Under Mughals, Indians endured many atrocities as well as the rule of British. India “ruthlessly exploited” both of them. It’s a well-known fact that during their reign in India, Mughals demolished thousands of temples.
Pakistan, which was founded as an independent home for Indian Muslims during India’s partition in 1947, has several Hindu temples. Thousands of temples in Pakistan were demolished during partitioning. Some Hindu temples have been transformed into mosques, hotels and libraries. The country is still home to a number of Hindu deities, though.
Yes. It’s hard to believe but still true that there are some Hindu temples in the Muslim nation that once was part of India, Pakistan too.
Muslims today make up 14% of India’s population, while Hindus in Pakistan make up just 2%.
Nonetheless, several Hindu temples are still housed in the country. They are not only honoured by Hindus, but also by Muslims and Sikhs.
Here are the most popular Hindu temples in Pakistan that still exists.
1. Hinglaj Mata Mandir, Balochistan
The cave temple is also known as the Nani Mandir, Hinglaj Devi, and Hingula Devi, located on the Hingol River in Balochistan. It is one of Goddess Sati’s Shakti Peeths where the head of Mata Sati falls to the ground.
A large number of Pakistani and worldwide travellers visit the place. Hindus name this temple’ Shakti Peeth’ or’ Devi Mandir,’ while it is called’ Nani’ or’ Bibi Nani’ ka Mandir by Muslims. Every year in the month of April, a four-day pilgrimage is organized to the Hinglaj Mandir.
2. Katasraj Temple, Punjab Province, Pakistan
The Katasraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the district of Chakwal, Punjab. Although today the temple is in a state of devastation, the pond is highly revered. Bathing in the pond is believed to wash away all a person’s sins, especially on certain special occasions.
3. Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Karachi
Located in Karachi’s Soldiers Bazaar, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is Lord Hanuman’s 1500-year-old shrine. It’s different from most temples because it houses Hanuman’s non-manmade idol. Sure, it’s shaped naturally, and the statue represents the god of all five kinds. Citizens of all caste, race, and faith are visiting the temple, and pilgrims feel their needs would be fulfilled. It’s been the only time. The mass destruction of temples in the city survived.
4. Jagannath Mandir, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Jagannath Mandir, located in the Sialkot area of Paris Road, was built at the beginning of 2007 with the government granting 2,00,000 rupees. The Temple of Jagannath is dedicated to the Jagannath God.
5. Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora Island, Karachi
The more than 160-year-old Shri Varun Dev Mandir is dedicated to Varun, the God of the Oceans. The temple is not in good condition and is not actually used for worship, but for its fine architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, you may visit it.
6. Kalka Devi Cave, Arore, Sindh
People of different caste, creed and religion visit this temple. A large number of people visit the temple on the first Monday of every month. And there is an annual festival in September.
7. Gor Khattree and Gorakhnath Temple, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Gorakhnath Temple was described in Baburnama, now known as Kushal Bagh, Mughal Emperor Babur’s memoir. A large number of devotees come here on every Tuesday, singing bhajans and reciting verses from holy Hindu scriptures.
8. Naval Mandir, Ranchore Lines, Karachi
Naval Mandir, one of Karachi’s most respected temples, is also a refuge for homeless people. The temple has Hanuman, Santoshi Mata, Siva, Kali, Guru Nanak, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Rama statues. The temple looks more beautiful during the Holi and Diwali festivals.
Pakistan still has a lot of temples, but they’re not in good condition.
Share us in the comments if you know of any other temple that is not mentioned in the above list. Not only in India, but there are also so many temples in the world. Make sure you go around the world to tour these top 10 magnificent Hindu temples.
