Naranag Temple Complex (Wangath / Bhuteshwara)

Naranag Temple Complex, historically known as Sodaratirtha or Bhuteshwara, is a famous group of ancient stone temple ruins situated in Naranag village near Kangan in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled in the Wangath valley at the foot of Mount Harmukh, the site was built primarily during the 8th century CE under the patronage of Karkota King Lalitaditya Muktapida, with additions by Utpala King Avantivarman. The complex consists of two main groups of six temples each, constructed using massive local granite blocks in the classical Kashmiri architecture featuring trefoil arched niches, triangular pediments, and corbelled stone roofs. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Bhuteshwara), it served as an important pilgrimage hub for Kashmir Shaivism. It is a Monument of National Importance protected by the ASI.