Hindu Holy Sites In Pakistan

Hindu Holy Sites In Pakistan

Famous Hindu Mandirs Of Pakistan

1. Hinglaj Mandir or Nani Mandir, Hingol National Park, Baluchistan: An important Shakti Peeth of Goddess Sati, Hinglaj Mandir or Nani Mandir is situated in Hingol National Park in Baluchistan province of Pakistan.It came into existence when Lord Vishnu cut up Sati’s dead body into 52 pieces so that Lord Shiva would calm down and stop his Tandava. These pieces got scattered all over the Indian subcontinent whilst Sati’s head fell at Hingula or Hinglaj. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Rama had also meditated at Hinglaj to atone for his sin of ‘Brahmhatya’ – killing of Ravana who was a Brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.

2. Katasraj Temple in the Punjab Province: Katas Raj Temple is situated in Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has existed before the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here. It is said that the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Historical epic Mahabharata, stayed here four out of the 14 years that they spent in exile.Its origin involves the death of Shiva’s wife Satti. When she died, Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds – one at Pushkar in Ajmer, India and the other at the Katas Raj Temple.

3. Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi: This Hanuman temple is located near the Karachi Soldiers Bazaar and is almost 1500 years old. The specialty of this temple is that the idol is naturally formed – no human-made idol is worshiped here. The idol is white and blue in color and is about 8 feet tall. Lord Ram visited the temple site during exile. Later, a Panchamukhi Hanuman statue was found and a temple was built there. Circumambulating the idol 11 or 21 times fulfills devotees’ wishes. It is the only temple in the world that has the natural statue of Lord Hanuman. It has been declared a national heritage under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act 1994.

4. Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot: The Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot, near Paris Road, is a new temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Originating from Odisha, India, Lord Jagannath holds great significance. The temple attracts devotees seeking blessings, hosting religious rituals and festivals. Its architecture features intricate carvings and sculptures, embodying traditional Hindu temple design. The Jagannath Mandir promotes interfaith harmony, uniting the local Hindu community and showcasing cultural diversity. It serves as a symbol of unity, fostering mutual respect among different religious communities in Sialkot.

5. Shri Varun Dev Mandir in Manora: The Shri Varun Dev Mandir in Manora Cantt is a captivating temple perched by the seashore, offering a scenic view of the ocean. With a history of 160 years, this ancient temple is dedicated to Varun Dev, the Ocean God. It provides a tranquil haven where visitors can bask in spiritual serenity while admiring the majestic expanse of the sea. The Shri Varun Dev Mandir is a cherished destination, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in its divine aura and relish the picturesque panorama of the boundless ocean.

6. Gorakhnath Temple in Peshawar: Situated in the historic city of Peshawar, the Gorakhnath Temple holds great significance. After being closed for six decades, the temple was reopened following the directive of the Peshawar High Court in November 2011. The temple stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, providing a place of worship for devotees. Its reopening marked a milestone in religious freedom, fostering a sense of inclusivity and respect for diverse faiths in Peshawar, Pakistan.

7. Shadani Darbar: The Shadani Darbar is a significant Hindu temple with historical roots in both Raipur Hindustan, India, and Pakistan. It holds a prominent position in Hayat Pitafi, Mirpur Mathelo Taluka, Ghotki District, Sindh Province, Pakistan, and is renowned as the largest Hindu temple in the region of Sindh. Devotees from Pakistan and India alike visit this sacred site to seek spiritual solace and offer their prayers. The temple’s significance extends beyond its architectural beauty, as it becomes a meeting point for individuals from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the ideals of mutual respect and understanding. The Shadani Darbar exemplifies the importance of interfaith dialogue and showcases the ability of religious sites to promote peace and harmony.

8. Sadh Belo: Sadh Belo, located in the Indus River near Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan, is an island renowned for its revered Hindu temples. These temples hold significance within the syncretic Udasi movement. The island is particularly notable for Teerath Asthan, the largest Hindu temple in Pakistan. The complex encompasses eight additional temples, a library, dining areas, a spacious garden, and accommodations for monks and spiritual retreatants. Sadh Belo serves as a spiritual haven, offering a serene atmosphere and facilities for those seeking solace and inner reflection on this sacred island.

9. ODERO LAL: The sacred site of Odero Lal, also known as Udero Lal in Sindhi and Urdu stands as a symbol of unity between Muslims and Hindus. Situated in the village of Odero Lal, near the city of Tando Adam Khan in the province of Sindh, Pakistan, this shrine holds great significance. It serves as a place of worship for followers of both religions, fostering harmony and mutual respect among its devotees. Additionally, both communities hold deep reverence for the nearby Indus River, further enhancing the spiritual aura of the shrine.

10. Prahladpuri Mandir: The Prahladpuri Mandir is an ancient mandir where Holi originated. According to Puranas, this was the place where Holika was burnt. It is believed by Hindus that this mandir was built by Prahalada himself in honor of Narasimha. According to Puranas, Prahalada was the son of Hiranyakashipu (the Asur-king of Multan) and grandson of Kashyapa. The mandir is located in Multan city of Punjab province in Pakistan, adjacent to the Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya.

11. Shri Krishna Mandir: the Shri Krishna Mandir, graces the landscape between the Rawalpindi Railway Station and Kabari Bazaar in Saddar, Rawalpindi, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Serving as a cherished place of worship, it has garnered immense popularity among the Hindu community residing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The temple holds a special significance during Hindu festivals such as Holi and Diwali, where joyous celebrations take place within its sacred walls. This revered temple was lovingly constructed in 1897 by Kanji Mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal, with the noble intention of providing a spiritual abode for the Hindus residing in the surrounding areas.

12. Mansehra Shiva Mandir: The Mansehra Shiv Temple stands as one of Pakistan’s most ancient Hindu temples, maintaining its existence throughout the ages. With a history dating back at least 2000 to 3000 years, it holds a significant place in the country’s heritage. Nestled in Chitti Gatti, just 15 kilometers away from Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the temple has become a revered site, attracting visitors from all corners of Pakistan and beyond, especially during the annual Shivarathri festival.

13. Valmiki Mandir: Valmiki Mandir in Lahore, Pakistan, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to the sage Valmiki, who is revered for his contributions to ancient Indian literature, particularly the epic Ramayana. The temple holds a deep historical and cultural importance for the Hindu community in Lahore and beyond. With its grand architecture and intricate designs, Valmiki Mandir stands as a symbol of religious harmony and heritage, attracting devotees and visitors alike. It serves as a sacred space for various Hindu rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and devotion among its worshippers.