Built-in the 7th century, Katas Raj is not just one temple but a compound consisting of seven temples called Satgraha. It is the largest temple complex located near Chakwal city of Punjab, Pakistan. It is quite an important temple and a large number of Hindu communities from both countries, Pakistan and India used to visit this temple. The temple is surrounded by a pond named Katas which is considered a sacred pond in Hinduism.

History

According to Brahmanical story, the seven temples surrounded the holy pond which was formed from the teardrop of Shiva because, after the death of his wife, he wandered the earth inconsolably. The pond spreads over an area of two kanals and 15 marlas, with a maximum depth of 20 feet. According to Hindu tradition, if someone takes bath in this holy pond, all his sins will wash away.

According to historic references, the temple was first visited by Pandavas brother of Mahabharta who lived here during their exile, and these complex temples were constructed in the honor of their visit. Another tradition states that the foundation of the temple was laid down by the Hindu deity Krishna who established a handmade shivling in it.

It is believed that many of the temples constructed are inspired by the Kashmiri architectural style because in the 11 century this region along with some areas of Punjab was under the rule of the Kashmiri Kingdom.

According to some traditions, Katas Raj was the resting place of the renowned scholar Alberuni who attempted to measure the circumference of the earth here. He also wrote a famous book known as Kitab ul Hind, and studied Sanskrit as well as Paras Nath Jogi, he drew his final gasp in Katas Raj. It is believed that Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion also invited Katas Raj on the first of Visakh.

The sanctuaries of the temple are mostly built in square stages. The domes on the shrines stand tall, and the grand arched entrances to the temples indicate the architectural aesthetics that went into building this holy place. Ramchandra Mandir has the most distinct structures comprising eight rooms up to two stories high. However, the whole site of Katas appears to disintegrate before your eyes, as you enter the historic temple. Paint chipped off, broke arches, and the absence of proper maintenance has changed what this temple used to look like.

After the partition of the sub-continent, the temple was not well preserved due to the continuous clashes between South Asia’s two biggest rivals, Pakistan and India. The situation has been settled down after the visit of India’s former deputy prime minister, Lal Krishna Advani to Pakistan in 2005. The renovation of the temple started in 2006 that helped revive some of the lost beauty of the Katas temples and attracted an increasing number of people eager to learn about the history of this sanctuary. Since then, a huge number of Hindu pilgrims visit the site annually. As an architectural and historical site, Katas Raj holds great significance. The temple is over 1500 years’ worth of history in one place.Katas Raj Temple