These temples bear witness to centuries of history and spiritual beliefs.
A surprising number of Hindu temples stand as silent sentinels to the past in the predominantly Muslim country of Pakistan. While many have suffered from neglect, some remain vibrant centers of faith, drawing devotees from across the country and even from across the border in India.
Though Pakistan was founded as a Muslim-majority country in 1947, its soil is home to a rich religious tapestry of stories. Evidence of this vibrant past is dotted across the country in the form of ancient Hindu temples, silent guardians of a shared history. These ancient temples serve as a reminder of Pakistan’s religious diversity and the unwavering faith of its Hindu minority.
Here are some details about famous Hindu temples in Pakistan:
Hinglaj Mata Temple
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Hinglaj Mata Mandir, located in Hingol National Park in Balochistan, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the Shakti Peethas in Pakistan. It is located in a cave near the Hingol River and dates back to before the Arab invasion and the rise of Sufism in Sindh. Hindus believe that the head of Goddess Sati fell here, making it an important site. Thousands of devotees visit here every year for the Hinglaj Yatra. The site is important in the Charani tradition of goddess worship. Local Muslims call the place Nani Mandal and worship the place.
Katas Raj Temple
Photo credit: Facebook.com/ML Maherwal
according to worldhistory.orgThe Katas Raj Temple, near Chakwal in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is believed to have been built during the Hindu Shahi (king) period around 615-950 AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As such, it constitutes one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Pakistan and is still used today by Hindus from across the country and abroad who visit every year.
Kalka Cave Temple
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Kalka Devi Temple in the Kalka Hills of Alor, Sindh, Pakistan, is a Hindu holy site set in a natural cave. Known as the Asthan of Kalka Devi, it attracts both Hindu and Muslim visitors, including devotees from India.
Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Karachi
According to the Sir Ganga Ram Heritage Foundation, the 1,500-year-old Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Pakistan. Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is tucked away inside Soldier Bazaar.
Varun Dev Temple, Karachi
Shri Varun Dev Mandir, located on Manora Island in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jhulelal, also known as Varuna Dev, the Hindu deity of water.
Sadhu Bera Temple
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Sad Bello (also known as Sad Bera or Sat) is an island in the Indus River near Sukkur in Sindh, Pakistan.Famous for its deeply religious Hindu temple, the island holds great significance in the Hindu-Hindu syncretism movement.
