003. An Ancient Hindu Temple At Malot

Malot is a small village in Tehsil, Choa Saidan Shah, district Chakwal. It is located at 32° 41' 04.56" N, 72° 47' 58.66" E.  It is almost 15 kilometers away from Kallar Kahar Interchange of M2. 

It is not a well know place and many people would be surprised to find that it is the oldest surviving building or structure in Pakistan. Harappa or Mohenjodaro are just ruins discovered later on. It has been here for more than one thousand years. As usual, there seems to be no official care. I visited this place on 13March, 2009, and until then there was not even a plaque to tell about its history. However, one thing is certain it was built during Hindu Shahi kingdom, sometime in 9th or 10th century AD, before the invasions of Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi. 

A Hindu Temple at Malot. (13.03.2009.)

 A Hindu Temple at Malot. (13.03.2009.)

A Hindu Temple at Malot. (13.03.2009.)

As you can see in the above picture, the main prayer room is elevated above the ground, as the structure is built on a raised platform made of solid stones, which are abundantly available in the surrounding area. Although no staircase is visible at present, one must have existed to allow devotees easy access to the prayer room. 

Another view of the temple. (13.03.2009.)

This style of architecture is said to be influenced by the Kashmiri style. Most Hindu temples, especially those built in later periods, had a conical shape. However, in this case, you can see a small, round-shaped structure at the top.

L to R: Tariq Amir and Nasir Mahmood. (13.03.2009.)

A view down the Salt Range, southward. In clear weather and atmosphere, you can see even the river Jhelum, 20 km away. (13.03.2009.)

Despite the passing of at least eleven centuries, the temple remains in remarkable condition, which is a testament to the skills of its architect and builders. It becomes even more remarkable when we consider that, over all these years, the temple likely received little to no proper care or maintenance.

Another beautiful view of this wonderful building. (13.03.2009.)

As it is on the edge of Salt Range, it can be seen from tens of kilometers away. Perhaps you would have already seen it! While travelling from Lahore to Islamabad, just after crossing the Lilla Interchange, you can see it on the top of the mountains, just a little on your right side. A little dot on the top of a mountain. I wish we could take care of our fast vanishing heritage. Visit this place, you will not regret.

I shall appreciate your comments on the above post. Similarly I most welcome your suggestions to improve it or any more information on this subject, which  I shall use with all due credit. 

Tariq Amir

May 12, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

View Hindu Temple At Malot in a larger mapf;">

View Hindu Temple At Malot in a larger map