![fairy lights tears of joy mark ancient temple s reopening fairy lights tears of joy mark ancient temple s reopening](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/285395-peoplePHOTOEXPRESS-1320009843.jpg)
The temple, located inside the archeological complex of Gor Kattri in the interior city, had been closed for the last 60 years. The opening follows years of legal wrangling, and on September 15 a two-member court bench decided that no one could stop the Hindu community from worshipping at this site.
“I am thankful to the courts and the government of Pakistan for providing us this opportunity,” Phoolvatte said while speaking to The Express Tribune.
Her euphoria was evident – she fought this legal battle, spanning more than a decade, alone.
“It is better late than never,” Phoolvatte said, adding that she has come to the site after a lapse of 11 years. “But it is good that I’ve come here with my community for worship.”
Kamla Rani, another woman present there, said earlier, they worshipped at their homes. From now on, they will come here to worship, she said.
Adorned with fairy lights, the temple brimmed with a large number of men, women and children, dressed in their finest and wearing red handkerchiefs on their heads.
At the emotional reopening, a priest smashed a coconut and Phoolvatte cut a ribbon, cheered on by a large number of devotees. She was garlanded and showered with rose petals as she entered the temple.
The temple resounded with bhajans, devotional songs, after 60 years, a spectacle that was visibly enthralling for the Hindu community. Inside, where a trident was erected, devotees offered their religious rites.
Nostalgia, appreciation
Shayam Lal, a local, said with the opening of Goraknath, the number of functional temples in Peshawar has risen to three. One more temple in the city is presently closed. He added that this place dates back to the time of Raja Ashoka.
Ram Lal, president of the Hindu Balmik Mahsaba Peshawar said this opening has doubled their joy of Diwali.
He termed the opening as a gift to the Hindu community and said this will improve the image of the Pakistan.
Samar Chand Chohan, chief patron of the Hindu Balmik Mahsaba, also appreciated the opening of Goraknath and said there were around 400 to 500 Hindu families in Peshawar.
He added that the opening coincided with Diwali, which in itself is a good omen.
For Lajwanti, however, the opening was more than nostalgic – she had taken her wedding vows at this site. “I am thinking that I am married anew today,” she said.
Gor Kattri side is an ancient Buddhist site and is associated with Buddha’s alms bowl. Right opposite the temple is a mosque. However, on Sunday, Peshawar’s ancient past and present mingled seamlessly.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2011.
COMMENTS (18)
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I would appreciate the Pakistan Judiciary for tolerating the sentiments of the Peshawar Hindu community and allowing them to reopen this ancient Hindu temple. Hope this will give confidence to the dwindling Hindu community in Pakistan. If Pakistan can also stop forcible conversion of Hindu girls to Islam by some fanatical elemtns operating under the Umberella of Taleban Hooligans it would be awesome.
Incidences like this indicate that not all is lost in Pakistan, much needs to be done, but this is good and will certainly improve its image.
Nothing like supporting other faiths(especially minorities), and in the process, you would be doing better in your own faith.
@Aadersh: Dont count your chickens before they hatch...
Difference between India(Babri Masjid) & Pakistan(Goraknath temple) Congratulations to all our Hindu brethren... Proud to be a Pakistani!!
Looks like Pakistan has started taking steps in right direction. Keep it up and defeat the extremism. India and Pakistan should compete in making their minorities happy and prosperous. Treat them equal in all aspects. If this can happen, both countries will progress. .
If it wasn't for those barbarians called Talibans, who destroyed our peace in last few years, Peshawar has always been a peaceful city where people from all religions are treated equally. A city where the biggest mosque of the city (masjid Dervesh housing thousand of religious students) is sharing a wall with the biggest & beautiful Church of the city both of the same size. It is a city where Sikhs, Christians and Muslims all live side by side like brothers & sisters (Hindu population is very small).
Is Pakistan on the mend? Most of us hope so! Is this the beginning of climb out of decades of darkness? God, how I pray it is so!
Well done Pakistani Judiciary and Public for supporting minorities in their religious endeavours despite challanges. This is what all humanity wants from a jubilant, progressive and democratic Pakistan. Well done again.... Happy Diwali and Eid-ul-Zuha to each of you.
A wave of fresh air and satisfaction for hindu minority. Very good news for Pakistan.
The one fixed in equanimity of mind frees oneself in this life from vice and virtue alike; therefore devote yourself to Yoga; work done to Perfection is verily Yoga.........Holy Bhagavad Gita (Samkhya Yoga)
Loving regards and heartily congratulations to Sri Phoolvatte and Hindu community of Peshawar!
Very Good, Happy Diwali to all our hindu brethren and congratulations on a new temple,
The bench of Pakistani court deserve all praises and commendations for delivering the free, fair and fine justice.
"However, on Sunday, Peshawar’s ancient past and present mingled seamlessly". ...and thats how it should stay!
Well done! and Happy Divali!
Vienna,31-10-2011 It is a due respect. Otherwise, Hindus believe all religions are interdependent and united.Unity of human race with nature derived from the primordial sound that radiates multi dimensional energy emerywhere is reality not necessarily to be sung aloud.Silence is louder to send vibrations enormously faster. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
Islam is the religion of peace. And Islam gives equal rigths to all minorities.