Awantipora

Awantipora or Awantipur is a city and a municipal council in Pulwama district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated between Anantnag and Srinagar on NH 44 (former name NH 1A before renumbering of all national highways). Awantipora was named after Avanti Varman and had a number of ancient Hindu temples built by the king including the Avantiswami Temple. The ruins of temples constructed by Lalitaditya are also found in Awantipora. The temple sites are protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Awantipora
City
Remains of Awanti Swami Temple
Awantipora
Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Awantipora
Awantipora (India)
Coordinates: 33.92°N 75.02°E / 33.92; 75.02
Country India
Union territoryJammu and Kashmir
DistrictPulwama
Elevation
1,582 m (5,190 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total6,250
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationJK13
Sex ratio♂/♀
Websitepulwama.giv.in

Ancient temples

Awantipora has a number of ancient Hindu temples built by King Awanti Varman (AD 855- 883) when he chose the site as his capital.

Avantishwar temple located at Jawbrari in the centre of a courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded peristyle is dedicated to Siva on the banks of the River Jhelum (Vitasta). Less than a kilometre away is Avantiswamin temple dedicated to Vishnu. The Vaikunta Vishnu illustrated as frontispiece is said to be found in this temple. The two temples are quite similar structurally. The walls of the entrance are ornamented with sculptured reliefs both internally and externally.

The ruins of temples constructed by Lalitaditya, the emperor of Kashmir, are also located in Awantipora.

The temples are located at 33°55′24″N 75°00′46″E and 33°55′41″N 75°00′16″E. They are protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[1] Awantipora had a population of 6,250. Males constitute 59% of the population and females 41%. Awantipora has an average literacy rate of 48%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 78% of the males and 22% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. As per 2011 census of India, Awantipora has 35% Hindu and 65% Muslim population.

Air Force Station

Awantipur Air Force Station is situated near Awantipora at Malangpora about 5 km from Pulwama town.

See also

References
  1. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
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