Five historical Hindu temples of Pakistan
Written By: Nikhil Pandey WION Web Team
Divided Destinies: The Impact of Partition on Religious Structures in India and Pakistan
In 1947, Pakistan emerged as a sovereign nation, primarily envisioned as a homeland for Indian Muslims. This period witnessed a massive population exchange during the partition, marked by significant bloodshed. Today, Muslims represent approximately 14% of India’s populace, while Hindus in Pakistan account for a little over 2%. By 1947, Pakistan had about 300 temples, but many were demolished following the Babri Mosque incident in India in 1992.
Subsequently, numerous Hindu temples were repurposed into mosques, hotels, or libraries, and many now stand abandoned. The majority of the Hindu temples that remain in Pakistan are in poor condition. Despite these challenges, the country still hosts several revered Hindu temples, highlighting the complex tapestry of religious and cultural history in the region.
Here is the list of five famous Hindu temples of Pakistan:
1: Hinglaj Mata Mandir
Situated along the Hingol River in the charming town of Hinglaj, on the Makran coast in Balochistan, Pakistan, the Hinglaj Mata Mandir is a symbol of the enduring Hindu spiritual heritage in the area. This revered cave temple, known as a significant ‘shakti peetha’ of Goddess Sati, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and traditions. Encircled by the picturesque Hingol National Park, the temple, also referred to as ‘Hinglaj Devi’, ‘Hingula Devi’, and ‘Nani Mandir’, draws both local worshippers and international pilgrims.
The temple’s distinctive location and rich historical background serve as a focal point of Hindu worship amidst a backdrop of diverse faiths. Providing a tranquil setting infused with mythological significance, the Hinglaj Mata Mandir offers a haven for those in search of spiritual peace and divine grace.
2: Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi
Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, ensconced in the bustling locale of Soldier Bazaar in Karachi, Pakistan, is a venerable testament to Hindu religious heritage, boasting a history that spans over 1,500 years. Esteemed as one of the oldest temples in the country, this sacred sanctuary holds a unique distinction in the Hindu faith.
The temple is singularly celebrated for housing a “natural statue” of Lord Hanuman, an extraordinary phenomenon as it is not crafted by human hands but is a natural formation. This aspect of the temple imbues it with an exceptional spiritual significance, drawing devotees and admirers from far and wide.
Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, with its ancient roots and the miraculous idol of Hanuman, stands as a beacon of religious devotion and a profound cultural landmark, echoing the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the enduring strength of faith amidst the diverse religious landscape of Pakistan.
3: Katas Raj Temples
Nestled in the heart of Pakistan, Katas Raj, also known as Qila Katas, is a site of profound spiritual significance, a picturesque ensemble of Hindu temples interwoven by meandering walkways.
This ancient pilgrimage site, steeped in legend and lore, is particularly revered by Hindus who hold that the sacred pond at Katas Raj was created from the tears of Lord Shiva, mourning the loss of Sati, his beloved wife. The name of the complex itself, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kataksha’, meaning ‘tearful eyes’, eloquently captures the poignant mythological tale that imbues the place with a deep emotional resonance.
The temples, each a marvel of architectural beauty, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion and faith. Surrounded by a serene landscape, the Katas Raj Temples not only offer spiritual solace but also a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the historical interweaving of diverse cultural and religious traditions in the region.
The Katas site is a remarkable ensemble that includes the Satgraha, a cluster of seven ancient temples, alongside the remnants of a Buddhist stupa. This historical tapestry is further enriched by several medieval temples and havelis, as well as a few modern temples. These diverse structures are harmoniously arrayed around a lake, revered as sacred in Hindu tradition, creating a mosaic of religious and cultural significance.
4: Multan Sun Temple
The Sun Temple of Multan, also revered as the Aditya Sun Temple, stands as an echo of ancient grandeur and spiritual significance, tracing back over 5,000 years in history. This temple, now buried deep beneath the ground, was once a magnificent center of a solar cult dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God, also known as Aditya.
Its origins are steeped in myth and legend, with the belief that it was erected by Samba, the son of the revered deity Krishna, as a remedy for his affliction with leprosy.
The Sun Temple at Multan was renowned not just for its antiquity but also for its sheer size and opulence, marking it as one of the most prominent and wealthiest temples of its time. Though it no longer stands today, its legacy continues to fascinate and inspire, serving as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of religious and cultural history that has shaped the region.
5: Varun Dev Temple
Perched gracefully on the shores of Manora Island in Karachi, the Varun Dev Temple stands as a historic emblem dedicated to Varuna, the Hindu deity of the seas. This sacred edifice, believed to have been influenced by the flourishing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean between the 4th and 10th centuries AD, resonates with the vibrancy of ancient seafaring traditions.
The temple’s current architecture, dating back to 1917-1918, melds historical reverence with timeless devotion. As it gazes out onto the expansive waters, the Varun Dev Temple not only serves as a spiritual haven for worshippers of Lord Varuna but also as a testament to the dynamic interplay of commerce, culture, and religion in the region’s storied past.
This temple, with its unique coastal setting, offers a serene and contemplative space against the backdrop of Karachi’s bustling urban landscape.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the enigmatic Hindu temples of Pakistan, we’re reminded of the rich tapestry of history and culture that transcends modern borders. These temples, standing as silent yet eloquent witnesses to the ebb and flow of time, tell a story of faith, devotion and resilience in the face of change. They not only embody the spiritual heritage of a bygone era but also serve as poignant reminders of the shared cultural roots between Pakistan and India. In exploring these sacred spaces, we unearth layers of history that challenge and enrich our understanding of the subcontinent’s past. As these temples continue to weather the sands of time, they remain beacons of hope for a future where cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated beyond the constraints of religion and nationality.
