Remnants of Sitla Mata Mandir Lahore

SHRINE (TOMB) OF SITLA MATA

Location On the side of the Circular Road, outside the Walled

city, between the Shah Almi Gate and Lohari

gate.

Seetla Mata, a prominent figure in Punjabi folk religion, is a revered deity associated with the worship and recovery from smallpox and chickenpox. The origins of the Seetla Mata cult can be traced back to the prehistoric period, with links to the ancient Harappan civilization. In fact, an intriguing connection to Seetla Mata and her six sisters can be found on one of the seals discovered in Harappa. The seal portrays seven girls with long hair, believed to represent Seetla Mata and her divine siblings.

Among the numerous temples dedicated to Seetla Mata, one significant pre-partition temple stood in Lahore, located on Circular Road. Unfortunately, the ravages of time have caused extensive destruction, leaving only the front arch gateway as a remnant of its former glory. The entrance gateway, standing tall and commanding, once featured a window in the middle with an elegantly adorned wooden balcony, adorned with a multifoil arch. Although the passage of time has erased much of the intricate geometric designs that once adorned the surface, faint traces of floral work can still be discerned on the spandrel. Above the multifoil arch gateway, an arcade with four semi-circular arches stood, accompanied by galleries in the front.

Adding to the historical significance of the temple, a marble plaque graces the edifice, bearing an inscription that indicates the construction of this complex took place on the 14th of February, 1916.

However, following the partition of 1947, the temple complex fell into disrepair and was occupied by migrant families. Sadly, little effort has been made to preserve or restore this valuable heritage site of cultural importance. The neglect and lack of maintenance have resulted in the gradual deterioration of the temple, diminishing its architectural splendor and historical significance.

The presence of the Seetla Mata temple in Lahore served as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. It offered a place of worship and solace for devotees seeking the blessings and protection of Seetla Mata during times of illness. The temple's architectural elements, although weathered by time, still hinted at the grandeur and artistic prowess of the past. It is regrettable that this precious site, with its deep-rooted historical connections and religious importance, has been neglected and left to decay.

Efforts should be undertaken to restore and preserve this cultural gem, not only to honor the legacy of Seetla Mata but also to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from the architectural and religious heritage embedded within its walls. By recognizing and valuing the importance of such sites, we can safeguard our shared cultural history for years to come.

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A Hindu Temple in Pind Dadan Khan (2015)

Visited this place on April 5, 2015

Pind Dadan Khan lies six miles south of the Khewra Salt (Salt Mine), 24 miles east of Lillah-Toba road between the M2, and 8 km east of Pither Nadi. Its borders with Khushab, Chakwal, Sargodha and Mandibahudin.

During British rule, it became the capital of secession and tehsil with a similar name in the Jhelum region of British Punjab. It was located in the Sind-Sagar branch of the North-Western Railway. The municipality was established in 1867 and most of the money was collected by the British authorities as octroi. The village of Nandana near Pind Dadan Khan is where Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Biruni came and founded the laboratory where we are now

A pre-partition Hindu still stands in Pind Dadan Khan, it was used by the Hindu community for their religious rituals before 1947. It is in an extremely dilapidated state because no step has been done for its restoration or protection. 

Baba Ram Thaman Shrine Kalu Khara, Kasur, Punjab (2021)

Relevance: Sikhism, Hinduism, Udassi Shrine

Date of Visit:- 20 November 2021

 (All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights) 

The Baba Ram Thaman Shrine, situated in the Khala Kharu village of the Kasur District in Pakistan's Punjab province, holds great historical and religious significance. This revered Hindu shrine is dedicated to Baba Ram Thaman, a saint who lived during the 16th century and was known for his association with Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism. Over time, the shrine has grown in importance, attracting devotees and visitors from various communities.

During the 16th century, Baba Ram Thaman established his camp near the Khala Kharu village, and following his passing, a shrine was constructed at the very location. In addition to the shrine, several temples and a pond were later added to the complex, enhancing its spiritual ambiance. Devotees of Baba Ram Thaman also settled in the vicinity of the temple complex until the partition.

One of the significant events held at the shrine is the annual Vaisakhi fair, which has been celebrated since the 16th century CE. This fair attracts a large number of pilgrims, with approximately 60,000 attendees each year. It is a testament to the enduring cultural and religious traditions associated with Baba Ram Thaman.

Even after the partition, the Vaisakhi celebrations continue to be held at the Baba Ram Thaman Shrine. It is worth noting that a majority of the attendees are Muslims, showcasing the shrine's ability to foster communal harmony and serve as a place of reverence for people from diverse religious backgrounds.

The Baba Ram Thaman Shrine holds a significant place in the hearts of Hindus and serves as a symbol of religious tolerance and unity. As a Smadh, it represents a sacred space constructed over the burial ground of a Hindu saint, following the customs of the Ramanandi Sampradaya of Vaishnavas, one of the 36 sects of Vaishnavism.

In summary, the Baba Ram Thaman Shrine in the Khala Kharu village is a renowned Hindu shrine dedicated to Baba Ram Thaman, a 16th-century Vaishnav saint. It is famous for its annual Vaisakhi fair, which has been celebrated since the 16th century and continues to attract a large number of devotees. This shrine serves as a beacon of communal harmony, with Muslim attendees forming the majority. It holds great cultural and religious significance and is revered by people from diverse backgrounds.

A Historical Haveli in Kanjrur, Narowal (2020)

 

 Saturday, 09 August 2020 (Date of Visit)

(All pictures and the writeup is author integral property, please respect copyright)

 

Last year, a friend of mine shared a picture of a pre-partition Haveli located in the small town of Kanjrur. Upon seeing the picture, I was immediately struck by its castle-like appearance.

As someone who has been deeply interested in historical architecture in Pakistan for years, I found it surprising that I had never come across this building before. Intrigued, I decided to visit the site of this magnificent Haveli the very next day.

Kanjrur is a union council in Tehsil Shakargarh, Narowal district. The town derives its name from a prominent Sufi figure known as Kanju Peer, whose tomb is located in the village.

Situated approximately 15 kilometers from Narowal city, Kanjrur is positioned on the banks of the Basantar River. The Basantar River is a tributary of the Ravi River that flows through Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It holds historical significance as it was the site of the Battle of Basantar, a crucial battle fought during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India (December 4–16, 1971).

The construction of this grand Haveli in Kanjrur is attributed to a wealthy Hindu landlord named Dewan Chand. It is believed that the Haveli was built in the early 19th century, making it over a hundred years old. Prior to the partition of India, a substantial number of Hindu families resided in Kanjrur, and the village was home to four Hindu temples.

According to local accounts, Dewan Chand erected this magnificent mansion for his family. The outer walls of the Haveli are heavily fortified, featuring bastions at each corner and reaching a width of 7 feet at certain points. The approximate dimensions of the Haveli are 100 x 102 feet. The Haveli consists of three stories and underground compartments, with the height of the outer facade and boundary walls measuring over 35 feet. In the middle of the outer facade, a Jharoka (balcony) was once situated, providing a view of the outside. Unfortunately, the garden and gateway in front of the Haveli have been destroyed over time.

Additionally, the Haveli contains an escape tunnel beneath the front wall, which was constructed for emergency purposes. Markings of bullets can also be observed on the front elevation, hinting at a mysterious history that begs further investigation.

It is worth noting that most parts of Kanjrur, including this Haveli, are situated atop an ancient mound, adding to the historical allure of the site.

Dewan Chand, known for his philanthropy, also established a school in the town, which still exists to this day. Dewan Chand's family migrated to India before the partition of 1947. Currently, the Haveli is inhabited by several families who have settled there after their own migrations. Unfortunately, the building suffered significant damage during the 2005 earthquake.

The Haveli of Kanjrur stands as a testament to the architectural and historical heritage of the region, drawing visitors with its imposing structure and fascinating past.

Crossing Basanter River