears that temples No. 6 and 7 were damaged several centuries ago.[2]

Local belief holds that they go back to the protagonists of the Mahabharata War,[3] or a late Pandava dynasty that ruled in Jammu and Kashmir (speculated by Alexander Cunningham). According to legendary accounts, Raja Kichak was said to be creator of the town Krimchi and the kingdom. It is also said pandavas in exile remained there for a long period. As the temples were built in 8th century, these temple complex reflect the profoundness of Indo-Greek architecture.

Complex

Pillared Mandapa in Krimchi temples

The complex consists of four large and three small temples. The main temple is 50 feet tall and is dedicated to Hindu deities including Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu and Parvati. The architecture resembles classical Kashmiri temples of India.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Krimchi Temples - Remnants of an era".
  2. ↑ "Krimchi temple complex". Dailyexcelsior.com. 21 June 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  3. ↑ "The LOST Temples of Krimchi..." Sid-thewanderer.com. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  4. ↑ "Ancient Krimchi Temples | Udhampur | Jammu Darshan". Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
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