Krishna Temple, Rawalpindi
The Shri Krishna mandir or the Krishna Temple is the only functional Hindu temple in Rawalpindi.The temple is located between the Rawalpindi Railway Station and Kabari Bazaar in Saddar, in the Rawalpindi in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Currently it is the only place of worship for the Hindus living in the Rawalpindi and Islamabad[1] Hindu festivals like Holi [2], Diwali [3] etc are celebrated here.
History
The temple was built by Kanji Mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal in 1897 as a place of worship for the Hindus living in the surrounding areas.During the partition, the Krishna Temple was closed in 1947. After the partition, the Krishna temple was opened 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.
In 1970, the temple was taken over by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) .[1]The ETPB leased the area surrounding the temple for local traders. The Hindu community has been protesting against this occupation of the temple land.[4]
Renovation
In 2018, the Punjab government released Rs20 million for the renovation of the temple. [4] And the renovation and restoration was completed in 2020.[5]
See also
Reference
- ^ a b Aamir Yasin (8 March 2020). "Krishna Temple- the only worship place for twin cities' Hindus". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Aamir Yasin (25 March 2019). "Krishna Mandir comes alive as Hindus celebrate Holi, Pakistan Day". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Aamir Yasin (2 November 2016). "Krishna Mandir lights up on Diwali". Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ a b Aamir Yasin (20 May 2018). "Rs20m released to renovate Krishna Mandir Aamir Yasin". Dawn. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Asif Mehmood (20 May 2020). "Religious sites: Restoration of Sikh and Hindu temples to expedite after lockdown". Express Tribune. Retrieved 21 August 2020.