Spiritual Heritage; Exploring Katas Raj Complex
Katas Raj Temple is located near the Choa Saidan Shah in the District Chakwal of Province Punjab of Pakistan. It is a historic and an iconic complex, which consists of different Hindu temples. Each temple holds a significant and religious importance. All of these temples are believed to be millennium years ago. So one can say Katas Raj is the oldest and most valued sites for Hindus of sub-continent.
According to history, the complex of temples at katas raj are linked to Mahabharata, which is an ancient Indian classic. It is rumored that the Pandavas, spent an important part of their deportee approximately Katas Raj. Pandavas were the hero of Mahabharata. Due to this reason, this site later became sacred to Hindus.
The complex of Katas Raj is a prominent architectural ensemble. It reflects a perfect mixture of several styles and influences over its long history. The site is compose of several temples and structures; each structure has its own unique significance features. Followings are the some important temples of Katas Raj Complex.
The first in the list is Hanuman Temple; it consists of a large courtyard and a memorial where an image or idol of Hanuman is featured, it also illustrating scenes from Hindu history. The second temple in this complex is Ramachandra Temple, belongs to the central figure in Ramayana, Rama. The architecture of this temple depicts the Hindu Shahiya style and features lavish cravings and statues. The third one is the multiple Shiva temples, main temples in katas raj complex, belonged to main idols in Hinduism. These temples had architecture of Hindu Shahiya Style with including elements of Gandhara. The sacred pond of katas is also associated with the Shiva temples.
The sacred pond at katas raj has a central value in religious and cultural significance of complex. According to some old Hindu classics, the pond formed by the tears of Shiva who he shed in grief of his late wife, Sati. Hindu pilgrims participate in ritual bathing ceremonies during their visits. The complex also includes some smaller shrines, gates and platforms, they all contribute to overall architecture and religious importance of Katas Raj.
Katas raj hold an immense importance for Hindu community as a sacred site. They visits it to perform their religious rituals and bathe in the sacred pond. The artistic elements of Katas raj served as the cultural diversity and historical legacy of the region. Katas raj attracts tourists from all over the world and served as cultural exchange and promoting religious tourism in this region. It also hold the symbol of interfaith harmony and cultural diplomacy between India-Pakistan.
The government took the steps to make katas raj an important site for religious tourism but there is need for much as it is very sacred and historical site for Hindus. It is one of the oldest complex of temples, which is unique in structure as well. We can promote religious tourism in Pakistan by taking care of this site in its actual manner.
