King C Bharati
kingcbharati@gmail.com
On March 20, 2026, Navreh Mohotsave Samiti commemorates Shaurya Divas (Day of Valor), a day after Navratra, to honor the 1301st anniversary of the coronation of Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida, a monarch whose reign not only redefined the boundaries of the Karkota dynasty and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kashmir and beyond. This extraordinary king, born in 699 CE, was not merely a conqueror; he was a visionary leader, a master strategist, and a beacon of religious tolerance, embodying the highest ideals of Rajdharma.
Lalitaditya, the youngest son of King Durlabhaditya, displayed exceptional intellect from a young age. His education laid a strong foundation for his understanding of efficient governance, the responsibilities of kingship, and the vital connection between ruler and ruled. But it was his unparalleled courage, strategic prowess, and diplomatic skill that propelled him to unparalleled heights. He was, without question, a warrior of immense valor, leading his armies to victories across a vast expanse of territory.
Lalitaditya’s military campaigns extended the Karkota kingdom’s influence far beyond the borders of Kashmir. His conquests, reaching Kannauj, Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, Bengal, Malwa, and even into Central Asia, Tibet, Turkistan, and parts of Iran, solidified his reputation as a true world-conqueror. This era of expansion, spanning from 724 to 760 CE (approximately 36 years), marked a period of unprecedented power and influence for Kashmir under his rule.
The Kashmiri community has long celebrated a victory linked to Lalitaditya – his triumph over the Turks and Arabs on the second day of Navreh. The revival of Shaurya Divas as a dedicated day of commemoration ensures that this significant event remains a source of pride and inspiration for future generations. The renowned historian Al-Biruni’s “Kitab-ul-Hind” lends credence to the historical significance of this victory celebration.
Beyond his military achievements, Lalitaditya’s legacy is etched in stone, quite literally. The magnificent Martand Sun Temple, a testament to his devotion to the Sun God, stands as a symbol of his architectural grandeur and religious piety. Perhaps even more remarkable than his military prowess was Lalitaditya’s profound tolerance. A Vaishnava himself, he demonstrated unwavering respect for other faiths, overseeing the construction and preservation of both Buddhist viharas and Shiva temples. His devotion to tapas (austerities) and justice further underscored his commitment to a harmonious society. It is said he enjoyed the blessings of Goddess Sharada, the deity of speech and learning, bolstering his remarkable achievements.
Lalitaditya’s reign represents a golden age in Kashmiri history, marked by unprecedented prosperity, cultural flourishing, and a distinct blend of military might and religious tolerance. His legacy as a just and courageous leader, combined with his profound devotion to the welfare of his subjects, continues to inspire and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of strength, wisdom, and compassion in leadership.
“Lalitaditya Muktapida (r. c. 724-760 CE) was the most powerful ruler of the Karkota dynasty. The 12th-century Kashmiri chronicler Kalhana portrays him as a ‘world conqueror’ with miraculous powers, claiming extensive conquests across India and Central Asia. However, these accounts are largely considered exaggerations, unsupported by external contemporary records.
While Kalhana’s account paints a picture of unparalleled military success, a more nuanced perspective emerges from contemporary sources. More reliable contemporary sources, like the New Book of Tang, present Lalitaditya as a vassal-ally of the Tang dynasty. His significant involvement in Tang campaigns against Tibet, particularly in the Hindu Kush-Pamir region, likely contributed to his legendary reputation as a great conqueror in Kashmir. This Tang overlordship is corroborated by numismatic evidence and is considered a more reliable source than Kalhana’s account.
Despite the debate surrounding the extent of his conquests, Lalitaditya is remembered for commissioning a number of shrines, most notably the Martand Sun Temple (now in ruins), and founding several towns, including his new capital at Parihasapura. He is also credited with bringing to Kashmir scholars from conquered territories like Abhinavagupta’s ancestor Atrigupta, from Yashovarman’s lands. Kalhana’s account depicts him as a strong military leader. He was succeeded by his sons Kuvalayapida and Vajraditya.
In the spirit of honouring Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida’s unwavering courage and his commitment to a just and prosperous Kashmir, the organising committee has urged all community organizations to celebrate March 20, 2026 (the day after Navratra), as Shaurya Divas.
(The author is a senior journalist)
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