Temples of Mari Indus (Hindu Shahi Period 8th to 10th Century AD)

The Temples along the Indus

(All pictures in this blog are photographed by the author, research references from different archaeological papers)

Date of Visit: 24th February 2018

These two temples belong to 8th Century 

Indus Mari Ridge view from Kalabagh

In the year 2018, I had the opportunity to visit the extraordinary site of the Mari Indus Hindu Shahi temples. Perched atop a hill, the temples commanded an impressive altitude of 354 meters above the mean sea level, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

At the site, there were originally three temples, with two closely situated on the lower eastern terraces. Unfortunately, the passage of time caused one of the temples to vanish completely, leaving behind only the platform on the high western terrace of the ridge. This platform serves as a reminder of the temple that once stood proudly in that spot.

The Mari Indus hill itself is positioned on the eastern bank of the renowned River Indus, nestled within the western Salt Range of Pakistan. At the foot of the hill lies a village known as Purana Mari, which is home to a sizable population. Notably, the historic city of Mari Indus, along with its famous railway station dating back to the British colonial period, is located approximately two kilometers south of this area.

On the west bank of the Indus River, towards the southeast, lies another village called Wandha Kukran Wala. This village rests on the dry bed of the Chisal Algad River, a tributary of the mighty Indus. The significance of the site extends beyond its historical and cultural value. It lies within the Kalabagh Fault Zone, a geological formation that stretches for 120 kilometers, beginning from the southwestern corner of the Salt Range near Khushab and continuing to the southern Kohat Plateau. This fault zone is characterized by right-lateral transpressional deformation, as observed by Harland in 1971. Notably, the Kalabagh Fault Zone intersects with the Indus River near Kalabagh, precisely at Wandha Kukran Wala.

The dilapidated temples themselves are situated in a picturesque location, offering a captivating view of the flowing Indus River at the foothills. Adding to the charm, the temples provide a backdrop of the majestic Kalabagh hills and the Surghar Range. This panoramic vista, with its harmonious blend of nature and history, creates an enchanting ambiance for visitors.

Visiting the Mari Indus Hindu Shahi temples was a truly remarkable experience. The architectural remnants, coupled with the scenic surroundings, evoked a sense of awe and wonder. Standing at such an elevated position, one could appreciate the profound historical and geological significance of the site while marveling at the beauty of the natural landscape that stretched out before them.

Another View of the temples

One of the eastern set of temple in the background Indus and the other bank (southeast another village of Wandha Kukran Wala is situated on the dry bed of the chisal algad river)

The Old town of Mari 

The dry bed of  chisal algad river a tributary of the Indus

Another view of Old Mari Indus town

The Western temple site which is no more 

The little dot in picture is me climbing up the sloppy ridges