The Jammu and Kashmir Archives and Archaeology department has accelerated the restoration of the Sugandesha Temple in Pattan, a 9th-century masterpiece built by King Sankaravarman. The shrine, known for its distinctive peristyle and fluted columns, is undergoing a meticulous reconstruction to stabilize its heavy stone portico and preserve its intricate decorative friezes.
This project is part of a broader push to revitalize ancient Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites across the Kashmir Valley. Officials are working closely with conservation architects to ensure that the structural repairs use traditional materials that match the original limestone construction. The project also aims to address local land concerns, balancing the need for archaeological protection with the livelihoods of the surrounding community in the Baramulla district.