


As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan belongs to all of us. Help preserve this irreplaceable treasure for future generations.
Get 100% tax deduction under Section 80G. Instant certificate, 100% transparency, secure payment.
High-resolution photography and 3D scanning create a permanent digital record. If restoration is ever needed, we have the exact specifications.
Professional conservation work including structural repairs, surface cleaning, and preventive measures to stop further deterioration.
Educational workshops, local awareness campaigns, and sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit surrounding communities.
The Naulakhi Kotal Temple, more widely known as Surkh Kotal, served as a pivotal dynastic sanctuary for the Kushan Empire, rather than solely a conventional Hindu shrine. Its construction, famously detailed in a Bactrian inscription discovered on-site, explicitly attributes its establishment to King Kanishka and his high official, Nokonzoko, around the 2nd century CE. This monumental inscription, written in Greek script, reveals the dedication of a "Kaniska-Vihara" (sanctuary of Kanishka) and the installation of royal images, underscoring a state cult centered on the deification of Kushan rulers. The complex integrated a profound fire cult, a common feature in Central Asian and Iranian religious practices, yet presented within an architectural idiom that drew significantly from Indic temple traditions. Architecturally, the site uniquely blended Hellenistic, Iranian, and Indic elements, particularly evident in its grand staircase, monumental altar, and the layout that echoes the *garbhagriha* and *pradakshina-patha* of early Indian temples, as noted by scholars. Its strategic placement along ancient trade routes in Baghlan not only facilitated cultural exchange but also underscored its importance as a symbol of Kushan imperial power and religious authority. The temple's decline in the mid-3rd century CE, possibly exacerbated by Sasanian incursions and issues with its sophisticated water supply system, marked the end of its active role as a royal cult center, leaving behind a profound archaeological record of a vibrant, syncretic Indic-influenced civilization.
Built in the Nagara architecture style, Kushan architecture style, Early Hindu Temple architecture style, Indic architecture style style, showcasing traditional construction methods and artistic craftsmanship.
An important learning resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding our architectural heritage.
Preservation efforts create opportunities for local communities through tourism, traditional skills, and cultural activities.
Learn about Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan's historical significance, current conservation needs, and how your donation will be used for preservation efforts.
Select your contribution amount. Every ₹500 helps document one heritage site. Larger donations fund restoration projects. Get 100% tax deduction under 80G.
Complete your donation via UPI, credit/debit card, or net banking. All transactions are encrypted and secure through Razorpay payment gateway.
Instant 80G tax exemption certificate emailed to you. Use this certificate while filing ITR to claim tax deductions and save money.