Type: Monument - Temple
Province: Azad Jammu and Kashmir
District: Kotli
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 18th-19th Century CE
Description: The site is located 4 km east of village Kaini Bayan metal road, on the bank of a small stream. Kaini Bayan village is situated in the north east of the stream. The temple complex is located in the vicinity of village, covered with mountains, stream, agricultural fields and lush green vegetation. The complex comprises of four temples. Temple No. 1 is octagonal in shape built in high size than the other. Stone masonry of grey color, lime pilaster with pinkish blends, round, lotus dome, and inverted lotus leaves/ pipal leaves. Plinth is made of stones, dome is built with small sized bricks and there are eight painted arches inside the temple with a slit on southern side, and five rectangular niches, built up with burnt bricks with lime plaster in and outside. The plinth is surmounted by round dome with inverted lotus petal design, finial is designed in lotus flower, finial top is missing and only iron rod has survived. Due to cracks in the domes, many small plants have grown all over it. The entrance is rectangular in frame with pointed arch. Niches have been provided on both sides of the entrance for housing oil lamps. It has eight curved arches inside, built in lime mortar, decorated with floral designs. Plinth of dome are in burnt bricks, while remaining is made of stone. Measurements of different parts include platform: 9 x 9 m; main temple 1: one side of octagon; 2.10 m, height; 3.5 m, gate height: 1.75 m; internal height: 4.40 m, gate width; 0.80 m, wall thickness: 0.70 m, niche beside the entrance; H: 0.17m,W: 0.13m, Inside projection; 6.3 cm, Brick: L; 10 cm, H; 3 cm; thick: 6.3 cm, plinth stone; L: 23cm, H: 7cm, thick: 6.3 cm. Temple 2: internal height; 2.60 m, external height; 2.80 m, wall thick: 0.53m Temple 3: octagon has one: 0.75 m. The temple is associated to Dogra Raj period of Kashmir.
Latitude: 33.314111111
Longitude: 73.919277778
Ownership: Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Legal Status: Protected by Azad Jammu & Kashmir Preservation and Protection of Antiquities Act, 1986
Title of Publication: Threat to the Cultural Heritage of Pakistan Survey and Documentation of Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan
Published In: Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 2020
Year of Publication: 2020
Bibliography/Reference: Khan, Ashraf, Ghani-ur-Rahman
