Are you someone who wants to know about the famous Hindu temples in Pakistan or you think that temples in Pakistan are as scarce as water in a desert? If you are one, you need to visit this country in Southeast Asia. Despite being an Islamic country, Pakistan boasts of several popular Hindu temples dotting its landscape. Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot, Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Baluchistan, Shri Varun Dev Mandir in Manora and Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi are some of the good examples.
You don’t have to read books on archeology or log onto UNESCO website as the region was home to a large Hindu population before Pakistan came into existence. The country still has a significant Hindu population which prides in these places of worship. Here we take a glance of popular Hindu temples in Pakistan.
Jagannath Mandir, Sialkot
Where: Sialkot district, Punjab province.
Situated in Paris Road area of Sialkot, Jagannath Mandir was added to city’s landscape in early 2007. Lord Jagannath, one of the forms of Lord Vishnu, is presiding deity at this impressive temple. Once you visit this temple you can also visit several tourists attractions situated in and around the city. The city is replete with history where
Hinglaj Mata Mandir, Baluchistan
Where: Lasbela district, Baluchistan
Commanding a great religious importance, Hinglaj Mata Mandir also called as the Nani Mandir is one of the prominent temples in the world. It is an important Shakti Peeth of Goddess Sati and the place is frequented by a large number of travelers from Pakistan and around the world. As per popular belief, the temples is situated at the place where Mata Sati’s head fall on to the ground where Lord Vishnu slashed her body in to pieces while Lord shiva was doing Tandav. It is also revealed that lord Rama also spent some time here seeking atonement of his sin of killing a Brahin (Ravana).
Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora
Where: Manora Island in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Situated on the outskirts of Manora Cantt, Shri Varun Dev Mandir is more than 160 years old and a fine piece of Hindu architecture. The temple dedicated to Varun, the God of the Oceans is not in good condition and poor upkeep can be blamed for it. The temple is not used for worship now but you can visit it for its fine architecture and beautiful Craftsmanship.
Katas Raj Temple, Chakwal
Where: Chakwal district, Punjab province.
Enjoying a beautiful location in the district of Chakwal, Punjab, the Katas Raj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per locals the temple is supposed to a period before the Mahabharata days. There are several legends and tales attached to this temple. Some says that the Pandavas spent their period of exile here. Some says that holy pool created around the temple was made up of Lord Shiva’s tears. The authenticity of these claims is yet to be established but it doesn’t stop travelers from visiting this temple en masse.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir
Where: Old quarters of Soldier Bazaar, Karachi.
One of the most prominent temples in Pakistan Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is different from majority of temples because it houses a non-manmade idol of Hanuman. The temple is situated at a place where this natural statue was found. The statue represents all the five form of deity. The temple has also found mention in Al-Baruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind. The temple is frequented by a large number of pilgrims believing their wishes would be fulfilled. People of all caste, creed and religion are among the visitors. Most of the Hindu devotees visiting Karachi include this temple in their itinerary.
Kalka Devi Cave
Where: Arore, Sindh.
One of the holiest places for Hindus in Pakistan, the place is considered important because as per Hindu mythology goddess Kali stopped here on her way to Hinglaj. A visit to this cave is considered auspicious for people of different caste, creed and religion. The place is frequented by a large number of visitors on the first Monday of every month. The cave sees highest turnout during the annual festival in September.
Naval Mandir
Where: Ranchore Lines, Karachi
Also considered one of the major temples for Hindus in Pakistan Naval Mandir is one of the most revered temples in Karachi. A visit to this temple is supposed to have magical powers like cleansed hearts of hatred and turning misdemeanors into the virtuous. Among other things, the temple is a refuge of homeless. The temple also houses the statues of Santoshi Mata, Kali, Hanuman, Guru Nanak, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha and Rama. An air of mysticism surrounds the temple complex and its adjoining areas during the festivals. It looks more spectacular during the festivals of Holi and Diwali.
Gor Khattree and Gorakhnath Temple
Where: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Gor Khattree is a misnomer. Literally meaning Warrior’s Grave the place doesn’t have a tombstone in vicinity. The fort like temple complex, which is called as the Gorakhnath Temple, has also been mentioned in Baburnama, the memoir of Mughal Emperor Babur. The temple complex has an unusual structure thus making it hard to describe. As per folklores Gorakhnath jumped into the temple well for bath and surfaced at distance of 15 kilometers at Gorakh Digi. The place is now called as Kushal Bagh. The place sees a large number of visitor turnouts out on Tuesday when devotees come here, sings bhajans and recites verses from Hindu holy books.
Image Source: wikipedia