Katas Raj Temples

2022-07-27T19:53:32Z

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{{Infobox temple
| name = Katas Raj Temples <br/>{{nq| کٹاس راج مندر}}<br/>
| image = File:Katas Raj Temples 2.JPG
| alt =
| caption = The temples surround a pond regarded as sacred by Hindus
| map_type = Punjab Pakistan#Pakistan
| map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|32|43|26.4|N|72|57|05.9|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[Pakistan]] {{flagicon|Pakistan}}
| state = [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]]
| district = [[Chakwal District|Chakwal district]]
| location = [[Choa Saidanshah]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Shiva]]
| temple_quantity = 12 (7 original)
| inscriptions =
| year_completed = 7th century CE onwards<ref>{{cite web|first1=Muhammad |last1=Bin Naveed|title=Katas Raj|url=https://www.worldhistory.org/Katas_Raj/|work=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref>
| creator =
| website =
}}
The '''Shri Katas Raj Temples''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], {{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|کٹاس راج مندر}}}} شری) ([[Sanskrit]]: कटासराज) also known as '''Qila Katas''' ({{nq|قلعہ کٹاس}}),<ref name="laiba">{{cite journal|last1=Khalid|first1=Laiba|author-link1=Katas Raj Temples|title=Explore Rural India|date=2015|volume=3|issue=1|pages=55–57|url=http://itrhd.com/pdfs/ERIM-jan15.pdf|access-date=15 September 2017|publisher=The Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430192343/http://itrhd.com/pdfs/ERIM-jan15.pdf|archive-date=30 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a complex of several [[Hindu]] temples connected to one another by walkways.<ref name="laiba"/> The temple complex surrounds a pond named ''Katas'' which is regarded as sacred by Hindus.<ref name=sah>{{cite book|last1=Sah|first1=Krishna Kumar|title=Deva Bhumi: The Abode of the Gods in India|date=2016|publisher=BookBaby|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M6pWDQAAQBAJ|page=79|access-date=15 September 2017|isbn=9780990631491}}</ref> The complex is located in the [[Potohar Plateau]] region of [[Pakistan]]'s [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] province. The temples are located near the town of [[Choa Saidanshah]], and are near the [[M-2 motorway (Pakistan)|M2 Motorway]].

The temples' pond is said in the ''[[Purana]]s'' to have been created from the teardrops of [[Shiva]], after he wandered the Earth inconsolable after the death of his wife [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]].<ref name=sah/><ref name="laiba"/> The pond occupies an area of two kanals and 15 marlas, with a maximum depth of 20 feet.

The temples play a role in the Hindu epic poem, the ''[[Mahābhārata]]'',<ref name=gop/> where the temples are traditionally believed to have been the site where the ''[[Pandava]]'' brothers spent a significant portion of their exile.<ref name=sah/> It is also traditionally believed by Hindus to be the site where the brothers engaged in a [[riddle contest]] with the [[Yaksha]]s, as described in the ''[[Yaksha Prashna]].''<ref name="Shri Katasraj Yatra">{{cite web|title=Shri Katasraj Yatra|url=http://www.kailashmansaroversewasamiti.org/katasraj-yatra-form.php|publisher=Kailash Mansarover Sewa Samiti (All India Regd.)|access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref><ref name=gop/><ref name="bjp"/> Another tradition states that the Hindu deity [[Krishna]] laid the foundation of the temple, and established a hand-made ''[[lingam|shivling]]'' in it.

The temples were visited by India's former deputy prime minister [[Lal Krishna Advani]] in 2005. In 2006, the Pakistani government began restoration works at the temples, with further improvements announced in 2017.

==Location==
[[File:Katas_Raj_Temple_Top_Mountain_View.jpg|thumb|Katas Raj is located in Punjab's [[Salt Range]] at an altitude of 2,000 feet.]]
The Katas Raj Temple complex is located near [[Kallar Kahar]], and is located at an altitude of 2,000 feet.<ref name=sah/> It is approximately 100 kilometres away by road from another important Hindu pilgrimage destination - the [[Tilla Jogian]] complex. Katas Raj is located near the interchange for the town of [[Kallar Kahar]] off the [[M2 motorway (Pakistan)|M2 Motorway]] which links [[Islamabad]] to [[Lahore]]. The complex is located alongside the road that connects Kallar Kahar to Choa Saidan Shah near the village of Dulmial.

==Etymology==
The name of the temple complex is believed to derive from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''kataksha'', meaning "tearful eyes."<ref name="bjp"/> The pond was originally referred to as ''Viskund'', or "poison spring", but was later referred to as ''Amarkund,'' ''Chamaskund,'' and finally ''Katakshkund,'' meaning "Spring of tearful eyes."<ref name="explorer">{{cite journal|author1=Abrar Babary|author2=Mahwish Zeeshan|author-link1=REMINISCENT OF HINDUISM: AN INSIGHT OF KATAS RAJ MANDIR|title=The Explorer: Journal of Social Sciences|date=2015|volume=1|issue=4|url=https://www.academia.edu/12153643|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref> The pond in Urdu and Persian is referred to as ''Chashm-e-Alam'',<ref name="laiba"/> meaning "Sorrowful/Tearful Eyes."

==History==
===Prehistoric===
The [[Salt Range]]s have archaeological remains still hidden underground. A number of bones of the limbs and vertebrae of animals have been found at some nearby sites. Prehistoric axes and knives made of granite, and artifacts like terracotta bangles and pottery have also been unearthed at the Katasraj site. The latter have been found to be similar to those excavated in [[Harappa]], but have not been dated.<ref>{{cite news|title=A CBM For The Lord|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?227758|newspaper=Outlook|date=27 June 2005|location=India}}</ref>

Hindu tradition holds that the temples date from the era of the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', and is believed to be where the ''[[Pandava]]'' brothers spent a large portion of their exile.<ref name=gop/> It is also believed by Hindus to be the site where the ''Pandavas'' engaged in a [[riddle contest]] with the [[Yaksha]]s, as described in the ''[[Yaksha Prashna]].''<ref name=gop/><ref name="bjp"/>

===Founding===
{{anchor | Simhapura | Singhapura | Sinhapura }}

The 4th century CE Chinese monk, [[Faxian]], described a temple at Katas Raj in his travelogues.<ref name="bjp"/> The 7th century CE Chinese traveler [[Xuanzang]] visited the area and reported the existence of a Buddhist [[stupa]] dating to the era of the 3rd century BCE king, [[Ashoka]].<ref name=gop>{{cite web|author1=Directorate General of Archaeology|title=KATAS RAJ TEMPLES|publisher=Government of Punjab|url=http://www.dgarch.gop.pk/katas-raj-temples-chakwal}}</ref><ref name="Shri Katasraj Yatra"/> The stupa was reported to be 200 feet tall, and surrounded by 10 springs.<ref name=gop/> '''Simhapura''' (also Singhapura or Sinhapura) Buddhist kingdom, mentioned and visited by Xuanzang, has been identified with Katas Raj by [[Alexander Cunningham]] in his book [[Alexander Cunningham#Publications|The Ancient Geography of India]].<ref name=raj1>[[Alexander Cunningham]], 1871, [[Alexander Cunningham#Publications|The Ancient Geography of India]], pp. 127.</ref>

Following the collapse of the empire of [[Gandhara]], Hinduism gained traction in the region under the reign of the [[Hindu Shahi]]s beginning around the 7th century CE.<ref name=gop/> The Hindu Shahis established Hindu temples at Katas Raj from the mid 7th to 10th centuries,<ref name=gop/><ref name="bjp"/> though the British engineer [[Alexander Cunningham]] dated the shrines to around 66 BCE.<ref name="bjp"/> The Hindu Shahi empire also funded construction of several other temples throughout northern Punjab and the [[Potohar plateau]],<ref name=gop/> including the nearby [[Tilla Jogian]], and [[Kafir Kot]] in [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province.

===Early===
[[File:General view of Katas village, with old temples in foreground, 1875.jpg|thumb|View of the temple complex in 1875]]
The founder of the [[Sikhism|Sikh]] faith, [[Guru Nanak]], is believed to have visited the Katas Raj Temples, as the site became a popular destination for ascetics.<ref name=khalid>{{cite book|last1=KHALID|first1=HAROON|title=A WHITE TRAIL:A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF PAKISTAN'S RELIGIOUS MINORITIES|date=2013|publisher=Westland|isbn=9789383260232|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQIBAQAAQBAJ&q=katasraj+temple&pg=PT39|access-date=24 June 2017}}</ref> The Sikh emperor [[Ranjit Singh]] also regularly performed pilgrimage to the site.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of the Sikhs: Sikh Lion of Lahore/Maharaja Ranjit Singh|date=1991|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers|isbn=9788121505154|page=423|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BF0wAQAAIAAJ&q=katas|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref> He visited the site for the [[Vaisakhi]] festival in 1806,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Ranjit|title=Golden Crystal|date=2013|publisher=Unistar Books|isbn=9789351130482|page=232|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ilZJDQAAQBAJ&q=hari+singh+katas+raj|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref> in December 1818,<ref name=latif/> and again in 1824.<ref name=latif>{{cite book|last1=Latif|first1=Syad Muhammad|title=History of the Panjáb from the Remotest Antiquity to the Present Time|date=1891|publisher=Calcutta Central Press Company|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RzBAAQAAMAAJ&q=katas&pg=PA364|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>

The complex was a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus prior to the 1947 [[Partition of British India]], with large numbers visiting for ''[[Shivratri]]''.<ref name=khalid/> Following Partition, the local Hindu community left the region for India. The relationship of Hindus with local Muslim population was good, and local Muslims accompanied Hindus to the nearby town of Choa Saiden Shah, from where the local Hindu population departed for India. Indian pilgrims continued to visit the temple for the Shivratri festival until the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], after which Indian pilgrims were barred from visiting again until 1984.<ref name=marriage>{{cite web|last1=Khalid|first1=Haroon|title=The marriage made in heaven|url=http://www.thefridaytimes.com/18032011/page26.shtml|publisher=The Friday Times|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>

===Modern===
The temples fell into disrepair over the decades following Partition, and suffered neglect. Pakistani Hindus would continue to occasionally visit the site, but were unable to maintain the expansive complex.<ref name=khalid/> The pond was polluted with litter, while local villagers would also use the pool for recreation.<ref name=khalid/> Indian Hindu pilgrims were forbidden to visit the site in 1956, 1960,<ref name="bjp"/> and after the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965.<ref name=marriage/> India pilgrims were not permitted to visit the site again until 1984.<ref name=marriage/>

India's former Deputy Prime Minister [[Lal Krishna Advani]] visited the temples in 2005,<ref name="hinduonnet.com">[http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2213/stories/20050701005201000.htm Playing peacemaker: Advani, Visiting the Katas Raj temple complex near Lahore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203124241/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2213/stories/20050701005201000.htm |date=2008-12-03 }} [[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]], Volume 22 - Issue 13, Jun 18 - Jul 01, 2005.</ref> and expressed displeasure at the site's dilapidated state.<ref name=khalid/> In 2005 Pakistan proposed to restore the temple complex,<ref name="Plan"/> while in 2006 the restoration project began in order to clean the sacred pond, paint and restore some temples, and installation of informational blue boards around the temple complex.<ref name="khalid"/> 300 Indian Hindus visited the site for the ''Shivratri'' festival in 2006,<ref name=khalid/> which for a short time became an annual tradition for some Indian pilgrims, though Indians stopped coming after the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]].<ref name=khalid/> 2,000 Pakistani Hindus resumed the tradition of celebrating ''Shivratri'' at the temple in 2010,<ref name=khalid/> and another 2,000 in 2011 with visitors coming from as far as [[Karachi]].<ref name=marriage/> A wedding for Hindu couples was arranged during that year's ''Shivratri'' festival for couples from [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province whose families had lost much of their property in the [[2010 Pakistan floods]].<ref name=marriage/>

In January 2017, Pakistan's government began installation of ''[[shikhara]]s'' on the temples.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rana|first1=Yudhvir|title=Pakistan government begins installation of shikhar kalash on Hindu temples|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/amritsar/pakistan-government-begins-installation-of-shikhar-kalash-on-hindu-temples/articleshow/56357121.cms|access-date=13 January 2017|newspaper=Times of India|date=22 June 2017}}</ref> In February 2017, 200 pilgrims from India traveled to the temple to participate in the ''Katas Raj Dham'' festival.<ref>{{cite news|title=Over 200 Hindu pilgrims from India arrive in Lahore for Katas Raj Dham|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-over-200-hindu-pilgrims-from-india-arrive-in-lahore-for-katas-raj-dham-2331778|access-date=15 September 2017|agency=DNA India|date=22 February 2017}}</ref> In 2018, Pakistan issued visas to 139 Indian Hindu pilgrims to visit Katas Raj dham.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-issues-visas-to-139-indian-pilgrims-to-visit-katas-raj-dham/story-d2krgBtNZfhQ5VRDFtyzuJ.html | title=Pakistan issues visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj dham| date=2018-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/pakistan-issues-visas-to-139-indian-pilgrims-to-visit-katas-raj-dham/ar-BBQHceU?li=BBJE6P9 | title=Pakistan issues visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj dham}}</ref>

==Religious significance==
[[File:Katasraj temple (Sardar of Hari Singh's Haveli) 07.jpg|thumb|The complex consists of several temples and associated structures.]]
[[File:Katas Raj Ruins.JPG|thumb|The pond at Katas Raj is said to have been created from the teardrops of the Hindu deity [[Shiva]], following the death of his wife [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]].]]
The temples are considered to be the second most sacred site in the historic [[Punjab]] region, after the temple at [[Jawalamukhi|Jwalamukhi]] in modern [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref name="bjp">{{cite web|title=Renovation of Dilapidated Temples in Pakistan|url=http://www.bjp.org/images/upload/publications/ktasraj-EV.pdf|publisher=Bharatriya Janata Party|access-date=15 September 2017}}</ref>

The temples derive their holiness from the legend that following the death of his wife Sati, the Hindu god Shiva wandered inconsolably, while some of his tears collected in two ponds, one of which is the pond around which the Katas Raj Temples are set,<ref name=gop/><ref name=sah/> while the other is at [[Pushkar]], near the famous Sufi pilgrimage center of [[Ajmer]]. Another version of the legend mentions the two pools at Katasraj and [[Nainital]]. Another version of the Shiva legend involves the death of Shiva's horse Katas instead of that of Sati his consort.

The Katasraj temple complex is traditionally believed to date back to the [[Mahabharata]] era. Many legends are associated with the temples. The five Pandava brothers, mentioned in the [[Mahabharata]], are said to have stayed here for a large part of their exile.<ref name="explorer"/> The complex is traditionally believed to be the site where the Pandava brothers were challenged by the [[Yaksha]] before being able to drink from the pond.<ref name="laiba"/> Four of the brothers failed and were rendered lifeless by the Yaksha. The fifth brother, [[Yudhishthira]], engaged the Yaksha in a riddle contest and defeated him with his wisdom,<ref name="bjp"/> thereby bringing his brothers back to life.

Some legends also state that the very first Shiva Ling (Shiv-Ling) was in Katas. Some old manuscripts also consider Katas as the Janam Bhoomi (birthplace) of Hindu [[incarnation]] [[Rama]], as well as that of [[Ayodhya]]; but this has become quite controversial. The oral tradition by local Hindus never mentioned it as being Rama's birthplace or celebrated in annual rituals.

===Sacred pond===
The pond in the complex is believed by Hindus to be filled with [[Shiva]]'s tears after the death of his wife [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]]. The water in the pond is of high clarity.<ref name="explorer"/> The water and are believed to wash one of ones own sins,<ref name=khalid/> as the pond is associated with Shiva.<ref name="explorer"/> In 2012, and again in 2017, water levels in the pond were noted to decrease because of water usage at a nearby cement factory, as well as the plantation of water-avid eucalyptus trees, that had lowered the area's water table.<ref name=dawn2>{{cite news|title=Fabled pond of Katas Raj drying out, again|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1332621|access-date=15 September 2017|agency=Dawn|date=12 May 2017}}</ref> After the 2012 episode, the local cement factory was shut down by government authorities in order to restore water levels.<ref name=dawn2/>

==Architecture==
[[File:Hindu Temple near Budhist Stupa at Katas Raj Temple.JPG|thumb|upright|Temples at Katas Raj display characteristics of Kashmiri Hindu temples.<ref name="explorer"/>]]
[[File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore,_Pakistan13.jpg|thumb|Decorative artwork adorns the ceiling of the Ramachandra Temple.]]
The Katas site houses the ''Satgraha'', a group of seven ancient temples, remains of a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[stupa]], five other medieval temples, [[haveli]]s scattered around a pond considered holy by Hindus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Tourist spots in Pakistan |url=http://news.in.msn.com/gallery/top-tourist-spots-in-pakistan-1#image=2 |publisher=timesofindia.com |location=photos |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610072239/http://news.in.msn.com/gallery/top-tourist-spots-in-pakistan-1#image=2 |archive-date=10 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The temples at Katas are mostly constructed on square platforms. The elevation of the sub shrines seems to form a series of cornices with small rows of pillars, crowned by a ribbed dome.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sehgal|first1=Nefer|title=1500 years of our history: Enter the Katas Raj temples|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1256209|access-date=15 September 2017|agency=Dawn|date=30 July 2016}}</ref> The seven temples were built in an architectural style similar to Kashmiri temples,<ref name="explorer"/> with [[dentil]]s, fluted pillars, trefoil arches, and rooflines that are pointed.<ref name="explorer"/>

===Ramachandra Temple===
The [[Rama]]chandra Mandir is situated to the east of the Hari Singh Haveli and is closed from all sides except for an entrance on the east. The double-storied structure has eight rooms of various dimensions on the ground floor and a staircase at the south leading to the first floor. The mandir has two ''jharoka''s (balconies) that have been severely damaged.

===Hanuman Temple===
The [[Hanuman]] Mandir is on the western extreme of a high rectangular enclosure with entrances on the south and the north. The temple's ceiling is undecorated, and lime-plastered.

===Shiva Temple===
The [[Shiva]] temple is also built on a square platform. Its entrance is a recessed round arch with faint cusps and a rectangular opening to the north.

===Hari Singh Nalwa Fort and Haveli===
[[File:Sardar of Hari Singh's Haveli.jpg|thumb|[[Hari Singh Nalwa]]'s Fort and ''[[haveli]]''.]]
A small fort cum residence was built during the reign of [[Hari Singh Nalwa]], and was built for his use as a fort and residence.<ref name=bansal/> The fort itself is located on a small hillock and overlooks the entire temple complex.<ref name=bansal>{{cite book|last1=Bansal|first1=Bobby Singh|title=Remnants of the Sikh Empire: Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan|date=2015|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=9789384544935}}</ref>

The fort is rectangular and features four bastions, one in each corner of the fort. The walls are approximately 5 metres tall, and features an entryway in the western wall of the fort. The central portion of the fort features a small courtyard, around which an arched veranda is found. The interior rooms were not decorated.<ref name=bansal/>

==Conservation==
For decades the temple complex was in bad state. The holy pond was littered with garbage, while the [[mural]]s inside the temples disappeared due to the ravages of time and the neglect of the authorities. The temples were visited by India's former deputy prime minister [[Lal Krishna Advani]] in 2005,<ref name="hinduonnet.com"/> and in 2006 Pakistan proposed to restore the temple complex.<ref name="Plan"/>

[[Murti]]s (idols) of Hindu gods were placed in the seven temples,<ref name = "Plan">{{cite web
|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pak-revives-ruined-katas-temple/37457-3.html
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126092640/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pak-revives-ruined-katas-temple/37457-3.html
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2013-01-26
|title=Pak sends message, fixes temple
|date=2007-03-25
|access-date=2007-03-25
}}</ref> at a cost of Rs. 51.06 million. A three-member archaeological team visited [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Nepal]] to collect murtis of various Hindu gods.<ref name="laiba"/>

As of 2012, the temple pond was drying up as ground water had been diverted for industrial purposes,<ref>{{cite news|title=Drying up of Katas Raj temple pond has Pak Hindus worried|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-drying-up-of-katas-raj-temple-pond-has-pak-hindus-worried/20120424.htm|newspaper=Rediff News|date=24 April 2012|location=India}}</ref> though the local cement factory was temporarily shut down to restore water levels.<ref name=dawn2/> In January 2017, Pakistani authorities began the installation of ''[[shikhara]]s'' on the temples,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rana|first1=Yudhvir|title=Pakistan government begins installation of shikhar kalash on Hindu temples|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/amritsar/pakistan-government-begins-installation-of-shikhar-kalash-on-hindu-temples/articleshow/56357121.cms|access-date=13 January 2017|newspaper=Times of India|date=5 January 2017}}</ref> and installed a water filtration system to provide potable water for pilgrims.<ref>{{cite news|title=Water filtration plant at Katas Raj temple inaugurated|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/11-Jan-2017/water-filtration-plant-at-katas-raj-temple-inaugurated|access-date=15 September 2017|agency=The Nation|date=11 January 2017}}</ref> By May 2017, water levels in the sacred pond were again noted to be falling.<ref name=dawn2/>

In 2016, the temple hit the national limelight after its centuries-old water pond ran dry, attributed to the depletion of groundwater owing to the establishment of four major cement factories in the area. After the menace was reported, the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]] took a [[suo motu]] notice and started hearing the case in November. During the course of proceedings, [[Chief Justice of Pakistan]] [[Mian Saqib Nisar]] remarked that cement factories were consuming water worth millions of rupees without paying their dues. He stated that taxes should be imposed on the factories and if the government would not do so, the court would take the matter into its hands.

In 2017, while hearing the case, Nisar stressed, "This temple is not just a place of cultural significance for the Hindu community, but also a part of our national heritage. We have to protect it."<ref>{{cite news|title=Katas Raj case: 'Will halt water supply to cement factories if necessary,' says CJP|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1372370|access-date=12 December 2017|agency=The Dawn newspaper|date=23 November 2017}}</ref> The bench of judges during the hearing of the case also expressed displeasure at the absence or displacing of idols from the temples, demanding to know why there were no statues in the temples of Shiri Ram and Hanuman. The bench was told that a former chairman of [[Evacuee Trust Property Board]] (ETPB) earned millions of rupees from corruption [during his tenure] and then ran away [from Pakistan].<ref>{{cite news|title=SC bars lower courts from hearing cases on Katas Raj temple|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1376151|access-date=12 December 2017|agency=The Dawn newspaper|date=12 December 2017}}</ref>

In May 2018, the top court announced its verdict on the case by ruling that the cement factories would have to source water from elsewhere immediately, and in the meantime, pay the [[Government of Punjab, Pakistan]] for the water they draw. <ref>{{cite news |title= Pak SC closes Katas Raj temple pond case |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pak-sc-closes-katas-raj-temple-pond-case/articleshow/64084413.cms}}</ref> It told Bestway and DG Khan cement factories to fulfill their water needs from any other alluvial source such as river [[Jhelum]].

However, the factories disobeyed court orders and the authorities in August 2018, cut the water supply. <ref>{{cite news |title= Punjab EPA cuts water supply to cement factory near Katas Raj pond |url= https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/21/punjab-epa-cuts-water-supply-to-cement-factory-near-katas-raj-pond/}}</ref> However, the fate of the temple pond is not known as of September 2018, as industrial sourcing of groundwater in the area continues by two other cement factories - Gharibwal Cement and Dandot Cement, located in the area, but outside the red zone.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Ceiling of KatasRaj Temple.jpg|Some of the temples have decorated ceilings
File:Art_Wall_in_Rama_Chandra_Temple_in_Katas_Raj_Temple.JPG|A view of semi-restored walls at the Hari Singh haveli.
File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore16.JPG|Shiva temple
File:Katas_Raj_Temples_14.JPG
File:Katasraj temple Chakwal.jpg
File:Berragi Haveli & Old Library Building at Katasraj Temples.jpg
File:Katas Raj Temple, Punjab, Pakistan.jpg|General view of the complex.
File:Katas Raj Temples 13.JPG|One of the complex's seven temples.
File:Satghara Temple Patios.jpg|Hari Singh Haveli walls at Satghara Temple
File:Katas_Raj_Temples,_Near_Katas_Village,_Punjab,_Pakistan_09.jpg
File:Satghara Temple Pond View.jpg|Berragi Haveli & Old Library Building
File:Roof Art in Rama Chandra Temple.JPG|Katas Raj Temple ceiling
File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore,_Pakistan16.jpg
Katas_Raj_Temple%2C_Lahore7.JPG|Information signboard in Urdu
File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore,_Pakistan17.jpg
File:History_Board_in_Katas_Raj_Temple.JPG|Information board regarding the original 7 temples
File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore8.JPG|Information board in English
File:Inside_in_Rama_Chandra_Temple_in_Katas_Raj_Temple.JPG
File:Art in Katas Raj Temple.JPG
File:Katas Raj Temple, Lahore24.JPG|Shiva ''[[lingam]]'' in the temple.
File:One of the main temples.jpg|Temple exterior view
File:Satghara Temple Worship Place.jpg|Shiva Temple at Satghara Temple (Worship Place)
File:Satghara Temple 180 degree View.jpg|Satghara Temple 180 degree view from top of Shiva Temple
File:Katas Raj Temples 21.JPG|Katas Raj is a complex of 12 temples located in [[Chakwal District]].
File:Katas_Raj_Temple,_Lahore25.JPG|Images of Hindu deities in the temples
</gallery>

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Hinduism in Pakistan]]
* [[Hinduism in Punjab, Pakistan]]
* [[Sakesar]] temple, 15 km away
* [[Rohtas Fort]]
* [[Tilla Jogian]]
* [[Nagarparkar Temples]]
{{col div end}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Katas Raj Temples}}
* [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C01%5Cstory_1-2-2007_pg7_1 Pakistan renovates Katasraj Temples]
* [http://www.the-soccer.com/katas_raj.html Picture tour of Katasraj Temples]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100822040535/http://levelx.me/life/photography-life/the-temples-of-katas-raj/ The Temples of Katas Raj in Pictures]

{{Hindu temples in Pakistan}}
{{Cultural heritage sites in Punjab, Pakistan |state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Punjab, Pakistan]]
[[Category:Shiva temples]]
[[Category:History of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Chakwal District]]
[[Category:6th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Ruins in Pakistan]]
[[Category:National symbols of Pakistan]]

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Katas Raj Temples