Historical Hindu Temples in Pakistan

[Guest guest]

I came across this article in a Pakistan Newspaper today, I

reproduce the contents for all to read ,

and make an appeal to all to help save these historical Hindu

Mandirs, not just because they are Mandirs, but because they are

Part of our history.

Namaskar.

 

 

Temples tell a tale of neglect

Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro

 

Hassanabdal, Aug 24: Two temples situated at Madh Wali Ban (pond) in

Bhaun, Chakwal, are attributed to Shri Hanuman, a Hindu monkey god.

 

The temple on the bank of the pond is huge and fast coming apart. It

is bigger than the nearby temple, which lies behind the government

primary school. Both temples were built in 1894.

 

According to eminent expert Prof Anwar Beg Awan, the temples were

built in the same period Ram Das built a temple in Chddaran Mohalla.

 

The temple that is more towering was greatly damaged by fanatics

after the Babri Mosque incident. Prof Awan said, first of all, the

people destroyed the statute of Hanuman.

 

The temple was noted for its paintings, which were destroyed when

the people set it on fire. Exteriorly, panels were created on each

side to depict a pair of fish, which is the special characteristic

of the Hanuman temples. The traces of the paintings on the each side

are still visible.

 

There used to be a wall round the temple, which was also destroyed

by the people. According to Prof Awan, there also exited a complex,

which could not withstand the vagaries of the weather. The complex

included the houses of the caretaker of temple and a Sadho. There

was also a Mahmankhana (guest house) attached to the temple.

 

Apart from this temple, there lies another temple behind the

government primary school. Though small in size, it is beautifully

built, but is in a derelict condition. This temple also contains

separate panels created for depicting a pair of fish on each of its

sides. From inside, it is decorated with paintings, some of which

depict Hanuman with his disciples. A closer look at the paintings

shows repeated depiction of peacock and parrot. On one of the

panels, parrots are seen drinking water. On the other panel, one can

see Hanuman playing Sitar that demonstrates his keen interest in the

music. On the same panel, one finds Hanuman sailing with his

adherents. Another one shows peacocks.

 

According to Prof Awan, the distinctive features of the Hanuman

paintings are the depictions of the peacocks, parrots, lions and

fish that could be found on all the temples located in the Bhaun. It

is also interesting to find the illustration of the palm date tree.

Barring the figurative representation, the temple also features

floral design.

 

Dawn Daily dt 25.08-03