The Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is a historic Hindu mandir in Karachi, Pakistan[1] The mandir was declared as a national heritage under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act 1994 and is believed to be at least 1,500 years old.[2]
| Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir | |
|---|---|
شری پنکھ مکھی ہنومان مندر | |
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Karachi East District |
| Deity | Panchamukhi Hanuman |
| Festivals | Diwali, Holi, Hanuman Jayanti |
| Location | |
| Location | Soldier Bazaar |
| State | Sindh |
| Country |  Pakistan |
  Shown within Sindh  Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple (Pakistan)  Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple (Asia) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 24°51′38.2″N 67°01′14.1″E / 24.860611°N 67.020583°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Hindu Temple |
| Date established | around 500 AD |
| Temple(s) | 1 |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
History edit
The mandir is estimated to be built about 1500 years ago.[2] It is believed that during exile, Rama visited the place where the temple stands. Centuries ago, an image of Hanuman was excavated and a mandir was built on the spot.[3][4] Hindus believe that the image of Hunuman was divinely revealed, and that it was not man made.[5]
The mandir initially resided on a 2,609 square foot plot of land, but about half the land was later stolen. In 2006, the City District Government Karachi ordered that the land be returned to the temple in 2006. Despite the notice, the illegal land owners continue to reside on the land.[5] In 2012, supported through donations collected from Hindu's locals and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, renovation of the mandir began.[5] In 2019, more artifacts were excavated including eight to nine images of Hanuman, preliminarily thought to be at least 300 years old by the director of the National Museum of Pakistan, Muhammad Shah Bukhari.[6][7]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Diwali celebrations begin in Karachi Prayer services, ceremonies organised at temples across the city". Dawn. 27 October 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ a b Naimat Khan (3 September 2019). "Centuries-old statues discovered at ancient Hindu temple in Karachi". Arab News. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ Shazia Hasan (10 March 2020). "Holi celebrated in Karachi". Dawn. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Karachi | Sir Ganga Ram Heritage Foundation". Retrieved 2024-01-29.
- ^ a b c Rabia Ali (19 February 2012). "Recycling history: And all of Hanuman's men put this temple together again". Express Tribune. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ Excelsior, Daily (2019-09-03). "Artefacts unearthed during renovation work at historic Hanuman temple in Pakistan". DailyExcelsior. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
- ^ Shazia Hasan (10 March 2020). "Holi celebrated in Karachi". Retrieved 20 September 2020.