Katasraj Shiva Temple, How neglect is ruining a historical and cultural monument of Pakistan
· Amar Granth
The Katas Raj Temples comprise seven temples, the Satgraha, surrounding a sacred pond in the Potohar Plateau of Pakistan. The oldest structures date to the 6th century. The pond is believed to have formed from a teardrop of Lord Shiva after the death of his wife Sati.
Significance: The temples hold a special place in Hindu tradition for their connection to the Mahabharata - the Pandavas are believed to have spent part of their exile here, and this is said to be the place where they engaged the Yakshas in a riddle contest. The site was first documented by the Chinese monk Faxian in his travelogues.
History: The temples fell into neglect after the partition of India and Pakistan, and access for Indian pilgrims was restricted following the wars of 1956, 1960, and 1965, before being permitted again from 1984. In 2005, a visit by Indian statesman L.K. Advani drew attention to the site's poor condition, prompting the Pakistani government to begin restoration work, including cleaning the pond and reinstalling deity idols in the seven temples.
Today: The site functions largely as a historic and archaeological landmark, visited by both Hindu pilgrims and general tourists. Pakistani Hindus continue to celebrate Shivaratri here each year, joined by pilgrims travelling from India, keeping the site's living Hindu tradition alive alongside its role as a heritage monument.
