The Shri Krishna mandir (Urdu: شری کرشنا مندر), or the Krishna Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Rawalpindi in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is situated between the Rawalpindi railway station and Kabari Bazaar in Saddar.[1] It was built during the late British Raj on 1897. Currently, it is one of the two places of worship for the approximately 7,000 Hindus living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad,[2] with the other handful of temples being non-functional.[3] Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated here.[4][5]
| Shri Krishna Mandir, Rawalpindi | |
|---|---|
شری کرشنا مندر | |
 Shikhara of Shri Krishna Mandir Rawalpindi | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Rawalpindi District |
| Province | Punjab |
| Deity | Krishna |
| Festivals | Janmashtami, Diwali, Holi |
| Governing body | Evacuee Trust Property Board |
| Status | Open |
| Location | |
| Location | Rawalpindi |
| Country |  Pakistan |
  Location in Punjab  Location in Pakistan | |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°35′29.125″N 73°3′12.643″E / 33.59142361°N 73.05351194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type |  Hindu Temple |
| Creator | Kanji Mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal |
| Date established | British Raj 1897 |
| Site area | 101 square metres (1,090 sq ft) |
It covers an area of less than 4 marlas (around 101 m2).[2] The courtyard of the double-storey building has a capacity to accommodate around 100 worshippers.[6]
History
edit
The Krishna temple was built during the British Raj by brothers Kanji Mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal, two wealthy businessmen of Saddar, in 1897 as a place of worship for the Hindus living in the surrounding areas.[2] From 1947 to 1948, it was closed to avoid religious violence that followed the partition. It was reopened in 1949 and was handed over to the local Hindu Punchayat for those Hindus who chose to remain in Pakistan and it became the main place of worship for Rawalpindi Hindus.[3]
In 1970, the temple was taken over by the Evacuee Trust Property Board,[3] which leased the area surrounding it to local traders. The Hindu community has been protesting against this occupation of the temple land. The temple was frequented by diplomats living in Islamabad until the 1980s.[6]
Currently, it serves as the main temple for the estimated 50 Hindu families residing in the city, with two prayers held daily. It is also frequented by Hindus visiting from Sindh.[3]
Renovation
editIn 2018, the Punjab government released Rs. 20 million to renovate the temple.[6] The renovation and restoration was completed in 2020.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Sherazi, Qaiser (2023-11-16). "Diwali lights up Rawalpindi temples". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ a b c Sherazi, Qaiser (2022-10-03). "A tale of the overlooked temples of Rawalpindi". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ a b c d Yasin, Aamir (8 March 2020). "Krishna Temple- the only worship place for twin cities' Hindus". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Yasin, Aamir (25 March 2019). "Krishna Mandir comes alive as Hindus celebrate Holi, Pakistan Day". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Yasin, Aamir (2016-11-02). "Krishna Mandir lights up on Diwali". Dawn. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ a b c Yasin, Aamir (20 May 2018). "Rs20m released to renovate Krishna Mandir Aamir Yasin". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Mehmood, Asif (20 May 2020). "Religious sites: Restoration of Sikh and Hindu temples to expedite after lockdown". Express Tribune. Retrieved 21 August 2020.