The vast expanse of ancient and medieval Bharat once stretched from Afghanistan to Arunachal Pradesh, embracing diverse kingdoms united by shared traditions and culture, predominantly rooted in Hindu Dharma. Flourishing under the patronage of numerous rulers, this era witnessed the construction of exquisite temples, bearing testament to artistic brilliance and devotion.
Following the 1947 partition, many of these historic temples found themselves within the boundaries of present-day Pakistan. While some temples have endured the ravages of time and neglect, others have sadly fallen victim to deterioration and deliberate destruction by extremist elements.
Embarking on a journey through time, we encounter several ancient Hindu temples that stand resolute against the challenges of neglect, erosion, and obliteration, reaffirming the enduring faith in their presiding deities.
Hinglaj Mata Mandir: Nestled within the Balochistan region, the Hinglaj Mata Mandir, a revered cave temple, emerges as a prominent Shakti Peetha. This sacred site beckons Hindus worldwide, culminating in an annual April pilgrimage.
Katasraj Temple Complex: Amid the Chakwal district of Punjab, the Katas Raj Temple Complex stands as a surviving haven of pilgrimage. Embracing legends from Hindu Puranas and Itihasa, it envelops the poignant tale of Mahadev’s tears creating a pond and the Pandavas’ sojourn during their exile. The complex hosts ancient and medieval temples, alongside remnants of a Buddhist stupa and havelis.
Kalat Kali Mandir: Emanating from the pre-Islamic epochs of South Asia, the Kalat Kali Mandir in Balochistan venerates Devi Kali, epitomizing the profound heritage of the region.
Kalibari Mandir: Another bastion of Devi Kali worship, the Kalibari Mandir in Peshawar stands steadfast, exuberantly celebrating Durga Puja.
Goraknath Mandir: Revering Guru Goraknath, founder of the Nath Sampradaya, this temple embraces annual festivities during Deepavali, opening its gates to devotees.
Multan Sun Temple: Echoing an age-old devotion to the Sun God, the Multan Sun Temple has weathered centuries of challenges, including the devastation of its chief murti in the 10th century.
Valmiki Mandir: In Lahore, the Valmiki Mandir, one of the two functional temples, upholds the worship of Rishi Valmiki, a profound testament to ancient wisdom. A lengthy court battle was fought to evacuate illegal occupants. The Shri Krishna Mandir is the other functional temple in Pakistan’s Lahore.
Shri Varun Dev Mandir: Honoring the deity of water bodies, Varun Dev, this temple on Manora Islands underwent restoration by the Pakistan Hindu Council in 2007, breathing new life into its venerable structure. A 2020 media report stated that the temple was being used as a toilet.
Umerkhot Shiv Mandir: Signifying the reverence for Bhagwan Shiva, the Umerkhot Shiv Mandir in Sindh welcomes pilgrims during the vibrant Mahashivratri festival, upholding its ancient traditions.
Amb Shareef Hindu Temple: Echoing the distant echoes of a pre-Islamic era, the Amb Shareef Hindu Temple Complex on Sakesar Mountain stands resolute, preserving a heritage spanning millennia.
Tragically, many of these temples have been repurposed for commercial use, with only a fraction remaining functional. The All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement (PHRM) highlights that merely 20 temples are operational today. Despite being entrusted with the upkeep of these heritage sites, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) often displays negligence, endangering the rich Hindu legacy.
The erosion of Pakistan’s Hindu heritage parallels the decline of its Hindu population, emphasizing the imperative of preserving historical roots. The disheartening state of Hindu temples in Pakistan paints a poignant picture of cultural erosion. Many ancient temples stand neglected, succumbing to decay and vandalism. This disregard for historical and religious heritage underscores a fading connection to a diverse past. While a few temples persist as functional places of worship, the majority languish in disrepair.
A nation’s survival hinges upon cherishing its history and heritage, a truth that cannot be disregarded without consequence. However, both Islamic nations that broke away from Bharat have left no stone unturned in destroying their Hindu temples and wiping away their minority Hindu population. At the risk of sounding cynical, the future looks bleak for the Hindu heritage of these Islamic nations.
