Katas raj temples are also known as Qila katas. It is a Hindu pilgrims site consist of seven ancient temples linked to one another by walkways. The Katas site houses the Satgraha or seven temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, five other medieval temples, Havelis, and some as the newly built sanctuaries, spread around a lake considered sacred by Hindus. There are three main emblems of Katas Raj
- Stone of Shiva
- The pond of tears
- Main Mandir (Marriage Hall) Hindus get married over there.
History of Katas Raj Temples
The katas raj complex is dedicated to Hindu Deity Lord Shiva. It is a Brahmanical story and Hindu mythology that said the creation of pond is the teardrops of Shiva. After the death of his beloved wife, Svati one tear fell in katas and formed Kata’s pond, and the other one in Ajmer and formed Pushkar pond. The old name of Katas Raj was Kataksha, which is a Sanskrit word that means “Tearful eyes” Hindu belief about the pond that takes a bath in this Holy Pond of Tears and all your sins will wash away. The pond spread over two canals and 15 marlas, with a maximum depth of 20 feet.
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These are the holiest place of Hindus and the second oldest location of Hinduism where they worship. The temples complex is used to this day by Hindus who travel from all around the world for an Annual pilgrim especially in spring and also visited all over the year. It conserves at least 1500 years’ worth of history that passed through several eras and rules. According to Alan Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological.
Survey of India in 1872-73 CE,” Katas raj is the second biggest holy place (in Punjab Pakistan) for Hindu pioneers after Jawala Mukhi (Himachal Pardesh India)”. It is also said prominent Pandavas brothers lived 12 years in Katas and built the sanctuaries of Satghara. These temples are considered the second most sacred site in the historic Punjab region, after the temple at Jwalamukhi in modern Himachal Pradesh.
Location of Katas Raj Temples
It is located in Katas village near the city of Choa Saiden Shah, Kallar kahar road Chakwal, Province Punjab Pakistan. The temple complex is also near to Kallar kahar and Khewra salt mine. It is easily accessible from the M2 motorway.
Structure of Katas Raj Temples
These temples are mostly constructed on square platforms and are very similar to the Kashmiri style of the temple of architecture. All these temples are built around the pond. The temple complex has some beautiful buildings with different temples, prayer rooms, and pathways. The height of sub-shrines seems to form a series of cornices with a small row of pillars. The temple of Ramachandra is situated on the eastern side of the Hari Singh haveli which is closed from all sides except for an entrance from the east side.
In 2006 the government of Pakistan started restoration work at the temples and further improvement was announced in 2017. The whole structure of the temples is extremely wonderful and historical. An awfully attractive and beautiful place with the greenish and blue color of water pond surrounded by lush green hills.
The shades of colors created just the right photo opportunities. The surrounding areas like Khewra salt mine and Kallar Kahar boost the worth of this location. A serene place to visit and just imagine the past days of history which is now deserted. An incredible place to visit. Click to read About Khewra salt Mines, 2nd largest salt mines in the World.
