
Year Built
2nd-3rd century CE
Period
Ancient Period
Architectural Style
Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Influences
Built By
Kushan Empire
Material Used
Stone, Fired Brick, Stucco, Lime Mortar, Metal
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List
Naulakhi Kotal, located in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan, preserves the remarkable remains of a Kushan-era sun temple complex dedicated to the solar deity Surya, constructed during the 2nd to 3rd centuries CE when the Kushan Empire ruled over vast territories stretching from Central Asia through Afghanistan to northern India, creating a vibrant cultural bridge that facilitated the transmission of Indian Hindu religious and architectural traditions to Central Asia. The temple complex, constructed primarily from locally quarried stone and fired brick with extensive decorative elements, features a sophisticated architectural design that demonstrates the transmission of Indian Hindu temple architecture, particularly the early Nagara style traditions, to Afghanistan, with the overall plan, structural forms, and decorative programs reflecting Indian Hindu practices that were systematically introduced to the region during the Kushan period. The site's architectural design demonstrates direct influence from Indian Hindu temple architecture, with the temple dedicated to Surya following Indian iconographic and architectural traditions, while the discovery of sculptures, inscriptions, and ritual objects provides crucial evidence of the site's role as a center of Surya worship and the transmission of Indian Hindu religious practices to Central Asia. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple complex was constructed during the height of Kushan power, when the empire facilitated extensive cultural and religious exchange between India and Central Asia, creating conditions that allowed for the flourishing of Hindu traditions alongside Buddhist practices in Afghanistan, while the site's location along ancient trade routes underscores its role in facilitating cultural exchange. The temple complex likely continued in use through the 4th century CE before gradually declining following the decline of the Kushan Empire, while the substantial architectural remains that survive provide crucial evidence of the site's original grandeur and the sophisticated engineering techniques employed in its construction. The site represents one of the most important examples of Kushan-era Hindu temple architecture in Afghanistan, demonstrating the transmission of Indian Hindu traditions to Central Asia and the syncretic nature of religious practice during the Kushan period, when both Hindu and Buddhist traditions flourished in the region. Today, Naulakhi Kotal stands as an important archaeological site in Afghanistan, serving as a powerful testament to the country's ancient Hindu heritage and its historical role as a center for the transmission of Indian religious and architectural traditions, while ongoing archaeological research and preservation efforts continue to reveal new insights into the site's construction, religious practices, and cultural significance. ([1][2])
Naulakhi Kotal temple was constructed in the 2nd to 3rd century CE during the Kushan Empire period. The temple served as a center of Surya worship. The complex likely continued in use through the 4th century. The temple gradually declined following Kushan decline. Archaeological excavations have revealed sculptures and artifacts. ([1][2])
Afghan Archaeological Institute, International Archaeological Missions

Excavations revealed temple structure, sculptures, inscriptions, and evidence of Surya worship.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization. ([1][2])
UNESCO Tentative List
Construction utilized locally quarried stone for foundations and structural elements, with fired brick used for upper structures and stucco for decorative elements. The temple employed load-bearing masonry construction with sophisticated engineering. The foundation system utilized stone platforms built on compacted earth. Decorative elements including sculptures were executed using techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs load-bearing masonry construction with stone and brick. The foundation system consists of stone platforms on compacted earth. ([1][2])
36.083300, 68.616700
{"notes":"Archaeological site; check security conditions before visiting; wear appropriate footwear; respect archaeological remains.","restrooms":"Limited facilities available.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to terrain and ruins."}
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Early morning (8:00-11:00 AM) for best lighting; spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
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Respect archaeological remains; do not remove artifacts; follow designated pathways; check security conditions.
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Yes
Yes
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2025-11-09T09:11:53.868096+00:00
2025-11-09T09:11:53.868096+00:00
Ancient Period
Baghlan
Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Influences
UNESCO Site
Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan is a historic Temple located in Baghlan, Afghanistan. This Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Ancient Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Afghanistan. Naulakhi Kotal, located in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan, preserves the remarkable remains of a Kushan-era sun temple complex dedicated to the solar deity Surya, constructed during the 2nd to 3rd cent...
| ؋Entry Fee | Afghan nationals: Free; Foreigners: AFN 100; Children under 12: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan is located in Naulakhi Kotal, Baghlan Province, Afghanistan, Baghlan. The nearest major city is Naulakhi Kotal. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 36.0833, 68.6167.
Entry fee: Afghan nationals: Free; Foreigners: AFN 100; Children under 12: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan by Kushan Empire
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation