‘Des Raj Mandir’ stands strong after a century

RAWALPINDI:

Built over a century ago, the 'Des Raj Mandir', which holds a prominent position among the dozens of Hindu temples in Pakistan, still stands strong in its original condition in the Islampura neighbourhood of Rawalpindi district.

The temple was built about 100 years ago by a goldsmith belonging to the then-elite Hindu family as per the wishes of his father. Its original name was 'Shri Radha Kishna Mandir', however, it later got famous by the name Des Raj Mandir.

The speciality of Des Raj Mandir is its unique architecture. On the four sides of the main minaret of the temple, there are idols of various Hindu gods, while for their symbolic protection, the idols of guardians with swords on all four sides are still standing.

Mohalla Islampura near College Road is an ancient area where a large population of Hindus lived before the Partition of the subcontinent.

As soon as Pakistan was established, Hindus migrated to India leaving their residences, places of worship and other buildings behind. The Des Raj Mandir is still visible in front of the main street of Mohalla Islampura.

There are dozens of houses near the temple which are fine examples of the architecture of that time. Diyar wood has been used in the balconies, windows, and skylights of houses while there are various arches and lamps which are used in various beliefs under Hinduism.

At the entrance of the temple, there is still a large inscription which was installed during the construction of the temple.

There is an inscription engraved on the temple which, according to locals, translates as: “Des Raj Sethi was a goldsmith belonging to the Hindu elite who built this temple on the wish of his father, Karpa Ramji.”

Over time, the population spread throughout the area near the temple, but its main minaret still stands today.

Around the minaret, there are various idols of Hindu gods including Lord Shiva, Hanumanji, Shri Ram, Shri Radhakrishna, Ganeshji and others, near which the guardian idols with swords are standing guard.

There are also ancient buildings in the surroundings.

According to locals, this temple was allotted to the late Abdul Rasheed, who migrated from Ludhiana, India to Pakistan after the war of Independence. Rasheed’s 12 children were born in this temple. Under the main minaret of the temple, Rasheed's son still resides with his family.

Locals say that the maintenance costs of this temple are borne by the resident families, but if the maintenance of this temple is done under the auspices of the government, the history and historical heritage of this area can be preserved forever.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2022.