Katas Raj Temples- Oldest Hindu Temple In Pakistan
Overview
The Katas Raj temple near Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan, dates back to the time of the Hindu Shahi (king) around 615-950 AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It constitutes one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Pakistan. Additionally, it is still used today by members of the country's Hindu community and people who travel there from abroad every year.
The Pandawa brothers of the Mahabharata are believed to have visited the site and this temple complex was built to commemorate their visit. It is said to be the place called Dvaitavana in the epic. Where Pandawa lived during his exile, and a series of problems occurred between Pandawa and Yaksha. Sath Ghara, or the site of the seven temples, is said to be where the pandas made their home during their 12-year exile.
A Brahmin story directly links the site to Shiva, whose unbearable grief over the death of his wife Sati. That led to the formation of two pools of tears, one in Pushkara near Ajmer and the other in Pushkara, near Ajmer and one in Katas.
Unbelievable Architectural Design
Before its Hindu roots, the site had a Buddhist stupa, said to have risen 200 feet (61 m), surrounded by ten streams. This was confirmed by the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang who visited the region in the 7th century AD. Moreover, he described various Buddhist sites in the Indian subcontinent.
According to Cunningham, the seven temple complex at the highest point of the site is the most important part of the site. Reflecting the architectural style of the Kashmir temples of the Kolkata and Varma dynasties that ruled from 625 to 939 AD. These temples have certain identifying features, such as teeth, trefoil arches, fluted columns, and pointed ceilings. That is mostly found in most temples located on the slopes of the Cordillera de la Salle. The main building material is fine sandstone covered with gypsum.
As such, Katas Raj contains a group of buildings and ruins that stretch from Buddhist times to British rule. Thus preserving at least 1,500 years of history in that particular place.
Best time to visit there?
The best time to visit Katas Raj Temple is in the pleasant climate for sure because the summer is pretty harsh in Chakwal. Other than that, if you are a photographer, you should visit in the rainy season. Click the most dramatic picture of Katas Raj Temple.
How to get there?
You can see Katas Raj Temple from Islamabad in 2 hr 45 min (143.9 km) via Mandra-Chakwal Road. The road is well constructed and smooth. Hence the whole journey to Katas Raj is hassle-free.
You can check out our "Tour to Katas Raj Temples" tour that includes this amazing place.
Read also:
Hinglaj Mata Mandir - Balochistan
Amb Temples - Soon Valley, Punjab
Nagarparkar Jain Temples - Sindh Pakistan
Kafir Kot - Ancient Hindu Temples in DI Khan
Katas Raj Temples- Oldest Hindu Temple In Pakistan