Naranaag

Naranag is a tourist village in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. It is located at a distance of about 8 km from Kangan. It is famous for its serene meadows, lakes, and mountains. Kangan is also the base camp to trek for Mount Haramukh 16,870 ft (5,142 meters), Satsar (the seven lakes), and Gangabal Lake. Furthermore, it is also a base camp for Gadsar lake, Vishansar Lake, and Krishan Sar lake, although the trek takes about 5-7 days. The village lies at the bank of the Wangath river. The river wangath is one of the tributaries of the Sind River. There is also a Tourism hut at Naranag.

Naranag Temple:

The Naranag temple is one of the main attractions for tourists who visit Kashmir. It is one of the important archaeological sites in India. The place has a cluster of temples that face each other at a distance of about 200 meters between them. Archaeologists consider the temple to be of Shiva and believe that it was constructed by Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century, of the Kayastha Naga Karkota Dynasty. In addition, king Awantivarman is believed to have donated a pedestal for bathing at the temple.

Another version of history :

The Naga Karkotas constructed the temple. Naga kartokas were the Hindu Kashmiri Kayasthas of the Naga sect. Hence, the name “Naranag”. Nagas used to pay respect to the serpents. They used to do sadhanas here. The architecture of the temple reveals the art of the 8th century. Furthermore, The temple has walls to protect it from encroachments. Only the ruins of the temple are left now and only faint traces have survived. Furthermore, The temple has an Aryan architectural structure.