I my search for old historic places and monuments, I have found that though there are many Sikh Gurdwaras in Pakistan and some of them are still in use and even if not, in good condition. But this cannot be said of the Hindu temples. Hindu temples seem to have suffered more the consequences of the partition and the departure of the Hindu population. Here I am talking in reference to Punjab. Situation is certainly different in Sindh. Only exception in Punjab is the Katas Raj complex of Hindu monuments.
It does not mean that they have totally disappeared, Shikharas (spires) of Hindu temples are visible in almost all the cities and towns of Pakistan. But mostly tucked in overcrowded old areas and mostly unaccessible to visitors. One exception is Toomri Temple. It is situated about two kilometers south west of Gakhar Mandi, near a small town Badoki Gosaian. The exact location is at 32°16' 56.98"N, 74° 8' 1.70"E. I visited this place on August 12, 2015.
The main building of the temple itself is not very big, but very elegant. The Temple stands one a platform, surrounded by a now dried up pond. A beautifully constructed bridge leads to the temple. The pond is surrounded by big trees and the whole complex even now give an impression of elegance and great aesthetic beauty. My only regret was that it was a cloudy day and I could not take better pictures.
Toomri Temple and its bridge. (12.08.2015.)
View towards the main entrance. (12.08.2015.)
The entrance. (12.08.2015.)
Facade of the temple. (12.08.2015.)
The building is constructed on a raised platform. (12.08.2015.)
Another view of the temple. (12.08.2015.)
Two young men sitting near the boys told me that a big fair used to be held here before the Partition and probably continued for a long time afterward. But now, no fair is held. They also informed me about a Punjabi film that was shot here. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the movie.
The complex is almost a perfect square, and each side is approximately 75 meters. So the area of the complex (including the pond) is about 5,625 square meters or 1.4 acres. The pond itself is made of good brickwork.
Graffiti inside the temple. (12.08.2015.)
View of the ceiling. (12.08.2015.)
Some structure in the pond. (12.08.2015.)
Some kind of shrine beside the temple. (12.08.2015.)
A brick lined channel, probably to feed the pond. (12.08.2015.)
A bridge leads to the platform of the temple. (12.08.2015.)
Another view of the temple. (12.08.2015.)
The only satisfaction is that, unlike most such places, it is situated in open, lush green fields and, luckily, so far has not been encroached upon. This beautiful building is still not beyond repair. So, its preservation—if somebody wants to do that because of some strange reason like heritage, history, culture, blah blah—is still possible. If nothing else, this building should be handed over to the Hindus of Pakistan so that they can take care of this holy place.
I could not find much information about the history and construction of this temple. I shall appreciate it if someone could share it with us.
Tariq Amir
September 24, 2015.
Doha - Qatar.
