Buniar Stone Temple (Bhaniyar Temple)

Buniar Temple (also spelled Bhaniyar or Buniyar Temple) is widely recognized as the single best-preserved ancient stone temple in Kashmir. Located near Rampur along the Baramulla-Uri road in Baramulla district, the temple was constructed during the 8th to 9th century CE during the Karkota era. Built entirely of dark granite blocks rather than typical limestone, it features a complete surrounding peristyle courtyard (prakara) composed of 53 stone cells, accessed through an imposing trefoil-arched gateway. The central sanctum, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands on a high double-tiered molded plinth and retains its original stone pediment roof. It is an ASI-protected Monument of National Importance.