“Spreading its beauty near Chakwal in Punjab province of Pakistan, the most reverenced among all the temples are the Katas Raj Temples. In a heaven like surrounding, complex of temples stands in homage to the deities of Hindu mythology..”
Upcoming Events
splendid complex of temples dedicated to Ram, Hanuman and Shiva
Situated within embrace of the Salt Range near Kallar Kahar, Punjab, this splendid complex of temples dedicated to Ram, Hanuman and Shiva is laid around a natural pond. The name ‘Katas Raj’ comes from kataksha which means tearful eyes in Sanskrit. The pond, the faithful believe, was created from a teardrop of the weeping Shiva as he flew across the sky carrying the dead body of his wife Sati. He shed two tears, one creating this pond, the other falling and making a pond in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Pandavas came to this place during their exile, the legend goes, and built some of the older temples. Historical records suggest many of the temples, constructed in the Kashmiri architectural tradition, came up in the 11th century CE, when this region, along with parts of Punjab, fell under a Kashmiri kingdom.
Katas Raj Bringing religion and histories together
Sacred Footsteps
In 1947, Pakistan emerged on the world map with a predominantly Muslim population. However, before partition, a number of other religions were practiced in the region, including Hinduism. Hinduism first established its roots, and was adopted by the Indus civilisation, between 2300 BC and 1500 BC. Hindu temples were dotted all around the region that is now Pakistan. The presence of these venerated sites is well documented in various historical narratives; primary among these are the chronicles of renowned Muslim scholar Al-Biruni who joined Mehmood Ghaznavi on his conquests of India in the 11th century and spent 20 years there. Al-Biruni in his encyclopaedic book Kitab-ul-Hind, talks extensively about Indian culture and religion, expressive in his wonderment at the religious sites. Post 2005, the new government decided for restoration and conservation of ancient Hindu temples. The current government has pledged to restore 400 Hindus temples for the Hindu population of Pakistan, beginning with a 1000 year old temple in Sialkot. Hindu temples can be found in several Punjabi cities, in various states of preservation. Some still receive devotees from within the country, as well as from across the border. Article by Sara Akhlaq.
In 1947, Pakistan emerged on the world map with a predominantly Muslim population. However, before partition, a number of other religions were practiced in the region, including Hinduism. Hinduism first established its roots, and was adopted by the Indus civilisation, between 2300 BC and 1500 BC. Hindu temples were dotted all around the region that is now Pakistan. The presence of these venerated sites is well documented in various historical narratives; primary among these are the chronicles of renowned Muslim scholar Al-Biruni who joined Mehmood Ghaznavi on his conquests of India in the 11th century and spent 20 years there.
Al-Biruni in his encyclopaedic book Kitab-ul-Hind, talks extensively about Indian culture and religion, expressive in his wonderment at the religious sites. Post 2005, the new government decided for restoration and conservation of ancient Hindu temples. The current government has pledged to restore 400 Hindus temples for the Hindu population of Pakistan, beginning with a 1000 year old temple in Sialkot. Hindu temples can be found in several Punjabi cities, in various states of preservation. Some still receive devotees from within the country, as well as from across the border. Article by Sara Akhlaq.
A spiritual and delightful experience
There are many historical, holy, and worship places of Hindus in Punjab. The most sacred and historical one is Katas Raj Temple in district Chakwal. Katas Raj is considered one of the holiest places for the Hindu community in Pakistan. The temples form a complex surrounding a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by the devotees.
TDCP having resort near the Katas Temple where you can stay and enjoy the beautiful Lake with boating facility. Besides that you may visit the historical temples and Shree Jagannath Temple at Sialkot.
KATAS RAJ COMPLEX OF TEMPLES
Holiest Hindu Temple in Pakistan
KataS RAJ TEMPLES
In pictures: Rawalpindi’s crumbling temples preserve memories of a more-inclusive era
Katas Raj temple complex is a sad monument to Pakistan’s unease with its Hindu heritage
Nila Gumbad Mandar: The story of a temple published in Tribune by Haroon Khalid on December 04, 2010
Rawal lake temple: A forgotten past published in Tribune by Zulfiqar Kalhoro January 13, 2011
