MAMAL TEMPLE- PAHALGAM

Located on the hill top right to the Stream of Lidder River in Pahalgam, Mamal Temple dates back to 400 AD

MAMAL TEMPLE- Outer View

Path to the temple from the gate

Main view of the temple- water spring in front of the shrine

Left side view of the temple

Right side view of the temple

It is considered probably the oldest temple of Kashmir Valley. Kalhana’s Raja Tarangini mentions that the temple is built by King JayaSinha who adorned the temple with a golden Kalasa.

8 feet square pedestal with two vertical columns in the entarnce

An eroded sculpture on the right wall of the Mandapa

A similar eroded one on the left side of the Mandapa

It is an 8 feet square stone temple of Lord Shiva as Mameswara. A spring of pure water arises under the site of the shrine. 

Spring of water arising from under the Shrine 

It is believed that it is the same spring under which Goddess Parvati bathed and asked Lord Ganesha to safe guard the entrance and do not let anyone inside. Thus the name Mamal- “Mam mal” which means do not go.

Lord Shiva in the Garbagirha

Lord Shiva was denied entry by Little Ganesha which left him in fury. Shiva in anger decapitated Ganesha and later at the request of Parvati brought him back to life.

There was a conjoined twin bull with two heads joining into one body made up of black marble. The probable meaning of it is not understood but it was quite interesting. I never saw such a sculpture in any Shaivite shrine till now.

This I felt quite interesting.!! 

There was no priest in the temple at the time when I went. There were few local Kashmiri Muslims who guarded the temple who have no knowledge about the temple. I couldn’t get any further info about the temple.

our local guides

A J&K State Museum Board which gives some info about the temple

But overall, it was a good ancient monument to see.

FLORA OF THE KASHMIR VALLEY- PART 1

KASHMIR VALLEYS are abundant in flora. The rich vegetation is dominated by Evergreen Conifers. I captured plants which are abundant, which I could easily identify. 

There are many species which I captured but couldn't name them. I hope readers would help me in updating my knowledge about plants.

Himalayas with Coniferous Evergreen forests

Pinus wallichiana or Himalayan Pine- A Coniferous evergreen which is locally called as Nishtar in Pashto. It is a nonflowering tree and reproduction is by cones. 

A Pinus cone 

Cedrus deodara or Devadaru- A coniferous evergreen which is considered as a divine tree according to Hindu mythology. Darukavana is the forest of deodars. It is the state tree of Pakistan.

The mighy tall Deodars

Platanus orientalis or Chinar tree- This State tree of J&K is endemic to the valley and is the Living Heritage of Kashmir. It is locally known as Boonyi (goddess Bhavani). It is the source of lacewood. 

Chenar Leaves are presented in various enchanting colors through the cycle of seasons 

Aesculus indica or Indian Horse chestnut- It is used as cattle and horse fodder

WILD FLOWERS

Taraxacum or Dandelion

Seedhead- asexual reproduction by Dandelion

Leucanthemum Vulagare or Ox-Eye Daisy or Dog Daisy

Agents of Pollination

A Wild Bee on a Daisy

A field of Daisies

Primula species

In various colors

Lawn Daisy or Common Daisy or English Daisy

Ranunculus or Butter Cups

Blue flowered Lobelia

Trifolium pretense or Red Clover

Trefoil or Wild Clover

Evergreen Rose

WEEDS
Chickweed- Rhizomatous Perennial Plant

Milkweed- contains toxic cardiac glycosides

MISCELLANEOUS

Anyone can help me in naming them. 

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