Katasraj - The Ancient Shiv Temple in Pakistan

Katasraj - The Ancient Shiv Temple in Pakistan

'The Katasraj Temples' is a complex consisting of several Hindu temples surrounding a pond in Pakistan regarded as sacred by Hindus. Pakistan was a part of India before 1947, with a significant Hindu population. Naturally the people there built several beautiful temples dedicated to different Hindu deities, which today, unfortunately lie in ruin. But the Shiv temple of Katasraj, in Chakwal, Pakistan is a wonder in itself. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been there since the time of Mahabharata. Yes! The temple bears connection to the Pandavas.

The complex is located in the Pothohar Plateau region of Pakistan's Punjab province. The temples are located near the town of Kallar Kahar, and are near the M2 Motorway.

 

According to the legend, Pandavas spent 4 years out of their 14 years of exile, at this place. 

There is a pond in this temple complex. The legend behind it is even more interesting. It is said that when Lord Shiva lost Sati, he cried at this place. He wept so much that an entire pond was formed due to his tears.

 

 Although the temple stands in ruins today, the pond is highly revered. Bathing in this pond on special occasions is believed to wash away all the sins of a person.

It is traditionally believed by Hindus to be the site where the Pandava brothers engaged in a riddle contest with the Yakshas, as described in the Yaksha Prashna. Another tradition states that the Hindu deity Krishna laid the foundation of the temple, and established a hand-made Shivling in it.

The temples were visited by India's former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani in 2005. In 2006, the Pakistani government began restoration works at the temples, with further improvements announced in 2017