Historic Kalyan Das Temple faces decay

A testament to architectural grandeur, the 144-year-old landmark needs preservation

RAWALPINDI:

The Kalyan Das Temple, a historical landmark in Rawalpindi's Kohati Bazaar, remains a mere shadow of its former self 144 years after its establishment.

A testament to architectural grandeur, the historic building needs preservation.

Established in 1880 by the Suri family, a prominent Hindu family in Rawalpindi, the temple took 30 years to complete from its foundation stone laid in 1850. Originally, the temple featured an impressive 100 rooms, along with a Dharamshala, an orphanage, and a shelter for the destitute, all managed by the Suri family.

Known locally as "Gumbad Wala Mandir" for its six domes, the temple walls display carvings of deities that have withstood the test of time.

Inside, an ancient well that once served as a water source for the community now lies abandoned, filled with garbage. However, much of the temple's original craftsmanship endures; its marble floors are intact, and wooden doors and windows show no signs of decay, withstanding insect damage and rust even after a century and a half.

Nearby, the Suri family mansion, built in 1840 and originally named Suri Mansion—now known as Noori Mansion—is another architectural marvel still standing tall in Kartarpura. The mansion hosts Qandeel High School for blind children, which Begum Farooqui established in 1958 after obtaining a lease from the Evacuee Trust Board, which had taken custody of the temple in 1950.

In 1973, the institution came under national ownership through Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government.

The temple's namesake, Kalyan Das Suri, founded the structure that once hosted pilgrims travelling from Jammu, Kashmir, and India.

Today, while the temple still has a large central dome and surrounding smaller domes, its structure has deteriorated significantly, with leaks during rains posing a serious threat to the building's stability.

President of the Hindu Sikh Minority Society, Om Prakash Narayan, and Hindu Welfare Society President, Heera Lal, express concern over the temple's neglected state.

They note that, while Rawalpindi once had 48 temples and gurdwaras, only three temples are now active, with nine others closed to the community.

Both leaders urged the government to restore and reopen these sites, including Kalyan Das Temple, to promote tourism and preserve heritage.

"Our crematorium facilities are inadequate, and the government could boost tourism by renovating and reopening these closed temples," Narayan said.

"If the Department of Archaeology doesn't step in soon, this historical gem may vanish, taking with it a precious part of our cultural heritage."