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