Haveli Bagh-e-Sardaran Complex, also known as the Raghunath Temple Complex, is a temple complex located in the Bagh Sardaran area of Rawalpindi in the Punjab province of Pakistan.[1][2][3] It is considered to be the second-oldest temple in the city, having been built in 1895.[1]
| Bagh Sardaran Temple Complex | |
|---|---|
باغ سردارن مندر کمپلیکس | |
 Spires and domes of the temples and gurdwaras as viewed from outside the complex | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Rawalpindi District |
| Province | Punjab |
| Location | |
| Location | Bagh Sardaran |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°37′10″N 73°03′19″E / 33.619532055861384°N 73.05535867617137°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mughal |
| Creator | Sardar Band Singh Sardar Milkha Singh Thehpuria |
| Completed | 1895 |
The complex has three non-functional Hindu temples and two Sikh gurdwaras.[4][5] It not only served as a religious site, but also as a welfare center for the local communities. Most of the complex now acts as an office and residence for the Special Branch of the Police.[1]
The complex is frequented annually by Sikh visitors on the occasion of Vaisakhi.[1]
History
editThe foundation is said to have been laid by Sardar Band Singh, who was a descendant of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, laid the foundation of Bagh-e-Sardaran. He, along with Sardar Milkha Singh Thehpuria, helped with the construction arrangements.[1] The complex is also said to have built to foster inter-faith harmony among the surrounding Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities. The locals claim that the complex also housed a swimming pool and a garden, and covered an area of 6 acres (24,000 m2).[1]
After the Partition of India, most of the Hindus and Sikhs of the area migrated to India. The complex was then converted into a recreational spot by the remaining Muslims. Allotments and encroachments resulted in the reduction of the remaining complex area to only a few marlas.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g Asghar, Imran (2021-09-20). "Raghunath temple complex in a shambles". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ "Ancient Chan Chiragh, Jamia Mosque and Hindu Temples of Rawalpindi -3". March 30, 2018.
- ^ Shamil, Taimur (October 16, 2015). "The temples of Rawalpindi: Old wisdom in a new world". DAWN.COM.
- ^ Sherazi, Qaiser (2023-01-23). "A tale of overlooked places of worship". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ "Restoration of seven temples on backburner". The Express Tribune. October 18, 2021.