The Last left Hindu Temple of Shahdara Town

17 July 2022

(All research and photos  by the author)

In the tranquil northern suburbs of Lahore, the historic town of Shahdara beckons travelers as they traverse the mighty River Ravi. Throughout the ages, Shahdara has served as the grand entrance gateway to Lahore, captivating the attention of Mughal emperors and leaving behind a legacy of architectural marvels. Its enchanting allure lies in its ancient Mughal gardens, remarkable structures, and the renowned Tomb of Jahangir, a resting place for the illustrious Mughal Emperor, his beloved Empress Nur Jehan, and his esteemed brother-in-law, Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan.

As the grandeur of these historical monuments took shape, Shahdara town blossomed, expanding its horizons. Prior to the partition of 1947, this vibrant community embraced a tapestry of diverse religious beliefs, fostering an atmosphere of harmony and unity.

Deep within the heart of Shahdara town lies a neighborhood known as 'Pari Mohalla,' which has endured the test of time. Before the partition, it was inhabited by the Khatri clan of the Hindu community, who graced the area with their presence. The Khatri community left an indelible mark, constructing splendid residential buildings adorned with elegant architectural elements. At the entrance of this neighborhood, they erected a temple complex, serving as a sacred space for Hindu rituals and religious observances.

The temple complex comprises a single-story square structure known as the "Sanctum," designed to house the divine deity. Rising from the square sanctum is the temple's curvilinear spire, a prominent feature found in many northern Indian shrines. The curvilinear spire, also known as a tower or sikhara, is meticulously crafted using small bricks, distinct from those used in the temple's ground floor. Adorning the external walls of the temple are double facets and vertical offset projections, known in Hindu temple architecture as "ratha."

Regrettably, the temple now stands in a state of profound decay. Following the partition, migrant families settled in the area, leading to the gradual deterioration of its architectural elements and textures, which have since been defaced and plastered over.

Remarkably, the Hindu temple of 'Pari Mohalla' holds the distinction of being the only Hindu temple within the entirety of Shahdara town. It serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse cultural tapestry that once characterized this historic enclave and stands as a testament to the rich heritage that Shahdara proudly embodies. 

شاہدرہ کا تاریخی قصبہ لاہور کے شمالی مضافات میں واقع ہے اور دریائے راوی کو عبور کرکے وہاں پہنچ سکتا ہے۔

15ویں صدی میں یہ لاہور اور مغل بادشاہوں کا داخلی دروازہ تھا۔ یہ بنیادی طور پر تاریخی مغل تعمیراتی مقامات، مغل باغات اور مغل شہنشاہ جہانگیر کے مقبرے، ان کی اہلیہ مہارانی نورجہاں اور ان کے بہنوئی عبدالحسن آصف خان کے لیے مشہور ہے۔

ان تاریخی یادگاروں کی تعمیر کے بعد شاہدرہ شہر میں بھی وسعت آنا شروع ہوگئی اور 1947 کی تقسیم سے قبل یہاں تمام مذاہب پر مشتمل متنوع کمیونٹی موجود تھی۔

شاہدرہ شہر میں 'پڑی محلہ' کے نام سے ایک محلہ اب بھی موجود ہے۔ تقسیم سے پہلے 'پاری محلہ' میں ہندو برادری کا کھتری قبیلہ رہتا تھا۔ انہوں نے شاندار تعمیراتی عناصر پر مشتمل کچھ حیرت انگیز رہائشی عمارتیں تعمیر کیں۔ ہندو رسومات اور مذہبی فرائض کی انجام دہی کے لیے کھتریوں نے اس محلے کے دروازے پر ایک مندر کا کمپلیکس بنایا۔

مندر ایک منزلہ مربع "سینکٹم" پر مشتمل ہے جسے  دیوتا رکھنے کے لیے ڈیزائن کیا گیا تھا۔ مربع حرم کے ڈھانچے سے مرکزی مندر کا منحنی اسپائر (ٹاور، سکھارا) اٹھایا گیا ہے، جو کہ شمالی ہندوستانی مزارات (لاطینی) کی ایک عام قسم ہے۔ منحنی اسپائر کی تعمیر کے لیے اینٹوں کے چھوٹے سائز کا استعمال کیا جاتا ہے جو مندر کے زیریں منزل سے مختلف ہیں۔ مندروں کی بیرونی دیواروں پر، آپ کو دوہرا پہلو اور عمودی آفسیٹ پروجیکشن نظر آئے گا۔ ہندو مندر کے فن تعمیر میں اسے "رتھا" کہا جاتا ہے۔

اس وقت مندر انتہائی خستہ حالی میں ہے، تقسیم کے بعد نقل مکانی کرنے والے خاندان یہاں آباد ہوئے۔ زیادہ تر آرکیٹیکچرل عناصر اور ساخت خراب اور پلستر شدہ ہیں۔

دلچسپ بات یہ ہے کہ 'پاری محلہ' کا یہ ہندو مندر پورے شاہدرہ ٹاؤن میں واحد ہندو مندر تھا۔

A Thakurdwara in Noshura Vikran that is no more

On Nokhar Road in Noshura Vikran, the village of Thabal Ducha is present. Outside this village, a small dilapidated temple was present up till a few years back. The villagers called it 'Thakurdwara'. The temple has fallen recently due to its decrepit condition.

Thakur is another word for 'god'. Typically these temples were made for a local deity such as saints belonging to the village.

Pre-Partition Houses in Peer Syed Metha Bazaar & Tehsil Bazaar Walled City 2013

 

Shrine of Syed Mahmood Shah Lahore

In Shalimar Larechs colony mosque and grave of famous Islamic scholar Mian Muhammad Ismail Suharwardy,  commonly known as Mian Wadda is located. In adjacent streets another mausoleum of Saint Syed Mahmood Shah is present. Syed Mahmood Shah was contemporary of Mian Wadda saheb. His tomb probably belongs to the late 17th century or early 18th century. There is also a mosque present along the tomb named, 'Gumbad Wali Masjid'. 

شالیمار لاریچ کالونی میں مسجد اور مشہور اسلامی سکالر میاں محمد اسماعیل سہروردی کی قبر، جسے عرف عام میں میاں وڈا کہا جاتا ہے، واقع ہے۔ ملحقہ گلیوں میں سید محمود شاہ کا مزار موجود ہے۔ سید محمود شاہ میاں وڈا صاحب کے ہم عصر تھے۔ اس کا مقبرہ غالباً 17ویں صدی کے آخر یا 18ویں صدی کے اوائل کا ہے۔ مقبرے کے ساتھ ایک مسجد بھی موجود ہے جس کا نام 'گمبڈ والی مسجد' ہے۔

Shrine of Hazrat Sadr-ud-din Sadr Jahan Lahore

18th August 2022

(All images copyright 2022 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

Sodhiwal, a locality in the suburbs of Lahore, is home to a remarkable 16th-century mausoleum believed to belong to Hazrat Syed Sadruddin, a prominent figure from the Sadaat family of his time. Constructed in 1570 AD, this mausoleum stands amidst the surrounding modern developments, preserving its historical significance.

During the reign of Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (1542-1605), the third Mughal Emperor of Hindustan, Syed Saheb was held in high esteem and bestowed with the title 'Sadar Jahan,' meaning the King of the World.

Architecturally, the tomb follows a design similar to other Mughal structures found in Lahore. It features a hexagonal structure crowned with a dome. Each side is adorned with a four-corner arch, and a series of niches decorate the corners. Inside the tomb, squinches are present in the corners, serving as a common technique for supporting the dome. Originally, the tomb was situated on higher ground, but over time, it came to align with the road level.

In the latter half of the 18th century, Lahore was ruled and divided among three Sikh Chieftains. Unfortunately, during this period, the tomb suffered significant damage. One of the Sikh Chieftains, Sobha Singh, took control of the western part of Lahore and utilized the marble from the tomb for constructing his fort at Zeb un Nisa garden, named Nawan Kot (a new fort).

Presently, the exterior of the mausoleum has been unsightly disfigured with plaster and tile work. The original frescoes and floral artwork are no longer visible. Despite these alterations, the mausoleum functions more as a shrine, attracting followers who gather here every Thursday to recite the Quran and offer prayers.

Chota Mian Saheb Mosque Lahore

 27th August 2022

Located behind the Shalimar Hospital in the vibrant city of Lahore, the graveyard and Mosque of the renowned religious scholar Chota Mian Saheb stand as a testament to his legacy. Chota Mian Saheb, the younger brother of the esteemed Quranic preacher Mian Muhammad Ismail Suharwardy, affectionately known as Mian Wadda, was a highly respected figure during his time.

The mosque, considered one of the earliest constructions in the area where prayers were offered, was originally built in the late 17th century. It served as a haven for Chota Mian Saheb, who dedicated a significant portion of his life to teaching and propagating the teachings of Islam from this sacred space. Over the years, the mosque has undergone renovations and witnessed new additions to accommodate the growing number of worshippers and preserve its spiritual significance.

The Mosque of Chota Mian Saheb holds a profound historical and cultural significance, attracting devotees and visitors seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment. It stands as a living testament to the scholarly pursuits and devotion of Chota Mian Saheb, carrying forward his teachings and inspiring generations to connect with their faith. The tranquil atmosphere of the mosque and its adjoining graveyard offers a serene environment for reflection and prayer, serving as a reminder of the timeless wisdom imparted by the great religious scholar.