Malot Temple
10th century CE temple in Punjab, Pakistan
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Malot (Urdu: ملوٹ; Sanskrit: malakoṭa, maloṭṭa)[1] is a temple located in the Salt Range of Punjab, Pakistan. It was constructed in Gandhara Nagara style by the Odi Shahi dynasty in the 10th century CE.[2]: 57
| Malot Temple | |
|---|---|
A view of Malot Temple | |
 Interactive map of the Malot Temple area | |
General information | |
| Location | Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Coordinates | 32°41′0″N 72°48′0″E |
Completed | 10th century CE |
Location
Malot is located in the Kallar Kahar Tehsil of Chakwal District,[3][4][5] seven miles away from the Katas Raj Temples.[6]: 57
Architecture
Malot temple was constructed with the red sandstone from Salt Range, as were other temples in the region. It consists of a central shrine. On each side large fluted pillars are topped by āmalaka and block capitals, supported by a large trefoil vault. The smaller fluted columns besides the inner chambers support a kind of head-house, above a multi-lobed toraṇa and crowning kīrttimukha which adores the central vault of the trefoil entrance. Michael W. Meister suggests that the temple was once capped by a pyramidal roof with peaked dormers, now largely replaced by a watchtower.[2]: 58 The location and scale of the temple makes it a dominant feature of the surroundings.[2]: 58
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Over the course of a millennium, the hill on which Malot resides has experienced geological alterations, resulting in the formation of narrow fissures.[7] The temple shows visible influences from the Kashmiri architecture, suggesting close relations of the Odi Shahis with the rulers of Kashmir.[2]: 58
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In 2021, it was reported that the Punjab Government had initiated restoration of Malot and other archaeological sites in the province at a cost of Rs. 12 million.[4]