From Toilets to Temples: The Painful Journey of Pakistan’s Varun Dev Shrine
Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th November. The condition of Hindu temples in Pakistan reveals a stark and troubling reality of neglect, destruction, and systemic discrimination. Before the partition of India in 1947, these temples were vibrant centers of faith and culture, serving as the heart of thriving Hindu communities. Today, many are abandoned, demolished, or repurposed, reflecting the diminished status of Hindus, who are often treated as second-class citizens. The Varun Dev Temple on Manora Island near Karachi offers a poignant example of this tragic narrative.
A Historical Gem Shrouded in Neglect
The Varun Dev Temple, dedicated to Varun, the God of Water, holds immense historical significance. While its exact origins remain unclear due to destroyed inscriptions, it is believed to date back to before the 10th century. Locals recount how, around the 16th century, a wealthy merchant named Bhojomal Nainsi Bhatia purchased Manora Island and took control of the temple. Later renovations, possibly in 1917–1918, added inscriptions in Devanagari and Sindhi, one of which still declares, “Om, Varun Dev Temple.”
However, after the partition of India, the exodus of Hindus from Pakistan left their temples vulnerable to neglect and exploitation. The Varun Dev Temple, like many others, fell into disrepair. Its plight worsened when it was desecrated and even used as a public toilet for years, symbolizing the extent of disrespect and abandonment.
Targeted Destruction and Continued Disregard
The temple’s decline was further exacerbated in 1992 following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India. Radical elements targeted the Varun Dev Temple in retaliation, leading to its partial demolition. Even the sacred well within the temple courtyard was destroyed. Remarkably, while the temple faced systematic degradation, nearby religious structures, including two gurdwaras and a church, remained intact, underlining the discriminatory attitudes toward Hindu places of worship.
Attempts to reclaim the temple have been fraught with challenges. Local Hindus, led by figures like Jeevraj, have fought for recognition and restoration. In 2008, they approached the Manora Cantonment Board (MCB) for ownership records, only to be told that the temple’s location within a Pakistani Navy-controlled zone limited civilian authority over it.
A Ray of Hope: Restoration Efforts
Despite these challenges, local Hindus and international supporters have worked tirelessly to revive the temple. In 2008, community efforts began to clean and restore the site. The U.S.-funded Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) contributed a grant of $25,000 to support these efforts.
Over the years, significant progress has been made. Tiles now adorn parts of the temple, a boundary wall has been constructed for protection, and the number of pilgrims visiting the site has steadily increased. Yet, much remains to be done. The idols inside the temple are still damaged, and parts of the structure bear the scars of decades of neglect.
A Broader Struggle for Preservation
The story of the Varun Dev Temple is not an isolated one. Across Pakistan, Hindu temples have faced similar fates. Many have been destroyed or converted into other establishments, and those that survive often do so due to the determination of local communities. The systemic neglect of Hindu temples reflects the broader challenges faced by Pakistan’s Hindu minority, including limited political representation, economic marginalization, and social discrimination.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Varun Dev Temple’s ongoing restoration is a testament to the resilience of Pakistan’s Hindu community, which has refused to let its heritage be erased. However, this struggle should not rest on their shoulders alone. The Pakistani government bears a responsibility to protect its cultural and religious diversity, including safeguarding Hindu temples as part of its national heritage.
India and international organizations also have a role to play by advocating for the rights of minorities and ensuring accountability for the preservation of cultural sites. The rehabilitation of temples like Varun Dev should not only be a matter of religious importance but also a commitment to historical preservation and justice.
The Varun Dev Temple stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance amid adversity. Its restoration is not just about rebuilding a structure but about reclaiming a piece of history and honoring the cultural mosaic that once defined the region. For Pakistan to truly embrace its identity as a diverse and inclusive nation, it must confront and rectify the injustices faced by its minority communities and their sacred sites
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