025. Katas Temples

Katas is probably the most sacred site of the Hindu faith in Pakistan and certainly the most well-known. It is an ancient place, rich in Hindu history and mythology. According to the Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers, heroes of that epic, lived here for four years. The temple complex is believed to have existed since the 6th century, though most of the current structures were built in later periods.

A pond within the temple complex is actually the most important and sacred feature of the site. According to legend, when the wife of the Hindu deity Shiva died, he wept, and his tears formed two lakes—one at Pushkar in Ajmer, and the other here at Katas.

These temples had fallen into a state of ruin, but in 2007, the Government of Pakistan initiated restoration and renovation work. When I visited the site on 13 March 2009, the work was ongoing, and the area appeared well-maintained, clean, and in good condition.

However, a new threat has recently emerged—a serious environmental danger posed by cement factories operating in the valley. These two or three massive factories have not only marred the natural beauty and contributed to air pollution, but they have also caused the water level to decline at an alarming rate. I read a report from 2012 that stated the holy pond itself is drying up rapidly. Immediate action is needed to address this issue.

In addition to the temples, there is also a haveli belonging to the famous Sikh general Hari Singh Nalwa, which was once used as a police station during the Sikh rule. There is also a gurdwara building within the complex.

Temples of Katasraj. (13.03.2009.)

Another view of the temples. (13.03.2009.)

A closer view of the temple by the sacred pond. (13.03.2009.)

Sacred pond and buildings in the complex. (13.03.2009.)

The sacred pond and temples, with dust-spewing and water-sucking factories in the background.  (13.03.2009.)

Another view of the temples. (13.03.2009.)

Old rooms near the pond. (13.03.2009.)

A wall after restoration. (13.03.2009.)

Temple of Satghara (The house of truth). (13.03.2009.)

A view from the south.(13.03.2009.)

View of the haveli of Sikh general Hari Singh Nalwa, from the temple of Satghra, the highest point in the temple complex. (13.03.2009.)

Northern wall of the Haveli. (13.03.2009.)

Interior of the haveli of Hari Singh Nalwal and a Sikh Gurdwara in the background. (13.03.2009.)

 Interior of the haveli of Hari Singh. After restoration. (13.03.2009.)

Another view of the interior. (13.03.2009.)

 A wooden door in the haveli. (13.03.2009.)

A beautiful courtyard. (13.03.2009.)

A new Hindu temple, currently in use. (13.03.2009.)

Some ruins beside the complex. (13.03.2009.)

A small number of Hindu devotees regularly visit this place from India as well as from within Pakistan. There is a small local Hindu population living in some surrounding villages who did not migrate during the Partition in 1947. I have also heard of a few Hindu families residing in the nearby town of Khewra.

This site holds great potential for religious tourism, as well as for visitors interested in history and architecture. Senior Indian politician L.K. Advani visited this place in 2005.

Katas is easily accessible. It is located at 32° 43' 27” N, 72° 57’ 07” E, on the Kallar Kahar–Choa Saidan Shah road. The distance from the Kallar Kahar Interchange on the M2 Motorway is approximately 24 kilometers. 

Tariq Amir

12 June, 2014.

Doha - Qatar

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