The Forgotten Son of Lahore Lala Moolchand
11th July 2022
On Shaheed Gunj Road in Lahore, just
before the Shaheed Gunj Gurdwara, stands a tall spire that belongs to a
pre-partition temple known as Moolchand Temple. The temple can also be accessed
from the Nolkha Bazaar side, offering multiple routes to reach the temple
building.
Adjacent to the temple, there is a
Sarai—a lodging facility—comprised of several rooms. However, these rooms are
currently occupied by migrant families. Prior to the partition of 1947,
Moolchand's temple was renowned for providing food and shelter to travelers
from all communities.
Constructed in the early 19th
century, the temple was built by Lala Moolchand and his son Lala Khairati Ram.
Lala Moolchand, a prominent philanthropist of his time, also established the
Moolchand Trust in Lahore in 1928. The trust began with an initial endowment of
Rs. 4 million and has carried forward a legacy of philanthropic endeavors
spanning over 80 years. Their commitment to spirituality and charitable work
has endured through generations. After Lala Moolchand, the responsibility of
upholding the values and aspirations of the trust fell upon Sardari Lal Talwar,
who was only 16 years old at the time. Sardari Lal Talwar dedicated the next 70
years of his life to fulfilling the trust's mission. In the 1990s, Suresh
Talwar, the son of Sardari Lal, played a pivotal role in restructuring
Moolchand, enabling it to compete in the world of corporate healthcare.
Apart from the temple building, there
are two other significant structures associated with Moolchand in Lahore. One
is the Moolchand Sarai located in Anarkali Bazaar, and the other is the FB
Naraindas Moolchand Hospital, which specializes in breastfeeding and lactation
clinics.
Unfortunately, the temple building
itself is in an extremely dilapidated state. However, remnants of its past
grandeur can still be observed, such as the wooden door entrance, arch
supports, and intriguing floor patterns. The temple's spire was destroyed as a
reaction to the Babri Masjid incident in 1992. Subsequently, efforts were made
to repair and reconstruct the spire, ensuring that the temple maintained its
symbolic presence.
The Moolchand Temple stands as a
testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Lahore.
Despite its current state of disrepair, it serves as a reminder of the
philanthropic endeavours of the Moolchand family and their contributions to the
community. The temple's survival amidst changing times is a testament to the
resilience and enduring spirit of the people who continue to cherish its existence.
Efforts to preserve and restore this historic site would not only honor its
past but also provide a valuable link to Lahore's diverse cultural fabric.
