Mandir (Okara) | hindu temple

Pakistan / Punjab / Okara / Tahsil Road
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You can click on the above picture for an enlarged view; this would give you an idea how Mandirs look like!

This is where a Mandir - Hindu Temple used to be, since the inception of Pakistan in 1947. Hindus migrated to India, but the Mandir was a historic site with a tall tower. A sizable population of Hindus and Sikhs was settled in Okara who migrated to India, therefore no one was left to worship here. Muslim immigrants who arrived from India started living in this Mandir and made it their home.

Shafqat Rasool sent a note to me about Mandir/Gurudwara controversy. While I was growing up, I always knew it as a Mandir. When I initially documented it on WikiMapia as a Mandir, someone insisted it was a Gurudwara. I told him that Mandirs have Minarets, Gurudwaras have Domes, like Masjids. I then called Pakistan and spoke to Headmaster Syed Ashfaq Hussain's son Syed Akhlaq Hussain, who is in his 70s; they lived right behind this structure. Akhlaq Bhai also mentioned that it was a Gurudwara; Allah knows the best! However, in my mind this structure is still embedded as a Mandir. Is the structure still there and do the Gujars (milk vendors) still live in there? Besides Cows and Buffaloes, they also used to have scary Dogs running around or tied to their beds.

The following is Shafqat's research: "Okara (Blocks)city was built in 1920s and 30s long after Sikh rule which ended in 1839. Before partition Okara had a sizable chunk of Hindu population, Sikhs in Okara city were few, most of them lived in villages around Okara. You also have mentioned that its architectural style is of Mandirs, and I have asked around from people who know about history of Okara. It is a Mandir undoubtedly."

I wonder if the Mandir or its ruins are still there?

I love Okara and have many memories associated it. Our family owned agricultural lands and fruit orchards (Bagh) in the vicinity of Okara, in Gogera, in Karman Wala, and in Marula (North of Renala Khurd). Gogera used to be District Headquarters prior to Montgomery-Sahiwal during British Rule. I grew up in Lahore, but Okara was like a second home for us.

In late 1970s, we moved to USA, and love it here, while my brother and sisters are still settled in Lahore. You can search for uzkmi, through Wikimapia Search Bar on top right and read more about my snippets or tidbits.

Usman Muhammad Khan
New Jersey 08054-3315 USA
Wikimapia User: uzkmi
Updated: August 30, 2012

dekhna royegi fariyaad karegi duniya
hum na honge to hume yaad karegi duniya
apne jeene ki ada bhi anokhi sab se
apne marne ka bhi andaaz nirala hoga

Ek Din Bik Jayega, Maati Ke Mol
Jag Mein Reh Jayenge Pyare Tere Bol

Dooje Ke Hothon Ko Dekar Apne Geet
Koi Nishani Chhor, Phir Duniya Se Dol
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Coordinates:   30°48'40"N   73°26'44"E

Comments

  • Plz let make a little correction here, it was a "MANDIR" a Hindu Temple before partition.
  • Dear Shafqat, Us Salaamu Alaikum, I saw your note about Mandir/Gurudwara controversy. While I was growing up, I always knew it as a Mandir. When I initially documented it on WikiMapia as a Mandir, someone insisted it was a Gurudwara. I told him that Mandirs have Minarets, Gurwaras have Domes, like Masjids. I then called Pakistan and spoke to Headmaster Syed Ashfaq Hussain's son Syed Akhlaq Hussain, who is in his 70s; they lived right behind this structure. Akhlaq Bhai also confirmed that it was a Gurudwara; perhaps after Khalsa rule, Sikhs converted it into a Gurudawara; Allah knows the best! That is all that I have to say in response to your comments. Is the structure still there and do the Gujars (milk vendors) still live in there? Besides Cows and Buffaloes, they also used to have scary Dogs running around or tied to their beds. Take Care, Khuda Hafiz, Usman NJ, USA
This article was last modified 11 years ago