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    @Liza-Sikandar said in Refined Narrative: The Intertwined Roots of Pakistan’s Leaders: “It’s a strange life… you really don’t know how you will impact people or how things will play out.” — Emily Haines Architecture is perhaps the most visible proof of our shared history. While we focus on the borders, there are massive monuments on both sides that belong to the “other” faith, yet are protected and cherished by locals today. 1. The Tears of Shiva: Katas Raj Temples (Pakistan) Located in the Salt Range of Punjab, Pakistan, this is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus worldwide. The Legend: According to the Mahabharata, when Lord Shiva’s wife Sati died, he wept so inconsolably that his tears formed two ponds. One fell in Pushkar (India) and the other at Katas (Pakistan). The History: The Pandavas are said to have spent a significant part of their exile here. It isn’t just one temple, but a complex of seven (Satgraha) built in the beautiful Kashmiri architectural style. Today: The Government of Pakistan has spent millions restoring the site. It is a major pilgrimage destination for Indian Hindus, who are often welcomed by the local Muslim community with great warmth. 2. The Cave of the Mother: Hinglaj Mata (Pakistan) Deep in the desert mountains of Balochistan lies the Hinglaj Mata Mandir, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The Legend: It is believed that the head of Sati fell here. The Shared Worship: This is perhaps the ultimate example of interfaith harmony. Local Muslims have worshipped here for centuries, calling the goddess “Nani Bibi” and the pilgrimage “Nani ka Haj” (The Grandmother’s Pilgrimage). They protect the shrine as if it were their own. 3. The 1,500-Year-Old Hanuman: Panchmukhi Temple (Pakistan) In the heart of Karachi (Soldier Bazaar) sits a temple that is at least 1,500 years old. The Rare Idol: It is one of the few temples in the world where the idol of Hanuman is “Swayambhu” (naturally occurring/non-man-made). The Excavation: Even recently, in 2019, while renovating the floor, workers discovered ancient statues of Hindu deities buried deep beneath, showing that the site has been a center of worship for over a millennium. Islamic Shrines in India Managed by Hindus Conversely, India is home to several Islamic shrines where the “keepers of the flame” are Hindu. Shrine Location The Unique Connection Amanati Mosque West Bengal This 18th-century mosque is owned and maintained by a Hindu family (the Basus). They paint it for Eid and ensure the local Muslim community has a clean place to pray. Baba Ramdevra Rajasthan Though he was a Hindu folk-deity, his shrine is visited by millions of Muslims who call him “Ramshah Peer”. The rituals at his tomb are a beautiful mix of Sufi and Hindu traditions. Ghazi Miyan Dargah Bahraich, UP The shrine of Salar Masud Ghazi is fascinating because nearly 50% of its devotees are Hindus. They call him “Ghazi Baba” and believe the water from the shrine’s well heals skin diseases. 4. The “Sikh-Muslim” Golden Connection You might know that the foundation stone of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar was laid by a Muslim Sufi saint, Mian Mir, at the request of the Sikh Guru. Similarly, in Pakistan, the shrine of Guru Nanak in Kartarpur is a place where Muslims and Sikhs have co-existed for centuries. During the recent opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, many local Muslims shared stories of how their families had guarded the Gurdwara’s keys for generations after 1947. A “Hidden” Architecture Fact: The Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore (which commemorates the resolution for Pakistan) was designed by a Russian-born architect, but its construction was supervised by several engineers who had relatives working on the restoration of temples in India at the same time. The “craftsman’s hand” in this region has always been a blend of every faith.
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