Raghunath temple complex in a shambles

The century-old Raghunath temple complex located in the Bagh-e-Sardaran area of Rawalpindi is in ruins as it has been abandoned by the government as well as the followers of the Hindu and Sikh communities. The Bagh-e-Sardaran area, which originally sprawled over six acres before partition, has now shrunk to a few marlas.

The temple complex, which is also popularly known as Haveli Bagh-e-Sardaran among locals, houses three temples and two gurdwaras. The complex was not just a religious site for Hindus and Sikhs but also served as a welfare centre where the poor used to get free food and treatment and their children tied the knot.

However, the complex and the temples tell the story of neglect that the national heritage has now fallen into.

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A huge portion of the complex is occupied by the police’s special branch, where offices and residences have been built for police personnel.

Farzand Ali, 75, recalling memories of his childhood narrated how he and his friends used to play in Bagh-e-Sardaran. He recalled his parents told him that the Raghunath temple complex was constructed by the family of Sardar Sujan Singh who was from the bloodline of the founder of Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak, and Sardar Milkha Singh Thehpuria, who developed Rawalpindi.

Farzand Ali said that Sardar Band Singh, the father of Sujan Singh, laid the foundation of Bagh-e-Sardaran. The temple complex was constructed to create harmony between Muslims, Sikh and Hindu communities, he added. However, the site was converted into a recreational spot after partition as a large majority of the followers of both faiths migrated to India.

He said the complex had a huge swimming pool and a garden which was encroached over time. Later, large tracts of Bagh-e-Sardaran were allotted to the people dwelling there and it shrunk to a few marlas from six acres, he said.

Farzand Ali said that some families still live in the Bagh-e-Sardaran area but a large portion of the complex is occupied by the police force. He said that the temples and gurdwaras are still visible from a distant place and they hold the same grandeur.

The locals said a huge number of Sikhs visit Bagh-e-Sardaran on the occasion of Baisakhi Mela every year, as they believe worship there is sacred. They said that the government intervention could only save the national heritage from further obliteration.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2021.