According to a media report, Pakistan’s Punjab Province government has released Rs 20 million to renovate a Krishna temple in Rawalpindi city. it is the only functioning Hindu temple in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The move is reportedly made to include more Hindus on festivals and religious occasions. Currently there are two prayers held at the temple everyday attended by 6 or 7 people. The Deputy Administrator of the Evacuee Trust Property Board(ETPB), Mohammad Asif said the government has released Rs 20 million to reconstruct the temple at the request of a member of Provincial assembly.
see also: Sri Govindajee Temple, Manipur – One of the largest Hindu Vaishnavite temple
Until 1980s the diplomats in Islamabad used to visit the temple to pray. Local Hindus have raised the need to expand the temple , as at present the temple courtyard can only accommodate 100 people at a time. There is also a demand to vacate the nearby shops that are rented and liberate more space.
The temple has a history that goes back to 1897. It was built by Kanji mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal in 1897 to serve people in nearby areas. After partition, the street temple in Saddar became the only place of worship for Rawalpindi hindus. The temple was reopened in 1949 and later handed over to ETPB in 1970. Mohammed Asif said that the construction works will begin soon and the main room where idols are will be sealed till the construction works are done.
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