A small Forgotten Shivala (Hindu Temple) inside Lahori Gate in the walled city

(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)

08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)

'𝐓𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐤𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐫'

Before 1947, Lahore was a thriving city where Hindus played an essential role in its social dynamics. Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexist peacefully. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore,' vividly chronicled the existence of several Hindu temples within the Walled City, reflecting the city's diverse and inclusive history.

However, the partition of British India in 1947 brought about a significant transformation in Lahore. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes within the walled city, leaving behind their revered temples. These sacred places were then inhabited by families who had migrated from India. Sadly, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition deteriorated further, especially following the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.

While exploring the Walled City, I discovered a small temple near Lahori Gate, near the renowned Lala Nahal Chand temple. The Lala Nahla Chand temple and its surroundings were primarily associated with the families of workers connected to the prominent business of Lala Nahla Chand in the walled city. This small temple might have been constructed for these workers. Unfortunately, it now stands in a state of severe dilapidation. While the spire remains intact, the inner sanctum has been repurposed as a storage area, and a factory has been erected. The surrounding rooms are in a state of disrepair, mostly ruined and in a sorrowful condition.

Adil Lahori, a close friend from Lahore's historic Walled City, informed me that this temple was commonly referred to as the 'Tusli Devi ka mandir'.