A Forgotten Shivala (Hindu Temple) near Suha Bazaar in the walled city

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

08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)

While exploring the Walled City, I stumbled upon a stunning arched gateway situated north of Suha Bazar on Chatta Bazaar Street. The locals shared that this site once housed a Hindu temple. Initially hesitant, they eventually allowed us a brief visit when accompanied by a local friend.

At the entrance is an impressive arched gateway with a finely crafted wooden door composed of two panels. A small, graceful spire was visible, perched atop a square sanctum that used to hold Hindu deities. Unfortunately, this sacred sanctum has now been repurposed into a storage room. The complex was extensive, featuring a space for the priest and followers who journeyed from other cities. The main structure was a single-story square "Sanctum," designed to house the deity. Inside the sanctum, beautiful floral-patterned niches once held statues. Encircling all four sides of the sanctum was an assembly hall for devotees, known in Hindu terms as "Ayatana."

The temple's main tower, known as the curvilinear spire or sikhara, was built using small bricks, a common feature of Northern Indian Shrines (Latinas). At the top of the sikhara, an ornament called “Amalaki” was originally present but is now missing—this support possibly held a gold-plated spire that might have been stolen over time. The temple's external walls exhibit a double facet and a vertical offset projection, known in Hindu temple architecture as “ratha.”

This temple's history remains largely unknown, although historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore,' vividly describes several Hindu temples within the Walled City, including one at this location before the 1947 partition. This Shivala could likely be the 'Mandir Thakur Dewara Santh Shah,' detailed in his book.

Despite Hindu text once inscribed on the temple's front, it has faded with time. Regrettably, the temple now lies in ruins, in a sorrowful state of disrepair.

Before 1947, Lahore thrived as a city where Hindus played a pivotal role in the social fabric. Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexisted harmoniously within its walls. However, the partition of British India in 1947 brought significant change. Hindu families departed from their homes within the Walled City, leaving their cherished temples behind. These sacred spaces were then inhabited by families who migrated from India. Sadly, there were no concerted efforts to preserve these religious sites, and their condition deteriorated further, especially after the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India in 1992.

The temple spire and sanctum

arched gateway

Sanctum room

wooden entrance Door

Doodh Wali Maata ka Mandir(temple) Lahori Gate

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

08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)

In Hinduism, Tridevi refers to the three principal goddesses who embody the feminine energies of the divine. These revered goddesses are Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. They are considered integral to the Hindu pantheon, symbolizing different aspects of existence, power, and cosmic energy.

During my exploration of the Walled City, I discovered a small temple inside Lahori Gate near the Lala Nahal Chand temple. Locals call it the "Doodh Wali Maata Ka Mandir," but I'm unsure which Hindu deity it belongs to. The temple has a unique square structure with a dome on the roof. Unfortunately, it has been occupied by migratory families. The family who built the temple before British India's partition in 1947 visited it a few decades ago and provided funds for its restoration. The horizontal sill has an inscription in Urdu that reads, "Shiv Savaik Bhan Shah Halvai constructed around 26 October 1936," which possibly indicates the main donor of the temple. There is also Hindu text inscribed on the temple's front, but it has faded with time.

The temple is in a state of disrepair, mostly ruined and in a sorrowful condition.

Before 1947, Lahore was a thriving city where Hindus played an essential role in its social fabric. Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexisted peacefully within the walls of Lahore. 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 left their homes within the walled city and bid farewell to 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's demolition in India in 1992.

With owner family

the floor tiles are in original state

with friends

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'.

Remnant of Rai Zada Amir Chand's (1926) Hindu Ashram & Temple in Lahore's Walled City

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

08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)

Before 1947, Lahore was a bustling city where Hindus were integral to its social fabric. They made up the second-largest population and dotted the city with numerous temples. Lahore hadn't sprawled much beyond the walled city, and these temples stood as symbols of religious diversity and cultural richness.

Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus co-existed in harmony. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore', vividly chronicled the presence of various Hindu temples within the Walled City. It was a testament to the city's diverse and inclusive past.

However, when British India was divided in 1947, Lahore witnessed a drastic change. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes in the walled city, leaving behind their sacred temples. These places of worship were then occupied by families who migrated from India. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition worsened even more after the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.

During my exploration of the Walled City's Wachowali Bazaar, I stumbled upon a stone inscription. It spoke of an ashram built in 1926 by Rai Zada Amir Chand, dedicated to Ram Nath and Choith Ram. This ashram once stood tall as a temple until it was demolished in 1992. Presently, a small spire temple remains hidden within residential quarters. Families who migrated occupy it and are wary of photography. The surrounding rooms are in a sorry state, mostly dilapidated and ruined.

Stone Inscription 

Spire of Temple

Despite the Lahore Walled City authority being operational for almost a decade now, it's disheartening that no Hindu religious building has been restored or rehabilitated. The temples that once echoed with devotion now stand forgotten, bearing the weight of neglect and time.

It's crucial to recognize the significance of preserving these cultural treasures. They are not just bricks and stones but symbols of a shared past and communal harmony. By restoring these temples, we could honor Lahore's diverse history and ensure that future generations can embrace and appreciate the city's rich heritage

Staircase

Main Temple Remains

A Historical Buddhist bowl at Governor House Punjab in Lahore

 

A historical Buddhist bowl, discovered during an excavation in Mundah, Bajaur, is on display outside the Governor House of Punjab in Lahore. The inscription on the attribution stone states that the bowl was unearthed in Mundah and was presented to the esteemed Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick by W.S. Davis, Assistant Political Officer, in 1895.

During the British rule in Hindustan, Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick served as the 7th Lieutenant Governor of Punjab from 1892 to 1897.

Tomri Temple, Baddoki Gosaian, Gujranwala

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23-07-2017 (Date of Visit)

Baddoki Gosaian stands proudly as one of the most historically significant villages in the Gujranwala District. Once it was home to Hindus (largely from the Gosain community), Sikhs, and Muslims before the Partition of India in 1947.

During this pivotal time, numerous Hindu and Sikh families migrated from Baddoki Gosaian to India, while Muslim families from India made the village their new home. Even today, migrant families continue to occupy the homes and lands left behind by those who emigrated.

One of the village's prized possessions is its distinction as the birthplace of Sidh Baba Sai Das, the revered founder of the Gosain/Goswami community, who lived during the same era as Baba Nanak Dev. In the heart of the village, there used to be a significant square-shaped tank, featuring a temple at its center, surrounded by a tree of berries.

It is said that the temple, known as Tomri Sahib, is a Shiv Mandir constructed not by the Hindu community, but by Sikh devotees. This grand complex, comprising the main temple and various adjacent rooms, including two ponds, is a place of spiritual sanctity. Its entrance is adorned with ten stairs encircling one of the ponds, which still stands today. Numerous structures, such as Dharamshala, living quarters, Sikh Samadhi, and other notable features, remain intact within the temple premises.

Tomri Sahib Mandir stands apart from other temples in the area due to its unique characteristics. It lacks primary historical documentation regarding its builder, yet the name "Sahib" predominantly finds usage in Sikh nomenclature, often associated with revered saints, Gurus, or Baba ji figures. Notably distinct, this Mandir boasts a large pond unlike any other in the vicinity, featuring a beautiful walkway constructed with eight arches, all of which have endured the test of time.

Constructed predominantly with small bricks and adorned with delicate touches of white marble, the Mandir holds an enigmatic charm, drawing visitors with its historical allure and spiritual ambiance. Adjacent to the Mandir stands a Banyan tree, echoing this revered site's tranquility and sacredness.

Baddoki Gosaian stands as a testament to coexistence and cultural amalgamation, preserving its rich heritage through the remnants of structures that whisper tales of the past. Tomri Sahib Mandir, in particular, stands as an architectural marvel, a testament to faith and history, embodying the essence of both Sikh devotion and the village's diverse past.