Moolchand Temple Lahore

The Forgotten Son of Lahore Lala Moolchand 

11th July 2022

On Shaheed Gunj Road in Lahore, just before the Shaheed Gunj Gurdwara, stands a tall spire that belongs to a pre-partition temple known as Moolchand Temple. The temple can also be accessed from the Nolkha Bazaar side, offering multiple routes to reach the temple building.

Adjacent to the temple, there is a Sarai—a lodging facility—comprised of several rooms. However, these rooms are currently occupied by migrant families. Prior to the partition of 1947, Moolchand's temple was renowned for providing food and shelter to travelers from all communities.

Constructed in the early 19th century, the temple was built by Lala Moolchand and his son Lala Khairati Ram. Lala Moolchand, a prominent philanthropist of his time, also established the Moolchand Trust in Lahore in 1928. The trust began with an initial endowment of Rs. 4 million and has carried forward a legacy of philanthropic endeavors spanning over 80 years. Their commitment to spirituality and charitable work has endured through generations. After Lala Moolchand, the responsibility of upholding the values and aspirations of the trust fell upon Sardari Lal Talwar, who was only 16 years old at the time. Sardari Lal Talwar dedicated the next 70 years of his life to fulfilling the trust's mission. In the 1990s, Suresh Talwar, the son of Sardari Lal, played a pivotal role in restructuring Moolchand, enabling it to compete in the world of corporate healthcare.

Apart from the temple building, there are two other significant structures associated with Moolchand in Lahore. One is the Moolchand Sarai located in Anarkali Bazaar, and the other is the FB Naraindas Moolchand Hospital, which specializes in breastfeeding and lactation clinics.

Unfortunately, the temple building itself is in an extremely dilapidated state. However, remnants of its past grandeur can still be observed, such as the wooden door entrance, arch supports, and intriguing floor patterns. The temple's spire was destroyed as a reaction to the Babri Masjid incident in 1992. Subsequently, efforts were made to repair and reconstruct the spire, ensuring that the temple maintained its symbolic presence.

The Moolchand Temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Lahore. Despite its current state of disrepair, it serves as a reminder of the philanthropic endeavours of the Moolchand family and their contributions to the community. The temple's survival amidst changing times is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the people who continue to cherish its existence. Efforts to preserve and restore this historic site would not only honor its past but also provide a valuable link to Lahore's diverse cultural fabric.

The Tallest Minaret of Depalpur and an interesting story of the 1999 Kargil War

 November 27, 2016

Jamia Masjid Aulia Dipalpur also known as Jamia Masjid Sain Abdul Razaaq.The mosque is famous for having its tallest minaret in the whole city. One has to climb 317 stairs to reach the top of the minaret. Local associate an interesting story with it which happened with it during the 1999 Indo-Pak Kargil war. Pakistan Air force specially installed a light on its top so the fighter jet could not mistakenly hit it during low flights. In the courtyard of this mosque, the tomb of Sain Abdul Razzaq (RA) is also present, he was a religious scholar and famous for opening an orphanage for the local population alongside the mosque.

Location Map

Remnants of Sikh Haveli's in Narwar village Punjab (2015)

 Date of Visit May 3, 2015

Narwar is a small village located on the India-Pakistan border roughly 15 kilometers from Batapur Lahore.  

Before the partition of 1947 many Sikh families used to live in Narwar village, one still can find remains of many magnificent Havelis. These buildings are now occupied by migrant Muslim families from India.

 Location Map

Remnants of Sikh Haveli's in Jahman village Punjab (2015)

Date of Visit May 3, 2015

Jahman is a small village located on the India-Pakistan border roughly 25 kilometers from Lahore city. The sacred shrine of Guru Nanak G is also located outside this village. 

Before the partition of 1947 many Sikh families used to live in Jahman village, one still can find remains of many magnificent Havelis. These buildings are now occupied by migrant Muslim families from India.

Haveli 1

                                                                        Haveli 2

                                                                   Haveli 3 & 4

Memorial shrine Atmaramji of Gujranwala (2017)

Date of Visit, July 2, 2017

Acharya Vijayanand Suri, popularly known as Atmaramji of Gujranwala, holds a significant place in Jain history as the first Swetambar Murtipujaka Jain monk in modern times to be bestowed with the title of Acharya. Born and raised in Punjab, he initially embraced the Sthanakvasi sect before transitioning to the Murtipujaka tradition. Acharya Vijayanand Suri dedicated his life to extensive travels across Gujarat, Rajputana, and Punjab, where he played a pivotal role in organizing and reforming the Jain community, ascetic orders, and literature.

Born on April 6, 1837, CE (Chaitra Shukla 1, Vikram Samvat 1893) in Lehara, Punjab, to Ganeshchandra and Rupdevi, he belonged to a Brahmakshatriya Hindu family. His father, an army officer under Ranjit Singh, passed away during his early childhood, and he was raised by his mother. At the age of sixteen, he was sent to Sheth Jodhmal of Jira, Punjab, for education in Vikram Samvat 1903. There, he studied Hindi and arithmetic and came into contact with Sthanakvasi monks. In 1853 (VS 1910), two influential Sthanakvasi monks initiated him into the order, bestowing upon him the name Atmaram.

During his ascetic life, Atmaram embarked on the study of Jain scriptures alongside his fellow monks. Eventually, he was joined by a Yati from the Tapa Gaccha lineage. After years of diligent study, he became convinced that the Sthanakvasi belief opposing idol worship contradicted the scriptures. In 1876 (VS 1943), he underwent re-initiation as a Murtipujaka monk in Ahmedabad, receiving the name Anandvijay. The monk who initiated him, Muni Buddhivijay, also known as Buterayji of Tapa Gaccha, had previously been a Sthanakvasi monk himself.

In 1886, during his Chaturmas (a four-month stay during the rainy season) in Palitana, he was conferred with the title of Acharya by the congregation. This event held great significance, as for four centuries, no ascetic had received the title of Acharya. Acharya Vijayanand Suri became the first Acharya in contemporary Jain history, breaking the tradition where only Yatis were honored with this prestigious title. Through his reforms, the influence of Yatis declined, although they still exist in certain locations.

Acharya Vijayanand Suri undertook extensive travels throughout Gujarat and Punjab, advocating for the opening of Jain Bhandaras (libraries) that had remained closed to the public for years. He ensured that these precious Jain texts were copied and examined by scholars, bringing them into the light and fostering a sense of identity among Jains. In 1893, he received an invitation to participate in the first-ever World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. Since Jain monks traditionally do not travel overseas, he sent Virchand Gandhi as his representative. Acharya Vijayanand Suri's contributions were recognized at the Parliament, and he was awarded a silver medal. His achievements were covered by various periodicals in the United States. Prior to the event, he authored a book titled "The Chicago-Prashnottar or Questions and Answers on Jainism for the Parliament of Religions Held at Chicago USA in 1893," based on the questions posed to him by the organizers. He played a crucial role in revitalizing the tradition of fully initiated monks (Samvegi sadhu) and successfully convinced numerous Sthanakvasis in Punjab to join the Murtipujaka tradition. Through his efforts, around 15,000 individuals converted to Jainism. He also encouraged the construction and restoration of Jain temples and provided assistance to orientalist Rudolf Hoernlé in his Jainism studies.

Acharya Vijayanand Suri passed away on May 20, 1896 (Jayeshtha Shukla 13, Vikram Samvat 1953) in Gujranwala, which is now a part of Pakistan. A memorial shrine dedicated to him was erected in Gujranwala, although it is currently utilized as a police station in the Sabzi Mandi area. His footprints, along with the chhatri (cenotaph) over them, were relocated to the Lahore Fort Museum.

The legacy of Acharya Vijayanand Suri, Atmaramji of Gujranwala, reverberates through Jain history. His contributions to Jainism, including his writings, reforms, and advocacy, have left an indelible mark on the community. His pursuit of knowledge, dedication to the Jain scriptures, and efforts to strengthen the Jain identity serve as an inspiration to present and future generations.

Gurudwara Janamasthan Bebe Nanaki at Dera Chahal Distt Lahore (2015)

 Date of Visit May 3, 2015

Dera Chahal, a village situated within the jurisdiction of P.S. Burki in the district of Lahore, holds a significant place in history. Located approximately 35 km from Lahore, on the route to Ghawindi, this village is home to a revered shrine known as the Shrine of Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The shrine is also referred to as Gurdwara Janamasthan Baybay (Mother) Nanaki.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered spiritual leader, visited Dera Chahal numerous times as his maternal grandparents hailed from this village. It was here that Bebe Nanaki, the elder sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was born in the year 1524 (Samvat calendar). The dome-shaped structure of the Gurdwara stands as a testament to its architectural beauty.

In the past, a serene tank adorned the right side of the sacred Darbar within the Gurdwara premises. Unfortunately, this tank has vanished over time. Within the Gurdwara building, there used to be a girls' school, which added to the educational endeavors of the community. However, until 1996, the Gurdwara building had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this cultural and religious heritage, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan allocated 0.5 million rupees from the public exchequer to initiate the restoration of the Gurdwara building. This significant effort helped revive and revive the grandeur of the holy site.

It is worth mentioning that Dera Chahal holds not only historical and religious importance but has also been the birthplace and upbringing location of Meraj Khalid, a notable figure in the village. The Gurdwara was once a place where the religious ceremony of Prakash was conducted, bringing devotees closer to their faith. The priests, known as Singh, played a crucial role in the spiritual activities of the Gurdwara.

Furthermore, the holy Shrine of Dera Chahal is connected to 30 bighas of land, further adding to its significance and influence within the local community. This land represents an attachment to the Gurdwara and its deep-rooted connection with the village.

Dera Chahal, with its revered shrine and historical importance, serves as a bridge between the past and the present, honoring the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and preserving the cultural fabric of the community. The Gurdwara stands as a testament to the devotion and spirituality that has thrived within the village for centuries, offering a place of solace and reflection for all who visit.