While we frequently discuss about Hindu past of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, we forget a very important entity in West Punjab and that is- Bahawalpur

So lets discuss about Kala Dhari Mandir, Bahawalpur which is linked with Maratha history

According to historians, the Mandir is over 300 years old

It’s said the temple was built by the Maratha Hindu Empire and it was run and funded by the people of Maratha community

For a long time, it remained one of the most crowded temples in the state

The temple is known for intricate carvings and detailed woodwork which is done using walnut wood

The main gate of the temple was extracted and shifted to Bahawalpur museum

Notice the Vishnu Avatars on the gate

There were lot of such doors which were lost and locals report they were sold in black market

Rest of the complex has been converted into a school which posing more threat to this heritage

Looking at this valuable heritage lying in shambles in Pakistan makes me very sorrowful

We had one such rare temple in whole of Punjab due to Marathas & that was also lost in 1947

&We are neither able to even ask Pak administration to restore this nor able to create its replica

Some more photographs of the same temple complex by Waseem Iqbal

Look at that beautiful ceiling

Detailed view of the main door of the temple which is preserved in the museum

Notice the carvings: Krishna playing flute, Narsimha Avatar, Matsya Avatar,
Krishna killing Bakasur, Krishna on Kalia
Nag and Krishna Killing Keshi Demon

Pic credits: Ammad Ali