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Katas Raj temple Complex
The Katas Temple Complex
Nestled away in the eastern part of the great Salt Range, east of Islamabad, lie ancient temples whose beauty has inspired countless travellers for centuries. With the construction of the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway which skirts its edge, it is emerging - fortunately or unfortunately - as a popular tourist destination in the region.
Located in the Chakwal district of Punjab province, this complex is approximately 150 kilometers from Islamabad and can be reached from the capital in less than 3 hours.
It is located on the main road leading from Lake Kallar Kahar to Choa Saidan Shah and is not far from the Kallar Kahar Lake. Built in the 9th-11th century when the Salt Range was part of the powerful Hindu Kingdom of Kashmir, this large complex houses several temples most of which, unfortunately, are in a rather derelict condition. There is also a fortress surrounding a pool. Legend has it that the pool was formed by the tears of the Hindu God Shiva while weeping over his dead wife. According to an Indian website I looked up, the pool reportedly has "magical powers" and is mentioned in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The Katas Temple Complex used to be a major place of pilgrimage for the Hindus before the partition of India in 1947 and to this day several devotees visit it in Spring every year. There is talk that it may be placed on the World Heritage List and a joint India-Pakistan project to restore and renovate it is under discussion.
According to Gen Cunningham, Katas was considered the second largest holy place in Punjab for Hindu pilgrims after Jawala Mukhi. It is said famous Pando brothers spent 12 years in Katas and built the temples of Satghara. It is said Al-Beruni also spent some time at Katas to learn Sanskrit in a linguistic university which, at that time, was established here. Temples at Katas have been transferred from the federal government to the Punjab Archaeology Department recently.
Katas Raj is also the place where Alberuni attempted to measure the circumference of the Earth, studied Sanskrit and wrote his renowned Kitab-ul-Hind (Book of Hind) which depicted the religion, scientific knowledge, and social customs of Hindus. Paras Nath Jogi drew his last breath on Katas. Jagat Guru Nanak Ji also visited the place on the 1st of Visakh. Katas came to be known as Nanaknawas and was a site of contemplation for many large groups of mystics, ascetics and jogis. According to Hindu beliefs, taking bath in the holy pond at the site washes away all sins and makes man innocent.
For more info. about Katas Temples, visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katasraj_temple
Katas Raj temple Complex
The Katas Temple Complex
Nestled away in the eastern part of the great Salt Range, east of Islamabad, lie ancient temples whose beauty has inspired countless travellers for centuries. With the construction of the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway which skirts its edge, it is emerging - fortunately or unfortunately - as a popular tourist destination in the region.
Located in the Chakwal district of Punjab province, this complex is approximately 150 kilometers from Islamabad and can be reached from the capital in less than 3 hours.
It is located on the main road leading from Lake Kallar Kahar to Choa Saidan Shah and is not far from the Kallar Kahar Lake. Built in the 9th-11th century when the Salt Range was part of the powerful Hindu Kingdom of Kashmir, this large complex houses several temples most of which, unfortunately, are in a rather derelict condition. There is also a fortress surrounding a pool. Legend has it that the pool was formed by the tears of the Hindu God Shiva while weeping over his dead wife. According to an Indian website I looked up, the pool reportedly has "magical powers" and is mentioned in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The Katas Temple Complex used to be a major place of pilgrimage for the Hindus before the partition of India in 1947 and to this day several devotees visit it in Spring every year. There is talk that it may be placed on the World Heritage List and a joint India-Pakistan project to restore and renovate it is under discussion.
According to Gen Cunningham, Katas was considered the second largest holy place in Punjab for Hindu pilgrims after Jawala Mukhi. It is said famous Pando brothers spent 12 years in Katas and built the temples of Satghara. It is said Al-Beruni also spent some time at Katas to learn Sanskrit in a linguistic university which, at that time, was established here. Temples at Katas have been transferred from the federal government to the Punjab Archaeology Department recently.
Katas Raj is also the place where Alberuni attempted to measure the circumference of the Earth, studied Sanskrit and wrote his renowned Kitab-ul-Hind (Book of Hind) which depicted the religion, scientific knowledge, and social customs of Hindus. Paras Nath Jogi drew his last breath on Katas. Jagat Guru Nanak Ji also visited the place on the 1st of Visakh. Katas came to be known as Nanaknawas and was a site of contemplation for many large groups of mystics, ascetics and jogis. According to Hindu beliefs, taking bath in the holy pond at the site washes away all sins and makes man innocent.
For more info. about Katas Temples, visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katasraj_temple