Hindu Temples in Pakistan

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“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

10 Most Beautiful Hindu Temples in Pakistan
1. Shri Hinglaj Mata Temple

One of the major temples in Pakistan is Shri Hinglaj Mata Temple or Nani Mandir, that about 2.5 lakh pilgrims on the occasion of Hinglaj Yatra. It lies in the Balochistan region and is one of the three Shakti Peeths in Pakistan. The other two are Shivaharakaray and Sharda Peeth.

2. Shivaharakaray

Shivaharakaray lies near Karachi and here goddess Sati is worshipped as Mahishasurmardini – the slayer of demon Mahishasur. It is believed that the third eye of Devi Sati fell here.

3. Sharda Peeth

Sharda Peeth now lies in ruins, situated near Muzaffarabad. It is claimed in the Puranas that the right hand of goddess Sati fell here. It is merely 10kms away from the Line of Control dividing India and Pakistan.

4. Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple

Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple is another Mata temple signifying the victory of good over evil, that receives about 2 lakh devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri.

5. Ramapir Temple, Tando Allahyar

Another beautiful name on the list of the Hindu temples in Pakistan is Ramapir Temple, Tando Allahyar. It witnesses a huge number of pilgrimage during the Ramdev Pir mela every year. It was built in 1859.

6. Shri Katas Raj Temple

Shri Katas Raj Temple is also known as the Qila Katas is of profound importance. Here the idol of Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to each other by walkways and it lies in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The temple complex is surrounded by a pond, which in the Puranas is said to have been created by the teardrop of Lord Shiva as he wandered inconsolably after the death of his dear wife, Devi Sati. It is also believed that Pandavas spent a significant time here during their years in exile.

7. Umarkot Shiv Mandir

The Umarkot Shiv Mandir or Amarkot Shiv mandir, is the oldest temple in Sindh Province. Governed by magnificent Shiv Lingam, it receives a huge flock of pilgrims during the three-day Shivratri festival.

8. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

One of the biggest Hindu temples in Pakistan is the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located in Karachi. It became a refugee camp during the 1947 partition and was visited by Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself.9. Manshera Shiv Temple

Manshera Shiv Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Pakistan and is about 2000-3000 years old. Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this temple is visited by devotees from Pakistan and abroad. It was restored by Raja of Jammu in the 1830s, but, was forcibly sealed and abandoned after 1947. However, in 1998 Hindus laid their claim over the temple, and now it has been partially restored, seeing some good days again.

10. Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir

This precious temple is situated in Soldier Bazar in Karachi of the Sindh Province. It is about 1500 years old and is the only temple in the world to have a natural statue of Lord Hanuman. It holds religious significance as it is believed that Lord Rama visited here during his years in exile. Thereafter, a statue of Panchamukhi Hanumanji was excavated from the very place and later a temple was built here.11. Multan Sun Temple

Also known as Kashyapapura, this temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun-god, this temple is tucked away in Multan. It was built about 5000 years ago. Legends have that it was built by Sambha, son of Lord Krishna and Jambavati, to gain relief from his curse of leprosy and restore good health and youth. It is considered as a place of natural cure for lepers. Sambha is also the creator of the original Konark Sun temple, in Odisha, India.

To say the least, Pakistan is dotted with temples. It has a large number of Gurudwaras as well, the most significant being Darbar Kartarpur Sahib, to visit which you don’t even need a visa.

The temples here are for sure in a sad state of affairs, but there has been substantial improvement as the Pakistan Hindu Mandirs Management Committee has been appointed to supervise and exercise general management and control of temples all across the country.

Most temples are under the administrative control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) which also provides the funds for restoration and supervises the activities of these temples.

It is a much more convenient and welcoming process to visit these Hindu temples in Pakistan, all you need to do is fill up the necessary documentation and apply for a visa.

Times have changed and so have the ways we live. People are ready to embrace visitors with warmth and unending love, not to forget the rich culture and delicious mouthwatering delicacies.

So don’t wait, plan your next trip to these temples that form an integral part of our culture, history, and tradition. If you were to think, the partition created by man has only divided the land for administrative purposes, but God never discriminated, he made it one.

Pakistan is an Islamic country and do you think there would be any Hindu temples here? If I ask this, most of you will say no! But, luckily this is not the case. There is quite a large number of Hindu Temples found in Pakistan. For those who are thinking that temples are scarce in Pakistan, this post will be really helpful for them and they will not need to search for the books and sites for getting information about these temples. So let’s start:

Famous Hindu Temples

Below is the list of some of the famous Hindu Temples:

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is in Karachi at the seaside of Clifton. It is almost 300 years old temple inside a cave. At this temple, every year a fair of Lord Shive is arranged for three days at Maha Shiva Ratri. More than 25,000 people visit this temple every year to pay homage and perform their religious rituals.

Every Monday Prasad or holy food was distributed here which is now extended to every single day.

Laxmi Narain Temple

Laxmi Narain Temple is another famous and worth-seeing temple located at Jetty Bridge, Queens Road. Its history of construction goes back to 200 years. It is a major hub for many of the festivals and rituals like Raksha Bandhan, Narial Pooja, Ganesh Chautherthee, Birthday of Shri Ganesh and Chand Raat.

The death rituals of Karni are also performed here. Hindus have the freedom to celebrate all their sacred rituals here.

Swami Narayan Temple

Swami Narayan Temple is located opposite to KMC M.A Jinnah Road in Karachi. The temple is surrounded by many residential areas. It is as old as 150 years. The famous rituals performed here are:

  • Swami Narayan Jayanti.
  • Sri Ram Navami.
  • Janam Asthmi.
  • Dasshera.
  • Diwali.
  • Wesakhi.
  • Chand Raat.

Seetla Mandir Bhimpura

Seetla Mandir is a famous temple after the Hindu Goddess, Seetla Mata. Besides religious, it has a special medicinal place for treating smallpox and skin diseases. Several pujas are arranged as a cure for these diseases. A number of fairs are arranged here every year.

Devi Mata Temple

Devi Mata Temple is near Ashi Qaber Mithader. This is a temple named after Devi Mata almost 150 years ago. A grand pooja of Devi is arranged here every Wednesday. Its Prasad or sacred food is very famous and is distributed freely among the poor.

Radha Krishan-Sita Ram Templea

Located at the shore of Manora Cantt, this temple is as old as 160 years. It is a great example of Hindu Architecture. It is all made of black colored marble.

The interesting thing about this temple is that it has Varun devta statue along with other statues of Shiv Shanker, Hanuman, and Sri Ganesh.

This temple is especially looked after by Hindu Businessmen. Ten million rupees were invested in this temple for its renovation. The Prasad and Bhandara are arranged here every Saturday with full zest.

Besides a religious place, it is also a very famous picnic spot for families, dining in the midst of waves striking the temple. Its atmosphere is very soothing and is a perfect place for families to visit.

Some other famous Temples

The above mentioned were a few of the temples in Pakistan. The list is long to go like:

  • Pamela Das Shiv Mandir, Baghdadi, Saddar-Karachi
  • Mari Mata Mandir Rattan Tallow Akbar Road, Saddar-Karachi
  • Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Native Jetty-Karachi
  • Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir, Clifton-Karachi
  • Bhagnari Shiv Mandir, Kakri Ground-Karachi
  • Darya Lal Sankat Mochan Mandir Custom House-Karachi
  • Devi Mandir, Bombay Bazar-Karachi
  • Hanuman Mandir, Doli Khata-Karachi
  • Hanuman Mandir, Frere Road-Karachi
  • Hinglaj Mata Mandir Bhimpura-Karachi
  • Sheetala Mata Mandir, Bhimpura-Karachi
  • Shiv Mandir, Islamia College-Karachi
  • Shivaharkaray Karachi
  • Shri Punch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir Garden East Karachi.
  • Shri Varun Dev Mandir Manooraa Karachi.
  • Shri Hanuman Mandir JPMC Karachi.
  • Shri Mari Amman (Mata) Temple.
  • Sadhu Bela Temple Sukkur.
  • Samabha Ashram Shikarpur, Sukkur.
  • Shankarnand Bharti Shikarpur Sukkur.
  • Swami Kirshan Gir Darbar (Kundan Gir Marri) Jacobabad.
  • Baba Kalyan Das Mandir Jacobabad.
  • Sach Khand Dham Jacobabad.
  • Bhagwan Shiv Mandir, Peti Bazar Jacobabad.
  • Bhagwan Shiv Mandir Ladies Market Jacobabad.
  • Guru Nanik Dass Mandir Shahdadkot.
  • Baba Khat Wala Shahib Mandir Shahdadkot.
  • Shiv Mandir Shahdadkot.
  • Baba Hiradaram Mandir Shahdadkot.
  • Shri Murlidhar Mandir Mithi, tharparkar.
  • Shri Kirshana Mandir Mithi, tharparkar.
  • Shri Hanuman Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Shri Pir Pithoro Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Shri Ramapir Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Santoshi Maa Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Shiv Parvati Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Lokesh Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
  • Sant Neennooram Ashram Islamkot.
  • Shri Ramchand Mandir Islamkot.
  • Shri Parbrahm Mandir Islamkot.
  • Shri Devi Mandir Islamkot.
  • Bhagat Ramji Mandir Islamkot.
  • Shri Hanuman Mandir Islamkotaa
  • Ramapir Mandir Islamkot
  • Shiv Mandir Umerkot.
  • Kali Mata Temple Umerkot.
  • Kirshana Mandir Umerkot.
  • Murlidhar Mandir.
  • Pir Pithoro Mandir
  • Ladhooram Mandir
  • Mata Mandir
  • Ram Gir Mandir.
  • Shiwala Mandir

Hindu Temples in Pakistan

Dadu

                Radhan –  Hindu Mander Radhan Station

                Khairpur Nathan Shah  –  Veernath Temple

East Karachi

                Karachi City – Faisal Cantonment  – Radha Gopinath Mandir

                Karachi City –   Shri Ramdev Shiv Santosh Temple

Lahore

                lahore – mahAdev, there is a bharav temple also

                Lahore – Sheetla mandir

                Lahore – Doodhwali mata mandir between Shah almi and lahore gate

Thatta

                Makli – ‎  Makli Temple

                Makli  –  Shree Mamai Dev Ashthan /Shrine 

                Makli –  Shing Bhawani Devi temple

                Sujawal  –  SHIVALA Mandir

West Karachi

                Karachi City  –  Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

                Karachi City –   Bhagnarhi Mandir

                Karachi City –   Daryalal Mandir

                Karachi City –   Hanlag Mandir Narayanpura

                Karachi City –   Iskcon Hare Krishna Land

                Karachi City –   Mandir ( Shiva )

                Karachi City –   Manora –  Shri Varun Dev Temple

                Karachi City –   Mauripur  –  Shankar Bhole Nath Mandir

                Karachi City –   Narayan Mandir (TEMPLE) Karachi

                Karachi City –   Narshinga Shiv Mandir

                Karachi City –   Ramchandra Temple

                Karachi City –   Shri Naval Mandir Narayanpura

                Karachi City –   Sitla mata temple

                Karachi City –  ISKCON Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Bhawan

                Karachi City –  Samadha Dham

                Karachi City –  Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple

                Karachi City – Block 3 Clifton  –  Shiv Mandir Clifton

                Karachi City – Block 3 Clifton  –  Shree Darbar SSDN

                Karachi City – Devi Mata Temple

                Karachi City – Jog Maya Mandir

                Karachi City – Ram Dev Gujrati Mandir (Narayanpura)

                Karachi City – Shikarpur Colony  – Ram Mandir

                Karachi City – Shikarpur Colony  –  Shiv Mandir

                Karachi City – Shree Mahaveer Hanuman Temple

                Karachi City – Shri Ramdevji Pir Mandir

                Karachi City – Shri Shni Dev Darbar

                Karachi City – Sri Laxmi Narayan Temple

                Karachi City  –   Radha Gokul Anand Temple

                Karachi City  Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple

Unsorted List

                Balochistan –    Hinglaj Matta Manadar

                Abbottabad  –  Old Gurkhas Shiv Temple

                Abbottabad  –  Arya Samaj Mandir

                Abdoo Goth, Shikarpur  –   Ssdn Temple

                Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur  – Jambheswar Bhagvan Mandir

                Bagarji  –  Baba Aatma Ram Darbar

                Bagh Mohalla, Jhelum – Old  Shiva Temple

                Bagh Mohalla, Jhelum  –  Shiva Temple

                Bahawalnagar  –  Darbar Peer Jolli Wala

                Balochistan  –  Hinglaj Matta Manadar

                Barkhan, Balochistan –   Jay Mahakal

                Barkhan, Balochistan  –  Jay shiree Ram

                Basti, Bannu  –  Bannu Ram Krishan Mandir

                Bela –  Jhoolay Lal Mandir Bela

                Bela  –   Shivala Mandir

                Bhera, Punjab – Hindu Temple

                Bhong  –  Siddhi Vinayak Temple Bhong Sharif

                Bolan  –   Harisar Devta

                Boola Khan, Jamshoro  –  Murshid Khetpal Mandar Thano Bola Khan

                Boola Khan, Jamshoro  –  Jeay Murshid Khetpal Rajpal Mandir

                Chachro, Tharparkar  –  Ladhuram Mandir

                Chachro, Tharparkar  –  Vankal Viratra Mata Temple Rajoro

                Chakwal, Punjab  –   Mahanubhav Temple

                Charan, Tharparkar – Hindu Temple

                Cheelh, Umerkot  – Hindu Temple

                Chelhar, Tharparkar –  kirshana mander

                Chelhar, Tharparkar –  Pir Pithoro Temple

                Chelhar, Tharparkar  –  Temple of Ramapir

                Chiti Ghatti,   Mansehra  –  Shiv Temple

                Choondiko  –  Gaur Kirshna Temple

                Chor Munda  – Hindu Temple

                Churia, Tharparkar  –  Mata jog maya mandir

                Daharki, Ghotki, Sindh  –  Shiri Ramdev Avatar Mandir

                Daharki, Ghotki, Sindh  –  Shive mandir

                Depalpur, Okara  –  Depalpur Temple

                Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab  –  Gopi Nath Mandir

                Dera Ismail Khan, North West Frontier  –  Kali Mata Temple

                Dera Ismail Khan,  Bilout   –  Ancient Hindu Temple

                Dhurnal  –   Old Hindu Mandir

                Diplo, Tharparkar  –  Hindu Temple

                F 6/1 Blue Area, Islamabad  – Tiger Temple

                Faisalabad  –  Sita-Ram Mandir

                Gadap, Karachi City  –  Udero lal Darbar gadap

                Gambat, Khairpur  –  Shree Ramdev Mandir

                Garhi Shahu, Lahore  –  Aitchison College Mandir

                Ghotki –  SSD DHAM

                Ghotki –   Shri Krishna Mandir Aanand Dham

                Ghotki –    Adilpur –  Jai Jogh Mata Mandir

                Ghotki –    Kolachi  – Hindu Temple

                Ghotki –    Mirpur Mathelo –  Hanuman Temple Goyal Family

                Ghotki –    Mirpur Mathelo  – Shiv Mandir Baba Qeemat Ram Darbar

                Ghotki –    Mirpur Mathelo  –  Hanuman Mandir

                Ghotki –    Sakhi Sain Chandu   Ram Darbar‎

                Ghotki –    Shadani Darbar

                Ghotki –   Sain Pahlaj Ram

                Ghotki –   Samdha Dham Ghotki

                Ghotki –   SEJWANI MOHALLA MANDIR

                Ghotki –   Shivalo Shiv Mandir

                Ghotki –   Small Temple

                Ghotki  –  Sant Baba Hardasram

                Ghotki, Sindh  – Shree Ram Tempel

                Ghouspur  –  Baba Garibdas Mandir

                Ghouspur  –  Jhooly Laal Mandir

                Ghulam Nabi Shah, Sanghar  –  Dado Khetaram Mandir

                Golra E-11, Islamabad   –   Purana mandir

                Goth Jafar Khan Dal, Umerkot  –  Ramdev mandir

                Goth Malik Nizam Din  –  Mirpur Khas  –   Mandir Mata Hinglaj Rama

                Gujranwala  –  Devi wala Talaab

                Gujranwala  –  Babraya wala Mandir

                Gujranwala  –  Kamleshvar Mahadev Mandir

                Gujranwala  –  Loria Temple

                Gujrat, Punjab  –  Old Hindu Mandir

                Guri  –   Historical Gori Temple

                Haji Rahmmat Khan, Ghotki  –  Ramdev Mandir

                Halani, Naushahro Feroze  –  Darbar Sahib

                Hathongo, Sanghar  –  Sai Pursna Ram Darbar

                Hudiara, Lahore  –  Hindu temple

                Hyderabad, Sindh –   Hanuman Mandir Kotri

                Hyderabad, Sindh –   Ssd Dham Mandir

                Hyderabad, Sindh – Durga Shiv Mandir near Circuit House

                Hyderabad, Sindh –   Maa Kali Mandir

                Ichra, Lahore  –   Mandir Bherustan (Bhairav Ka Asthan)

                Isa Khel  –  Old Hindu Temple ruins

                Islamabad   –  Shree Ram Mandir

                Islamkot –   Sri Hanuman Mandir

                Islamkot  –  Parbiram Aastan

                Jacobabad –   Durga Bhawan

                Jacobabad –   SACHKHAND DHAAM

                Jacobabad –   Shiri Shiv Shanker Temple

                Jacobabad –  Kalyyan Das Temple

                Jacobabad –  Shri Dhurga Bhawan Temple

                Jacobabad –  Swami Kirshin Gir Temple

                Jacobabad – Gur Revachand Temple

                Jacobabad – Lal Mandir

                Jacobabad  –  Lehri Temple

                Jacobabad  –  Shive Shankar Temple

                Jati  –  Shive Temple/ Takanu

                Jhangi, Gujranwala  – Hindu Temple

                Jhelum, Punjab  –  Hindu Temple

                Jhudo, Mirpur Khas  –  Shiva Mahadave Mandar

                Johi , Pakistan  –  Shiva Temple

                Jooney Jo Tarr, Tharparkar  –  Rama Pir Mandir

                Kahror Pakka, Lodhran  –  Bara mandir

                Kahuta, Rawalpindi  –  Hindu Temple

                Kaloi City, Tharparkar  –  Parbirham Mandir

                Kandhkot  – Hindu Temple

                Kandhkot  –  Prem Prakash Aashram

                Kandhkot  –  Samadha Dham

                Kandhkot  –  Satram Dham

                Kandhkot  –  Jog Mata Mandir

                Kantio, Tharparkar  –  Krishna Temple kantio

                Karachi City –   Ramchandra Temple

                Karachi City  –  Malir Mandir

                KASHMORE  –  SHIV SHAKTI DHAM

                Katas  –   Raj Temple

                Khahi, Shikarpur  –  Temple

                Khando, Matiari  –  Satnam Sakhi Temple Khandu

                Khipro, Sanghar –  Jhule Lal

                Khipro, Sanghar –  Mata Rani Darbar Khipro

                Khipro, Sanghar –  SAHEJ GIR GOSAWAMI AASHRAM

                Khipro, Sanghar –  SAHEJ GIR SAWAMI MANDIR.

                Khipro, Sanghar – Jain Shree HINGLAJ MATA Temple

                Khipro, Sanghar  –  Rama Pir Mandir Khipro.

                Khipro, Sindh  –  Khori Darbar

                Khushab  –   Nursing Phuwaar

                Khushal Town, Peshawar   –  Sree Ram Mandir

                Kohat, Khyber  –  Guru Mandir

                Kotri, Hyderabad –  The Hanuman Temple

                Kotri, Hyderabad  –  Bhole Shankar Mandir

                Kuri  –  Islamabad  –   Historical Hindu Temple

                Lahore fort  –  Lava temple

                Lahore  – Ram Mandir

                Lahore  –  Baalmik Mandir

                Lahore  –  Lal Mandir

                Lahore  –  Old Basuli Hanuman Temple

                Lahore  –  Shri Krishna Mandir

                Lahore, Punjab  – Hindu  Mandir 

                Landa Bazar Committe Chowk, Rawalpindi  –  Ganesha Temple

                Larkana  –   Big Shivala Temple

                Larkana  –   Dharam Shala

                Larkarna  –  Baba Gunaram Mandir

                leti kas, Chakwal  –  Sassi Da Kallara

                Lodhrān  –  Jai Mahakal Mandir

                Lodhrān  –  Mandir

                Loralai –  Big temple

                Malti – Badin –  Shree Lurang Dev Asthaan

                Malti  –  Badin  –  Shree Matai Dev Asthaan

                Manjhand  –  Gobind Dham Darbar

                Mardan  –   Babu Mohallah Mandir

                Matli, Badin  –  Hinglaj Mandir

                Matli, Badin  –  Ramdev Mandir

                Matli, Badin  –  Shiv Mandir

                Mian Channu  ,  Khanewal   –   Hindu Temple

                Mirpur Bathoro  –  SHIVE TEMPLE

                Mirpur Khas  –   Shiv Mandir Sri Sri Radhe Vrindavan Bhiary Nath Centre

                Mirpur Khas  –  Pir Pithoro Mandir

                Mirpur Khas, Sindh –  Hindu Temple

                Mirpur Khas, Sindh  –  Shiv Temple Baghaat

                Mirpur Mathelo  –  Baba Heera Nand Darbar

                Mirpur Mathelo  –  Malang Baba Darbar

                Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki  –   Shadani Darbar

                Mithi –  Jai Sriram Mandir

                Mithi – Meghwar Pir Pithoro Paro Mandir

                Mithi – Shiv Shivalla Mandir

                Mithi –  Hindu Temple Miti

                Mithi –  Shivala Mandir

                Mithi –  Shri Ganesh Mandir

                Mithi –   Hanuman Mandir

                Mithi –  SANTOSHI MATA MANDIR

                Mithi  –   Pooj Parbat Gir Marhi

                Mithi  –  Murlidhar Mandir

                Mithi, Tharparkar  –  heaven in hothiyar

                Mole –  Mole Darber

                Mole  –   Mole Mandir/ Temple

                Multan –   Hindu Temple

                Multan –   Mohalla Jog Maya

                Multan –   Pralhadpuri Temple

                Multan –  Jai Goasmi Lal Dasha Maharaja Ji Ka Mandir

                Multan –  Radhe Krishna Temple

                Multan  –  Balmiki (Valmiki) Temple

                Naal, Khuzdar  – Hindu Temple

                Nagarparkar, Tharparkar   –   Lakhan Bharti Ashram

                Nagarparkar, Tharparkar  –  Mata Sachya Mandar

                Nagarparkar, Tharparkar  –  Sachya Mataji

                Nagarparkar, Tharparkar  –  Mata Rani Bhatiyani Temple

                Narowal, Punjab  –  Hindu Temple

                Nasirabad, Qambar   –  Temple RochaRam

                Naushahro Feroze –   Sant Godhu Ram Darbar

                Naushahro Feroze  –  Hindu Temple

                Nawabshah  – HINDU TEMPLE NAWABSHAH

                Nuinke, Gujranwala  –  Shiv  Temple

                Odero Lal, Hyderabad  – Mandir

                Pakhtunkhwa  –  Harīpur  –  Bara Dari

                Peshawar –  Gulwali/Alamzeb mandar

                Peshawar  –  Wangri Garan Temple

                Pind Dadan Khan, Jhelum  – Hindu  Temple 

                Pind Dadan Khan, Jhelum  –  Shree Sita Ram Ji Temple

                Qamber  –  Kamber Temple

                Qasim Town, Karachi  –   Krishna Mandir

                Qila Kalarwala, Sialkot  – Hindu Temple

                Qilladar, Gujrat  –  Sun Temple

                Quetta  –  Bhagat Chuharmal Mandir

                Quetta  –  Krishna Mandir Quetta

                Quetta  – Hindu Religious Place

                Raharki, Ghotki  –  SSD Rehrki Sahaab

                Raharki, Ghotki  –  SSD Temple – Pooj Sant Satram Dham Sahib

                Rahim Yar Khan –   Shree Ram Mandir

                Rahim Yar Khan  –   Hindu Mandir

                Rahim Yar Khan  –  Darbar Sant Alsa Ram

                Ramdave Peer Temple Village Saleh Janjhi

                Rasulnagar, Gujranwala – Hindu Temple

                Rohri  –  Sai Vasanshah Aasauttar Darbar

                Rohri  –  sukkur –  Baba Khushi Ram Mandir

                Saddar, Rawalpindi  –  Krishna Temple

                Sadiq Abad  –  Shri Krishna Mandir

                Sagri   –  Sagri Temple

                Saidpur, Islamabad  –  Hindu Temple

                Saidpur, Islamabad  – Saidpur Historic Temple

                Sakrand, Shaheed Benazirabad  – Mandar

                Sanghar –   Ramapir Mandir

                Sanghar –  Mandir

                Sanghar –   Rama Peer Mandir

                Sanghar  –  Perumal Mandir

                Sardharo, Tharparkar –  Choorio Mandir, Nagarparkar

                Sardharo, Tharparkar  –   Baba Ramdev Mandir, Kasbo

                Sardharo, Tharparkar  –  Sadhoras Temple

                Sector H-9/1  Islamabad –   Shiv Mandir

                Shahdadkot –   Baba Hirda Ram Mandir

                Shahdadkot – Gurdwara sri guru granth sahib maharaj

                Shahdadkot  –  Baba Hirda Ram Temple

                Shershah Town – Multan –  Suraj Kund Temple

                Shikarpur –  Swami Shankaranand Bharthi Mandir

                Shikarpur  –  Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir

                Shikarpur  –  Hanuman Mandir

                Shri Baba Hanuman Darbar Sukkur

                Sialkot –   Raghunath Temple

                Sialkot  –  Jagannath Temple

                Sialkot  –  Temple Puran Bhagat

                Sibi  –   Sibi Mandir

                Sujawal  –  Darbar bawa narain shaib

                Sukkur –  Moj Ashram sukkur

                Sukkur – Mata Mandir

                Sukkur  –  Kali Mata/Karka Mata/Kalkan Devi Mandir

                Sukkur  –  Mata Mandir

                Sukkur  –  Sadhu Bela Mandir

                Sukkur  –  SANT BEEJAL RAM MANDIR

                SWAMI RANGI RAM DARBAR

                Syed Wala Purana – Hindu Temple

                Talpur Wada, Khairpur  –   Ramapir Mandir

                Tando Ādam, Sanghar  –   Krishna Temple (Meghwar Colony Allahyar Goth)

                Tando Allahyar  –  Shri Hanuman Mandir

                Tando Allahyar  –  Ramdev Mandir

                Tando Mohammad Khan  – Shiv Mandir

                Thano Ahmed Khan, Jamshoro  –  Shri Anandpur Temple

                Thatta   Jhampir Mandir

                Tulamba, Khanewal  –  Hindu Temple

                Umerkot –   7 Mata minder

                Umerkot –   Ramapir Mandir

                Umerkot –   Shri Kaali Mata Temple

                Umerkot –  Aasmaniyan Ro Thaan

                Umerkot –  Deeval Mata

                Umerkot –   Shri Ramapir Mandir

                Umerkot  –  Ramapir Mandir

                Umerkot  –  Shiv Mandir

                Umerkot  –  Shri Muralidhar Mandir

                Usta Muhammad, Jaffarabad  –   BGDS Mandir

                sind Dt – nAgarpArkkara sector

                                sardArA – on karunchar hill, mahAdev

                                anjilichAr

Shiva Temple Mansehra city / town, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa old NWFP province, Pakistan; is NOT in use anymore it has been a public library for over 25 years now. The temple you refer to is the ancient Shiva Temple at ‘Chitti Gatti’ near Gandian village, close to Mansehra town (over 2000 years)

                Shiva Temple and ‘Dussehra house’ (for pilgrims) in Abbottabad town, also close to Mansehra.

                Shiva temple at Mansehra City.

                Khawasam, 50 kms south of Quetta, Baluchistan Province

                mohanjadAro – lots of ancient Lord shiva temples (before 3000 BCE)

                lAki – tAdu sector, sind dt

                harapa – very ancient temple

                Katasraj – Lord shiva temple, 30km from Chakwal in Punjab dt. – mentioned in mahabharata

                Laduv

                Katas in the salt range

                Narastan

                Pandrethan

                Payar

                Kafirkot – west of Indus, in North west frontier province

                Malot in Salt range

                Mari- Indus – 4 temples, east of Indus, Kalabagh

                Kallar

                Amb

                Bilot

                Nandana

1. Jagannath Mandir, Sialkot

It is more than 1000 years old and was renovated in early 2007 by Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi. The main deity is lord Jagannath who is an incarnation of lord Vishnu.

2. Hinglaj Mata Mandir

According to legend the head of Mata Sati fell here while Lord Vishnu slashed her body to pieces while lord Shiva did his Tandav. People also claim that Lord Rama atoned for his killing of Ravan here.The annual four day pilgrimage to the temple is in April and on the third the priest recite manra that help bring the wishes and prayers of devotees come true.

2. Hinglaj Mata Mandir

According to legend the head of Mata Sati fell here while Lord Vishnu slashed her body to pieces while lord Shiva did his Tandav. People also claim that Lord Rama atoned for his killing of Ravan here.The annual four day pilgrimage to the temple is in April and on the third the priest recite manra that help bring the wishes and prayers of devotees come true.

3. Shri Varun Dev Mandir

It is situated on the outskirts of Manora Cant and is more than 160 years old. The main deity is Varun who is the god of the oceans and is admired for its fine architecture and beautiful craftsmanship.

4. Katas Raj Temple

According to legend this temple was where Pandavas spent their exile and the pool created around the temple is made up of Lord Shiva tears. It was said to be built in 3rd Century and described in the travelogues of Chinese Monk Faxian. Most of the temples are constructed on square platforms and when observed from a distance it seems like there are small rows of pillars that are roofed by a dome.

5. Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir

According to legend the statue here was found in its natural state and is not man- made making it the only natural statue of Hanuman in the world which represents all five forms of the deity. Devotees from all over the world pay pilgrimage to lord hanuman here.

6. Kalki Devi Cave

According to legend kalki devi stopped here on her way to Hinglaj and it is considered auspicious to visit this place on the first Monday of each month. There is an annual festival every September which sees devotees from all caste, creed and religion revere in the festivities.

  • Main Gods Worshipped: Kalki Devi
  • Time Taken: 1-2 hours

Temples in Pakistan
The following are the Temples of Hindus in Karachi for Performing their Worship (Puja) and Places for Celebration of their Religious Festivals.

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple At Clifton Karachi

This Temple is situated at the seaside of Clifton. It was constructed more than 300 years ago in a cave on a hill. Grand Mela (Fair) of Lord Shiva (SHANKAR) is held for 3 days on Maha Shiva Ratri the day wherein more than 25,000 people visit the Temple for celebration & rituals on this occasion every year. On every Monday, “Parsad”(sacred food) is distributed but now 7 days of the week, prasad is offered.

Laxmi Narain Temple At Native Jetty Bridge, Queens Road Karachi

This temple is constructed on land facing the sea under the Native Jetty Bridge. It was constructed about 200 years back. In this temple, the Festival of Raksha Bandhan (NarialPuja), Ganesh Chaturthi, i.e. Birthday of Shri Ganesh Deva, and every Chand night is celebrated. It is a sacred place for performing death rituals of Karni (11th-day rituals) and offering Shiradh of Pitras and for putting final Garba Murtis in seawater on the day of Nao-Ratree & Ganesh Chaturthi.

Swami Narayan Temple Opposite KMC M.A Jinnah Road Karachi

It is a big Temple estate, surrounded by residential houses. It is an old temple building, which dates back more than 150 years. In this temple, celebrations of Swami Narain Jayanti, Sri Ram Navmi, Janam Ashtami, Dussehra, Diwali, and mostly all the religious festivals are celebrated by Hindus, within these premises, there is a temple of Guru Nanak where in every Chand Raat and the birthday of Guru Nanak, Wasakhee, days are also celebrated by Hindus.

Guru Nanak Darbar Aram Bagh Karachi.

Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple Soldier Bazar Karachi

It is an old Temple constructed in 1927 and was under the supervision of Mahant Baldev Das Gadi Nasheen. Annual Festivals of Sri Ram Navmi, Hanuman Jantee, Janam Ashtami, and Deshera are held, and every Saturday and Tuesday, Sandur and Oil are offered on the statue of Panch Mukhi Hanuman, the curer of evil effects of Shanee dev.

Seetla Mandir Bhimpura Karachi

This is an old Temple estate belonging to the goddess, Seetla Mata wherein Puja for a cure of Smallpox and other skin diseases, is performed. Annual Fairs of Seetla Mata in the month of Chetra, Thadhiree, and Festivals in Asu are held in this Temple.

Devi Mata Temple Near Ashi Qaber Mithader Karachi

This Temple was constructed about 150 years back in the name of Warhai Mata Devi. Every Wednesday, Devi Puja is performed and annual Nava Ratri and other Hindus Festivals are also celebrated with Parsad & Bhandara (sacred food) under the supervision of ALL HINDUS SHEWADHARIES ASSOCIATION.

Varun God (Radha Krishna – Sita Ram) Temple At Manora Cantt

The temple is situated on the seashore of Manora Cantt. This temple is about 160 years old and designed perfectly as per Hindu Architecture. The temple is carved from blackish marble. Apart from the Varun Devta temple, there is a small temple of Shiv Shanker & statues of Hanuman & Sri Ganesh Mahraj are still in good condition. Sindhi Hindu Businessmen built this temple & renovated it from time to time. After partition the temple was abandoned & illegally occupied by land grabbers, recently Pakistan Hindu Council Karachi took a bold step to renovate the same & how have brought back the sanctity of the temple & have been cleaned up all the impurities & garbage inside the temple. The station Commander PNS Himalaya Manora Cantt has very kindly handed over the control of this temple to the Pakistan Hindu Council Karachi, since June 2007.

Hanuman Mandir Frere road Saddar Karachi.

The Festivals of Shri Hanuman & Lord Shri Rama is celebrated every year. Regular weekly Satsang is held on Tuesday & Saturday. Hanuman Seva Mandal is also actively participating in all the functions & programs & upkeep of the Temple properly.

Shiv Mandir Karachi Islamia College Karachi

Durga Devi Mandir Karachi Gizri Karachi

Krishna Mandir- Frere town Clifton Karachi

Guru Nanik Mandir Manora Karachi

Sri Kathiawari Harijan Manhar Mandir Ranchore Line Narain Pura (Pujarai Amarsi Meghjee Baria)

HINDU TEMPLES PAKISTAN

SINDH

Karachi

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir M.A Jinnah Road Karachi
Shri Varun Dev Mandir Karachi
Ramchandra Mandir, Saddar-Karachi
Ramswamy Mandir, Ramswamy-Karachi
Manhar Mandir Kathwari Mandir, Rancho Line-Karachi
Mata Mandir, Doli Khata-Karachi
Malir Mandir, Shah Faisal Colony-Karachi
Narsingh Mahadev Mandir, Risala-Karachi
Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir, Soldier Bazar-Karachi
Pamwal Das Shiv Mandir, Baghdadi, Saddar-Karachi
Mari Mata Mandir Rattan Tallow Akbar Road, Saddar-Karachi
Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Native Jetty-Karachi
Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir, Clifton-Karachi
Bhagnari Shiv Mandir, Kakri Ground-Karachi
Darya Lal Sankat Mochan Mandir(also called Jhoolay Lal Mandir), Custom House-Karachi
Devi Mandir, Bombay Bazar-Karachi
Hanuman Mandir, Doli Khata-Karachi
Hanuman Mandir, Frere Road-Karachi
Hinglaj Mata Mandir(also called Jagannath Akhra Mandir), Bhimpura-Karachi
Sheetala Mata Mandir, Bhimpura-Karachi
Shiv Mandir, Islamia College-Karachi
Shivaharkaray Karachi
Shri Punch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir Garden East Karachi.
Shri Varun Dev Mandir Manooraa Karachi.
Shri Hanuman Mandir JPMC Karachi.
Shri Mari Amman (Mata) Temple JPMC F/T Karachi.
Shri Mari Mata Mandir Korangi Karachi.
BGD Hall Sawami Narain Mandir Karachi (Baba Garib Das).
Shri Hanuman Mandir Cantt Karachi.
Shri Shyan Dam Mandir Karachi.
SUKKUR

Sadhu Bela Temple Sukkur.
Samabha Ashram Shikarpur, Sukkur.
Shankarnand Bharti Shikarpur Sukkur.
Khat Wari Darbar Shikarpur, Sukkur.
Jhulay Lal Mandir Bagarji Sukkur.
JACOBABAD

Swami Kirshan Gir Darbar (Kundan Gir Marri) Jacobabad.
Baba Kalyan Das Mandir Jacobabad.
Sach Khand Dham Jacobabad.
Bhagwan Shiv Mandir, Peti Bazar Jacobabad.
Bhagwan Shiv Mandir Ladies Market Jacobabad.
Lal Sain Mandir Bhahan Bazar Jacobabad.
Nandro Mata Waro Mandir (Chenchri Ghitti) Jacobabad.
SHAHDADKOT

Guru Nanik Dass Mandir Shahdadkot.
Baba Khat Wala Shahib Mandir Shahdadkot.
Shiv Mandir Shahdadkot.
Baba Hiradaram Mandir Shahdadkot.
ROHRI

Wasan Shah Darbar Rorhi.
KANDHKOT

Baba Garib Das Darbar Gospor, Kandhkot.
TANDO ALLAHYAR

Shri Ramapir Tandoallahyar.
MITHI

Shri Murlidhar Mandir Mithi, tharparkar.
Shri Krishna Mandir Mithi, Tharparkar.
Shri Hanuman Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Shri Pir Pithoro Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Shri Ramapir Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Santoshi Maa Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Shiv Parvati Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Lokesh Mandir Mithi, tharparkar
Guri Mandir, Guri Mithi, tharparkar
ISLAMKOT

Sant Neennooram Ashram Islamkot.
Shri Ramchand Mandir Islamkot.
Shri Parbrahm Mandir Islamkot.
Shri Devi Mandir Islamkot.
Bhagat Ramji Mandir Islamkot.
Shri Hanuman Mandir Islamkot
Ramapir Mandir Islamkot
Kirshan Mandir Islamkot
Akhi gur Samadhi Islamkot
NAGARPARKAR

Ramapir Mandir.
Sadh Belo Island Temple.
Churrio Jabal Durgha Temple.
CHELHAR

Shri Devi Mata MAndir.
Shri Murli Mandir.
Shri Ramapir Mandir
Shiv Mandir.
Kathwari Harijan Manhar Mandir
KANTIO

Krishana Mandir.
CHACHRO

Murlidhar Mandir
Pir Pithoro Mandir
Ladhooram Mandi
Mata Mandir
Ram Gir Mandir
Shiwala Mandir
UMERKOT

Shiv Mandir Umerkot
Kali Mata Temple Umerkot
Kirshana Mandir Umerkot
Balochistan

Hinglaj Mata cave temple at Hinglaj, Hingol National Park
Kalat Kali Temple at Kalat, Baluchistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

KalibariMandir, Peshawar
GoraknathMandir, GorKhatri Peshawar
DargahPirRatanNathJee Hindu Mandir, Jhanda Bazaar Peshawar
Nandi Mandir – Peshawar
Balmiki (Valmiki) Mandir – Peshawar
Araya Temple, Nawanshehr area, Abbottabad (ruined)
Shiva Temple and Dusehra House (old)- Abbottabad (ruined/half demolished)
Krishna Temple (old)–Abbottabad (destroyed/building no longer exists)
Kali Mandir – Dera Ismail Khan (being used as a hotel)
Krishna Temple, Haripur (destroyed)
Shiva Temple (ancient)- Mansehra, ChittiGatti/Gandhian location (in use)
Shiva Temple (former, now a public library)– Mansehra town (no longer a temple)
Bareri Mata/Durga Temple and Shrine, on Bareri hill–Mansehra (destroyed/no longer in regular use,location sometimes visited by pilgrims and touriists)
Laxmi Narain Mandir – Mardan
Shiv Mandir – Nowshera
Punjab

Aditya Sun temple – Multan
Jagannath Temple – Sialkot
Katasraj temple, Katas Village – Chakwal
Krishna Temple, Ravi Road, Lahore
Valmiki Mandir, Lahore
Lava temple, Lahore fort
Tilla Jogian temple
Jagannath Temple, Sialkot
Sri Narasimha Temple – Multan
Multan Sun Temple, SurajKund, Multan
Prahladpuri Temple, Multan
Old Temple –Kakrali, Gujrat
Katasraj temple
Malot temple
AmbShareef temple
Islamabad Capital Territory

Saidpur Temple, Saidpur, Islamabad

Azad Kashmir

Sharada Peeth Temple, Neelam Valley, AJK

The major Hindu temples in Pakistan are Shri Hinglaj Mata temple (whose annual Hinglaj Yatra is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan, which is participated by more than 250,000 pilgrims), Shri Ramdev Pir temple (whose annual Ramdevpir Mela in the temple is the second largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan, Umarkot Shiv Mandir (famous for its annual Shivrathri festival, which is one of the biggest religious festivals in Pakistan, and the Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple (famous for Shivrathri celebrations which is attended by 200,000 pilgrims).

Pakistan Administered Kashmir

Bhimber District

  • Shiv Temple at Barnala

Kotli District

  • Banganga Temple at Khuiratta
  • Hindu Temples at Kotli City

Mirpur District

  • Baba Balaji Temple at Ratta, Dadyal
  • Raghunath Temple at Mangla Dam Lake
  • Shivala Temple, at Mangla Dam Lake

Muzaffarabad District

  • Sita Ram Temple at Muzaffarabad City

Neelum District

  • Sharada Peeth at Sharda

Poonch District

  • Mandhol Sun Temple at Mandhole

Balochistan

Lasbela District

  • Shri Hinglaj Mata temple is located in Hingol National Park. The shrine of the Goddess Hinglaj is located in the desert of Balochistan, Pakistan, about 215 kilometers west of the city of Karachi. The annual Hinglaj Yatra is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan, which is participated by more than 250,000 pilgrims.
  • Baba Chandragup is a mud volcano. It is an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Shri Hinglaj Mata temple. The volcano is considered as the embodiment of Lord Shiva.

Dera Bugti District

  • Marrhi Mandir at Dera Bugti

Harnai District

  • Agrasen Maharaj Temple, Harnai
  • Shiva Temple, Harnai

Kachhi District

  • Sant Madhoo Das Temple at Bhag Tehsil.
  • Banke Bihari Mandir, Chalgari

Kalat District

  • Kalat Kali Mata Temple at Kalat

Khuzdar District

  • Ramdev Ji Mandir , Gajozai
  • ISKCON centre, Khuzdar

Loralai District

  • Sanatan Dharm Mandir

Mastung District

  • Shiva Mandir at Mastung.It has a tree with three branches representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
  • Kalka Mata Mandir at Mastung

Nasirabad District

  • Ram Mandir, Nuttal
  • Bhagwan Vishnu Sthanam , Dera Murad Jamali

Quetta District

  • Arya Samaj Temple at Quetta
  • Bhagat Chuharmal Temple at Quetta
  • Krishna Temple at Quetta
  • Sidh Pani Nath Ji Temple at Mirri Fort
  • ISKCON centre, Quetta

Sibi District

  • Sibi Mandir
  • Tili Van Mandir
  • Pooja Mata Mandir at Lehri

Zhob District

  • Hindu temple, Zhob
  • Arya Samaj Temple, Zhob

Islamabad

  • Rama Temple at Saidpur village
  • Krishna Temple at Islamabad
  • Temple at Raval Dam

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Swat District

  • Vishnu temple

Punjab

Toba Tek Singh District

  • Sri Sanatam Dharm Sabha Mandir

Vehari District

Sindh

Threats

A survey carried out by All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Pakistan’s revealed that out of 428 Hindu temples in Pakistan that existed before Partition, only around 20 survive today and they remain neglected by the Evacuee Trust Property Board which controls those, while the rest had been converted for other uses. Nearly 1000 active and former Hindu temples were attacked in 1992 riots and in other attacks like the 2014 Larkana temple attack, 2019 Ghotki riots, and the 2020 Karak temple attack. Idols in some temples in Pakistan have gone missing and the ponds outside those temples that are considered necessary for a holy dip are drying up due to neglect, which has irked the Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, some of the closed temples have been reopened following the Court rulings, and government intervention.

Pakistan Temple

Shri Varun Dev Mandir of Manora Island

Shri Varun Dev Mandir of Manora IslandIn the past we have shared with you some photos of Manora Island under the title views of Manora. Today we will go on an exclusive tour of Shri Varun Dev mandir located at the Manora beach.

The mandir is unfortunately in a bad condition of disrepair and salty-rusty sea breeze is eating away into the structure fast. When I visited the mandir on Jan 7, 2007, it appeared deserted. There were unfortunate signs of human vandalism also where it looked like people took away with them any item salvagable. The structure still appeared grand and from left over tile work and decorations it showed its glorious past.

Our avid reader Khair Soomro saheb helped me in translating this tablet. It reads:

“dedication from sons in the sacred memory of Seth Harchand Mal Dayal Das of Bhriya”

or in other words: “An offering from sons in the loving memory of their father Seth Harchand Mal Dayal Das of Bhriya”. (Bhriya is a town near Khairpur Sindh.)

I asked my good friend Sridhar to translate the devnagri script for us and here was his reply:

“The top line has the character ‘Om’. It is just an auspicious syllable that is there in most prayers and is also present in most places of worship. The second line has the name of the temple (and presumably the chief deity worshipped there). It says ‘Shri Varun Dev Mandir’. The name also looks like ‘Shri Arun Dev Mandir’ (the ancient way of writing ‘A’ in Arun could well be imagined in that character, which is not that clear. But I think, on balance that it is Varun Dev and not Arun. According to Hindu mythology Varuna is the God of the oceans.

There is no worship of Varuna that I have come across personally in India, though I would not be completely surprised at the existence of this temple in Karachi because of the enormous diversity in the Hinduism practiced in different parts of the subcontinent. Also, people who have livelihoods related to the ocean, for instance, fishermen, might worship Varuna. If this temple is on the beach in Karachi this could well be an explanation – it might have been built by fishermen who worshipped Varuna.”

I have a sincere hope that Government of Pakistan takes care of these places of worship. If nothing else then atleast the structure should be saved from the people who take away tiles and anything salvagable for petty profits. Many people visit the mandir as it is the largest and most prominent attraction at Manora beach. A little bit of official or non-official help will go a long way in preserving our heritage.

Shri Varun Dev mandir located at the Manora beach.

(Above photo is the view of the mandir facing Arabian Sea.)

The mandir is unfortunately in a bad condition of disrepair and salty-rusty sea breeze is eating away into the structure fast. When I visited the mandir on Jan 7, 2007, it appeared deserted. There were unfortunate signs of human vandalism also where it looked like people took away with them any item salvagable. The structure still appeared grand and from left over tile work and decorations it showed its glorious past.

(2) Here is a memorial tablet in Sindhi on one of the mandir gates.

Our avid reader Khair Soomro saheb helped me in translating this tablet. It reads:

“dedication from sons in the sacred memory of Seth Harchand Mal Dayal Das of Bhriya”

or in other words: “An offering from sons in the loving memory of their father Seth Harchand Mal Dayal Das of Bhriya”. (Bhriya is a town near Khairpur Sindh.)

(3) View of the mandir from West side

(4) This tablet tells us about the sponsors of colorful tile work in two languages.

Top script is Sindhi.

(5) The tile work of mandir floor

(6) Following is the tile work on mandir’s exterior wall

(7) Looking at the mandir from east

(8) The outer gate of the mandir

I asked my good friend Sridhar to translate the devnagri script for us and here was his reply:

“The top line has the character ‘Om’. It is just an auspicious syllable that is there in most prayers and is also present in most places of worship. The second line has the name of the temple (and presumably the chief deity worshipped there). It says ‘Shri Varun Dev Mandir’. The name also looks like ‘Shri Arun Dev Mandir’ (the ancient way of writing ‘A’ in Arun could well be imagined in that character, which is not that clear. But I think, on balance that it is Varun Dev and not Arun. According to Hindu mythology Varuna is the God of the oceans. There is no worship of Varuna that I have come across personally in India, though I would not be completely surprised at the existence of this temple in Karachi because of the enormous diversity in the Hinduism practiced in different parts of the subcontinent. Also, people who have livelihoods related to the ocean, for instance, fishermen, might worship Varuna. If this temple is on the beach in Karachi this could well be an explanation – it might have been built by fishermen who worshipped Varuna.”

(9) View from the outer most gate of the mandir compound

I have a sincere hope that Government of Pakistan takes care of these places of worship. If nothing else then atleast the structure should be saved from the people who take away tiles and anything salvagable for petty profits. Many people visit the mandir as it is the largest and most prominent attraction at Manora beach. A little bit of official or non-official help will go a long way in preserving our heritage.

Swami Naraian Temple M.A. Jinnah Road

Hindu Temple fairly close from the Karachi City Municipal office building
across the street.

Security and a Large gate. Guards there to ask name, religion etc.

Very beautiful old temple

Past that dargah on the main road just off sand and dirt area after the ocean, I saw a large open area, fenced off area.

Fence were small enough so be able to see small structure in this open area. It looked kind of stange. I asked the guard what is it? He said it is a Hindu temple. I asked if I can go in. He pointed to a very small walk way on one end of this place to go in. There were other set of people 5 or 6 sitting around a small fire to keep warm. They asked my name etc. and then I take my shoes off and go down the stairs and see this first HINDU temple in Karachi, Pakistan

A old lady at the temple was telling me that this is a very “PRACHEEN” old temple. At times also submerged in ocean water for brief time during major sea storms.

This temple was shut down for many years after partition. And it did not got destroyed

There was arti in the evening.

This temple also has a small kitchen and they give free food to needy and those who have ability give donations for the food and to support the temple.

Before leaving people upstairs by entrance around the fire
to keep them selves warm, told me that all remaining Hindu temple need Government security as well as Hindu lay people security. And they also told me about one more temple that I saw later.

One day in the summer of 2005 we decided to take a trip from Karachi to Hinglaj, Balochistan.
And so we packed our munchies and cd collection and off we went.
but first, a quick stop for a cuppa just outside Karachi…
Once on the Makran Coastal highway, we met a donkey-cart wala.
… who whizzed past us at 120mph
Soon we reached the mighty Hingol, the largest river in Balochistan.
… where a tiny dog who had braved the crocodiles was cooling off in the midday sun.
At this point on the highway, you take a sharp right along the river till you enter Hingol National Park.
Hingol National Park, covering an area of about 610,043 ha, is the largest national park in Pakistan.
It is home to a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles.
From here on, however, the only wild animals we came across was a lone cow
… and, after a great deal of squinting into the sun …
… a bird was spotted, which none of us could identify.
Further along the river is Nani Mandir, a Hindu temple.
A small stream flows in front of it…
… in which there was a frog.
but ”poof”… not for long!
hmm. Wonder where it went.
We trekked a bit further up the small valley…
… before turning back to head towards the highway.
Soon as we hit the highway back to Karachi, a sandstorm hits us.
Barely able to see 50 feet ahead of us, we try searching for the mud volcanoes to our right.
We go off the highway, and with a bit of luck and a lot of sand, find what we went looking for.
Behold the Chandra Gupt!
The 450 feet high mud volcano, one of the biggest in the region, is considered sacred by the Hindu community.
Mud volcanoes are common in the coastal areas of Baluchistan. They gently emit mud, water and a mixture of gases into the air.
And sometimes even desert beetles, such as this beauty found at the base of the volcano.
Katas Raj Temple Pakistan

Katasraj temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has existed since the days of Mah?bh?rata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile at the site. The Pakistan Government is considering nominating the temple complex for World Heritage Site status. It also proposes to spend about Rs 20 million in three phases for the restoration of the complex.

Most of the temples, located some 40 km from the modern city of Chakwal in the Potohar region of northern Punjab in Pakistan, were built during the reign of Hindu kings. These several temples were built around 900 years ago or more, although the earliest of the Katasraj temples dates back to the latter half of the 6th century A.D. Scholars believe that most of the temples were actually constructed when the Shahi kingdom, driven from Afghanistan when their ethnic cousin Mahmud of Ghanavi came to power, fled to the region and set up base there.

The temple was abandoned by local Hindus when they migrated to East Punjab in 1947. It has always been the site of holy pilgrimage for people of various faiths. Even nowadays, worshippers from all faiths perform pilgrimages to the temple every year and bathe in the sacred pool around which Katasraj is built.

The Katas site houses the Satgraha, a group of seven ancient temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a few medieval temples, havelis and some recently constructed temples, scattered around a pond considered holy by Hindus. The temples at Katas are mostly constructed on square platforms. The elevation of the sub shrines seems to form a series of cornices with small rows of pillars, crowned by a ribbed dome.

The Ramachandra temple is situated to the east of the Hari Singh Haveli and is closed from all sides except for an entrance on the east. The double-storied structure has eight rooms of various dimensions on the ground floor and a staircase at the south leading to the first floor. The temple has two jharokas (balconies) that have been severely damaged.

The Hanuman temple is on the western extreme of a high rectangular enclosure with entrances on the south and the north. The temple’s ceiling is undecorated, and lime-plastered. The Shiva temple is also built on a square platform. Its entrance is a recessed round arch with faint cusps and a rectangular opening to the north.

Katasraj temple complex is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era. There are stories about the Pandavas spending time there during their long exile. The lake in the complex is believed to have magical powers and supposed to be where Yudhisthira defeated the Yaksha with his wisdom to bring his brothers back to life.

In October-November 2006, more than 200 Hindu pilgrims (yatrees) came from outside of Pakistan to visit Katas Raj.

The mention of Katas Raj, located in the salt range 18 miles south of Chakwal, is found in Maha Bharat written in 300 BC. The etymology of this place as narrated in the old edition of Tarikh-i-Jhelum (History of Jhelum) is that according to Brahaman belief, Shiv Devta wept so profusely on the death of his beloved wife Satti that two holy ponds – one at Pushkar of Ajmair and other at Katak Shell – came into being with his tears. In Sanskrit, the word – Katak Shell – means chain of tears which later on was pronounced as ‘Katas’.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and President Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) L.K Advani also visited Katas Raj to inaugurate the conservation work at Satghrah temple in June this year. The photo to the right is from that occasion.

According to Gen Cunningham, Katas was considered the second largest holy place in Punjab for Hindu pilgrims after Jawala Mukhi. It is said famous Pando brothers spent 12 years in Katas and built the temples of Satghara. It is said Al-Beruni also spent some time at Katas to learn Sanskrit in a linguistic university which, at that time, was established here. Temples at Katas have been transferred from the federal government to the Punjab Archaeology Department recently.

Katas Raj is also the place where Alberuni attempted to measure the circumference of the Earth, studied Sanskrit and wrote his renowned Kitab-ul-Hind (Book of Hind) which depicted the religion, scientific knowledge, and social customs of Hindus. Paras Nath Jogi drew his last breath on Katas. Jagat Guru Nanak Ji also visited the place on the 1st of Visakh. Katas came to be known as Nanaknawas and was a site of contemplation for many large groups of mystics, ascetics and jogis. According to Hindu beliefs, taking bath in the holy pond at the site washes away all sins and makes man innocent.

Katas Raj Temples, Chakwal, Pakistan
Katasraj temple is a Hindu temple situated in Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has existed since the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile at the site. Pakistan Government is considering nominating the temple complex for World Heritage Site status. It also proposes to spend about Rs 20 million in three phases for the restoration of the complex.

Temples in Pakistan

There are the following Temples of Hindus in Karachi for Performing their Worship (Puja) and Places for Celebration of their Religious Festivals.

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple At Clifton Karachi.
This Temple is situated at the seaside of Clifton. It was constructed about more than 150 years ago in a cave in a hill. Grand Mela (Fair) of Lord Shiva (SHANKER) is held for 3 days on Maha Shiva Ratri the day where in more than 25,000 people visit the Temple for celebration & rituals on this occasion every year. On every Monday, “Parsad”(sacred food) is distributed but now 7 days of week, parsad is offered.

Laxmi Narain Temple At Native Jetty Bridge, Queens Road Karachi.
This temple is constructed on land facing the sea under the Native Jetty Bridge. It was constructed about 200 years back. In this temple, Festival of Raksha Bandhan (NarialPuja), Ganesh Chaturthee, i.e. Birthday of Shri Ganesh Deva and every Chand night is celebrated. It is a sacred place for performing death rituals of Karni (11th day rituals) and offering Shiradh of Pitras and for putting final Garba Murtis in sea water on the day of Nao-Ratree & Ganesh Chaturithi.

Swami Narayan Temple Opposite Kmc M.A Jinnah Road Karachi.
It is a big Temple estate, surrounded by residential houses. It is an old temple building, which dates back to more than 150 years. In this temple, celebration of Swami Narain Jayanti, Sri Ram Navmi, Janam Ashtmi, Dasshera, Diwali and mostly all the religious festivals are celebrated by Hindus, within these premises, there is a temple of Guru Nanak where in every Chand Raat and the birthday of Guru Nanak, Wasakhee, days are also celebrated by Hindus.

Guru Nanak Darbar Aram Bagh Karachi.

Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple Soldier Bazzar Karachi.
It is an old Temple constructed in 1927 and was under supervision of Mahant Beldev Das Gadi Nasheen. Annual Festivals of Sri Ram Navmi, Hanuman Jantee, Janam Ashtmi and Deshera are held, and on every Saturday and Tuesday, Sandur and Oil are offered on statue of Panch Mukhi Hanuman, the curer of evil effects of Shanee dev.

Seetla Mandir Bhimpura Karachi.
This is an old Temple estate belonging to goddess, Seetla Mata wherein Puja for a cure of Small pox and other skin diseases, is performed. Annual Fairs of Seetla Mata in the month of Chetra, Thadhiree, Festivals in Asu are held in this Temple.

Devi Mata Temple Near Ashi Qaber Mithader Karachi.
This Temple was constructed about 150 years back in the name of Warhai Mata Devi. On every Wednesday, Devi Puja is performed and annual Nava Ratri and other Hindus Festivals are also celebrated with Parsad & Bhandara (sacred food) under the supervision of ALL HINDUS SHEWADHARIES ASSOCIATION.

Varun God (Radha Krishna – Sita Ram) Temple At Manora Cantt
The temple is situated on seashore of Manora cantt. This temple is about 160 years old and designed perfectly as per Hindu Architecture. The temple is carved from a blackish marble. Apart of Varun Devta temple there is small temple of Shiv Shanker & statues of Hanuman & Sri Ganesh Mahraj are still in good condition. Sindhi Hindu Businessmen built this temple & renovated from time to time. After partition the temple was abandoned & illegally occupied by land grabbers, recently Pakistan Hindu Council Karachi took a bold step to renovate the same & how have brought back the sanctity of temple & have been cleaned of all the impurities & garbage inside the temple. The station Commander PNS Himalaya Manora cantt has very kindly handed over the control of this temple to Pakistan Hindu Council Karachi, from June, 2007.

The Council plans to spend about Ten million rupees for uplift & to bring this ancient temple to its original condition. Satsung will be held on every Saturday & Parsad & Bhandara would also be managed every week free of cost. Lot of devotes visit this picnic place & enjoy the waves of sea direcltly hitting the temple. There is beautiful scene early in the morning at sun rise. The atmosphere is marvelous & one feel great pleasure & peace of mind along with glimpses of the temple & Darshan of Lord Shri Ram & Lord Shri Krishna.

Hanuman Mandir Frere road sadder Karachi.

The Festivals of Shri Hanuman & Lord Shri Rama are celebrated every year. Regular weekly Satsang is held on Tuesday & Saturday. Hanuman Seva Mandal is also actively participating in all the functions & programmes & up keep the Temple properly.

Shiv Mandir Karachi Islamia College Karachi.
Durga Devi Mandir Karachi Gizri Karachi.
Krishna Mandir- Frere town Clifton Karachi.
Guru Nanik Mandir Manora Karachi.
Radha Damodar / Temple Narayan pura Ranchore Line Karachi.

Hindu Cremation Ground Karachi
Hindus observes lost rituals of cremation of dead bodies at Hindu Cremation ground situated at Old Golimar road Karachestivals

Hinduism has many festivals throughout the year. The Hindu calendar usually prescribe their dates. The festivals typically celebrate events from Hindu mythology, often coinciding with seasonal changes being a predominantly agrarian society. There are festivals which are primarily celebrated by specific sects or in certain regions of the Indian subcontinent.

Some widely observed Hindu festivals are,

Dussera, or Durga Puja, celebrates events from Hindu mythology concerning the triumph of good over evil;

Diwali, the festival of lights;

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival celebrating Ganesha;

Maha Shivaratri, the festival dedicated to Shiva;

Ram Navami, celebrates the birth of Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu;

Krishna Janmastami, celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu;
Holi, a spring festival of color and light;

Religion-Hinduism

Hinduism (known as Hindū Dharma in modern Indian languages) is a religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent. In contemporary usage Hinduism is also referred to as Sanātana Dharma, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “eternal law”.

With its origins in the Vedic civilization it has no known founder, being itself a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions. It is the world’s oldest existent religion, and has approximately a billion adherents, of whom about 905 million live in India and Nepal. countries with large Hindu populations include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Hinduism contains a vast body of scriptures. Divided as revealed and remembered and developed over millennia, these scriptures expound on theology, philosophy and mythology, providing spiritual insights and guidance on the practice of dharma (religious living). Among such texts, the Vedas and the Upanishads are the foremost in authority, importance and antiquity. Other major scriptures include the Tantras, the sectarian Agamas, the Purāṇas and the epics Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa. The Bhagavad Gītā, a treatise excerpted from the Mahābhārata, is sometimes called a summary of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas.

Hinduism originates from ancient Vedic traditions and other indigenous beliefs, incorporated over time. Due to its diversity Hinduism can only be defined in terms of peoples and places. It is possible to find Hindu groups whose beliefs have very little in common and nearly impossible to identify any universal belief. Prominent themes include Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (The continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various yogas (paths or practices). Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism share traits with Hinduism, because these religions originated in India, focus on self-improvement and aim to attain personal first hand, spiritual experiences. They along with Hinduism are collectively known as Dharmic religions

History of Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. The worldwide religious tradition is based on the Vedas, beliefs, and customs of various groups in India. Hinduism’s origins include cultural elements of the Indus Valley Civilization(c. 3300–1700 BC), the Vedic religion of the Indo-Aryans, and other Indian civilizations. Being highly localized within India, Hinduism has seen many changes throughout the history of the Indian subcontinent. Over time, Hindu philosophy evolved into six schools: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta.

The history/timeline of Hinduism would be a very interesting topic. As one researches more and more, more and more things keep coming. Yes, there are many sources that indicate many of the historic milestones seen by Hinduism, but is there a recorded history available ? As we see Hinduism is knowledge and experience supported religion, the ancestors have well thought of the need to record some of the important moments in the history. This history is given to us in the form of purANas and itihAsas. The word purANa means old and itihAsa means history. They refer to events that are very many thousands years old.

The history told in these purANas and itihAsas has the information as to who were the key people lived in various points of time – especially the sages and the kings and remarkable achievements by them if any. These texts apart from providing the mere information also serve as the source that inspires people about the heroes of the past. They narrate the good and evil of the past so that people could take forward the contours of positive growth and keep away from the errors.

The purANas are eighteen in count. There are also an equal number of sub purANas. (upa-purANas). They talk of the happenings of very ancient time. These typically in terms of many yugas (multi thousands years), chaturyugas (four such yugas is one chaturyuga), manvantara and kalpa. It would be quite involved task and at times impossible to assign a fixed date for these happenings. purANas came through various sources and were compiled by sage vedavyAsa. The importance that is given to the history and these purANas in Hinduism is obvious by the fact that some part of the purANas is read out as part of the daily worship in the temples along with the vedas. The knowledge of this ancient past was spread mainly through the word of mouth through the channels called paurANikas. So apart from the original theme, many later day insertions also could be found in them.

List of Hindu Temples in Pakistan

Katasraj temple

Bhagnari Shiv Mandir, Near Kakri Ground, Karachi

Darya Lal Sankat Mochan Mandir, (Jholay Lal Mandir) Near Custom House, Karachi

Devi Mandir, Bombay Bazar, Karachi

Hanuman Mandir, Doli Khata, Karachi

Hanuman Mandir, Frere Road, Karachi

Hinglaj Mata Mandir, (Jagannath Akhra Mandir), Bhimpura, Karachi

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Native Jetty, Karachi

Mata Mandir, Doli Khata, Karachi

Narsingh Mahadev Mandir, Near Risala Police Station, Karachi

Panjmukhi Mahraj Hanoman Mandir, Soldier Bazar, Karachi

Rat Nageshwar Mahadev Mandir, Clifton, Karachi

Sheetala Mata Mandir, Bhimpura, Karachi

Shiv Mandir, Near Islamia College, Karachi

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Light House, M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi

Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora, Karachi

Salt Range temples: Punjab province (need repair)

Suraj Kund and Aditya Sun temple: Multan (mostly destroyed)

Jagannath Temple, Sialkot

Old temple, Sialkot (unused)

Saidpur temple, near Islamabad (unused)

Hinglaj Temple: Baluchistan

Shiva temple: Mohenjodaro

Sharda temple: Azad Kashmir (mostly in ruins and used as an army base)

A few banyan trees remain throughout Pakistan

Luv temple: Lahore (the temple which gives Lahore its name is located inside Lahore fort)

Krishna temple: Lahore

Old temple: Salarwala Sangla Hill Road, Faisalabad (formerly Lyallpur)

Kohati Bazar temple: Rawalpindi (now used for a school for the blind)

Hinduism Hanuman Temple Pakistan Karachi Garden 1500 Year Old

Pakistan Nagar Tour ( Nagar Templates )