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

Remains of a Hindu Temple, Cremation Ground and plate form in Wazirabad

 23^rd April 2023

(All images copyright 2023 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced without any written permission)

Lala Chaddhamal was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who lived in Wazirabad, a city in the Gujranwala district of Punjab, Pakistan. He was born in 1865 and is known for his contributions to the development of Wazirabad. He also established several businesses in Wazirabad, including a cotton ginning and pressing factory, a flour mill, and a soap factory. He was also a prominent landlord and owned several agricultural lands in the area. Apart from his business ventures, Lala Chaddhamal was known for his philanthropic activities. He donated generously to several charitable organizations and helped fund the construction of several public facilities in Wazirabad.

In the suburbs of Wazirabad, remains of a small Hindu temple (Shivala), cremation ground (Shamshan Ghat), and platform are still present. They were all named after Lala Chaddhamal, who built these facilities for the Hindu community of Wazirabad for performing religious rituals for the deceased. At present, the cremation ground is disappeared: and the Hindu temple and cremation platforms are still standing however in a decrepit state.

Cremation Platform 

Cremation Platform 

Cremation Platform 

The Last left Hindu Temple of Kunjah and history of the town

23rd April 2023

(All images copyright 2023 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research)

Once a humble village in the Gujrat district, Kunjah has transformed into a vibrant modern town. An old Hindu temple stands tall among the new developments and bustling streets, bearing witness to a golden past. This dilapidated structure, dating back to the early 20th century, showcases a vertical spire rising from the sanctum, overlooking what was once a prayer hall but now serves as a residential area. Unfortunately, the fate of this temple mirrors that of many other Hindu temples in Punjab, Pakistan. Adjacent to it, a parking stand now occupies the space once a serene pond, an integral part of this sacred temple.

Before the fateful partition of 1947, Kunjah boasted a diverse community, harmoniously coexisting with followers of different religions. Remnants of several elegant pre-partition Hindu buildings can still be found within the city, albeit most of them are now inhabited by migrant families who settled here after the partition. These architectural marvels are a testament to a rich cultural heritage and a reminder of the vibrant past that Kunjah once embraced.

The traces of human settlements in Kunjah can be traced back to the 4th century BC, offering a glimpse into the town's ancient origins. Some historians speculate that the place derived its name from Raja Kanjpal, while others attribute its significance to Ibrahim of Ghazna (1033 to 1099 AD), also known as Ibrahim Bin Masood, who utilized Kunjah as a base for his campaigns in Hindustan. Throughout medieval times, Kunjah remained strategically important, and during the Mughal period, King Alamgir graced the town with his presence. A mosque, named after him, once adorned the area, symbolizing its historical and religious significance.

In its prime, Kunjah was a fortified city, protected by robust walls that served as a defense against invading forces. Not too long ago, remnants of various monuments from the Sikh period could still be found, offering glimpses into the town's illustrious past. These included temples, samadhis, gardens, two palaces, a fort, a grand pool, a gurudwara later converted to a Mazaar, and a shamshan ghat (cremation ground). Regrettably, the passage of time has eroded these historical edifices, leaving only a handful of sites that continue to stand today. The aforementioned Hindu temple, with its weathered grandeur, serves as a poignant reminder of the town's history, while the Baradari from the Sikh era still echoes tales of its former glory.

As Kunjah evolves into a modern town, it is crucial to recognize the significance of its historical heritage. Preserving and safeguarding these remaining historical sites is essential to honor the town's diverse cultural past and to offer future generations a glimpse into their roots. By embracing and cherishing its rich history, Kunjah can pave the way for a harmonious future where the old and the new coexist, bridging the gap between eras and celebrating the town's remarkable journey through time.

Pond

The Five Pre-Partition Hindu Temples of Eminabad (Saidpur) (2020)

Relevance: Hindu Temples 

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020  (R)

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article No.3 on Eminabad

LOCATION COORDINATES
Sr. No.	Temple	Coordinates
1	Temple 1	32° 2'31.36"N, 74°15'35.01"E
2	Temple 2	32° 2'42.08"N, 74°15'39.51"E
3	Temple 3	32° 2'39.98"N, 74°15'40.81"E
4	Temple 4	32° 2'39.53"N, 74°15'39.67"E
5	Temple 5	32° 2'40.07"N, 74°15'30.54"E

Eminabad, situated approximately 10 to 15 kilometers southeast of Gujranwala city, holds a significant place in history. The town's origins trace back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that it was inhabited as early as the first century BCE by Raja Salavan of Sialkot.

To the south of Eminabad, one can still find the remnants of an ancient mound. This mound, believed to be around two thousand years old, was once part of the illustrious Raja Salavan Kingdom. Interestingly, many of the old buildings in Eminabad were constructed using bricks sourced from this mound, adding a historical connection to the town's architectural heritage.

Before the partition of Hindustan, Eminabad was home to a diverse community comprising Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, living together harmoniously. The town still preserves remnants of the splendid architecture from that era, with various structures such as Havelis, gardens, gateways, temples, and Gurdwaras standing as a testament to its vibrant past.

In particular, I would like to focus on five Hindu temples that continue to exist in a dilapidated state within the town. Among these temples, four are known as Shivala, dedicated to Lord Shiva, while one is the Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. These temples, although weathered by time and neglect, bear witness to the religious and cultural diversity that once thrived in Eminabad.

Each temple carries its own unique architectural features and historical significance. Despite their current state of disrepair, they serve as a reminder of the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Hindu community in the town. Exploring these temples offers a glimpse into the devotion and religious practices that were an integral part of the fabric of Eminabad's history.

1. Temple 1 (Krishna Temple):-

2. Temple 2 (Shivala):-

3. Temple 3 (Shivala):-

4. Temple 4 (Shivala):-

5. Temple 5 (Shivala):-

The Last Hindu Temple standing at Wan Bhachran Mianwali

(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author property, kindly respect copyrights)
 Pictures were taken on 25-02-2018

Front Elevation View 

Wan Bhachran, located in the Mianwali District of Punjab province, Pakistan, is a town and union council that holds significant historical and cultural significance. The name "Wan" derives from the Punjabi word for a water well, highlighting the importance of water in the region. Additionally, "Bhachran" refers to the Bhachar clan, which has a strong presence in the area.

One notable feature of Wan Bhachran is a well-known Baoli, which was constructed by Sher Shah Suri during the 16th century. Baolis were constructed along the routes taken by Sher Shah Suri's army, serving as a crucial source of fresh water. This particular Baoli was designed in a way that even large animals like elephants could access the water directly. The availability of freshwater attracted settlers to the area, and the first tribe to establish a settlement there was the "Bachar Tribe." This contributed to the naming of the place as "Wan Bhachran," meaning "The Well of Bachars." It is worth mentioning that historical records suggest that the place was initially called "Khichi" before the colonial period but later became known as "Wan Bhachran." Bhachar, Miana, Bhatti, Thethia Rajputs, and Ghanjera are the prominent tribes of this area.

In the heart of Wan Bhachran town stands a small Hindu temple, which holds cultural and historical significance. The temple structure consists of a single room on the ground floor, known as the "Sanctum." This room was designed to house the deity worshiped by the Hindu community. From the square-shaped sanctum, a curvilinear spire or tower, known as a sikhara, rises, which is a common architectural feature seen in northern Indian shrines (Latinas). However, due to migration and the partition of India, no Hindu families currently reside in Wan Bhachran, and the temple is no longer functional.

Overall, Wan Bhachran showcases a blend of historical landmarks, such as the Baoli, and cultural remnants like the Hindu temple, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.

Another View of Temple

The family livig inside temple

Peacock Tiles

Space for placing Diety 

Enternace of Temple

Arches