Katas Raj temples: Pakistan
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Location: Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan
Dawn, July 30, 2016
Nefer Sehgal
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.
The Katas site houses the Satgraha or seven temples, a gathering of seven old temple, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a couple of medieval sanctuaries, havelis and some as the newly built sanctuaries, scattered around a lake considered sacred by Hindus.
The sanctuaries at Katas are mostly developed 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.
According to Alan Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1872-73 CE, Katasraj is the second biggest holy place in Punjab for Hindu pioneers after Jawala Mukhi. It is said prominent Pandwas brothers lived 12 years in Katas and assembled the sanctuaries of Satghara.
Katas Raj, a conglomeration of temples preserves at least 1500 years worth of history ranging from Buddhist era to British rule in that particular space.
2017: Renovation
Pakistan to renovate Katas Raj temple, Jan 12, 2017: The Hindu
Mubashir Zaidi
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the Katas Raj Hindu temple in Chakwal district of Punjab to inaugurate its renovation. The work includes installation of a water filtration plant in the Amrat Jal area.
Mr. Sharif said his government was pursuing a policy to establish Pakistan’s identity as a minority-friendly country.
“Salam, Namaste, Sat Sri Akaal and good morning to all my brothers belonging to different religions,” the Prime Minister told a cheering audience.
“I am the Prime Minister of all Pakistanis ... be it a Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian or [those of] any other religion. You are all equal,” he said.
The Katas Raj temple is revered by Hindus across the globe as legend has it that the foundation of the sacred site was laid by Lord Shiva. Mr. Sharif said the temple was over 5,000 years old and had been the focal point of four civilisations. Al-Biruni, Persian scholar and polymath, had computed the earth’s circumference from here.
The Prime Minister said all efforts must be made to restore the temple to its original glory. He had directed the chairman of the Evacuee Trust Board to preserve, renovate and expand holy places of various religions.
Mr. Sharif said there was an upsurge in the economy and his government had undertaken development activities in every nook and corner of the country.
The Pakistani Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, said his Ministry had instituted special funds for the welfare of the minorities.
