Thread by @History_Mystery

#ShriKatasRajTemples is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. The temple complex surrounds a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by Hindus. The complex is located in Potohar, Pakistan's Punjab.

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The temples' pond is said in the Puranas to have been created from the teardrops of Shiva, after he wandered the Earth inconsolable after the death of his wife Devi Sati.

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Another tradition states that Shri Krishna laid foundation of the temple & established a hand-made shivling in it. The temples play a role in Mahābhārata, where temples are traditionally believed to have been site where Pandavas spent a significant portion of their exile.

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Holy Pond was originally referred to as Viskund but was later referred to as Amarkund, Chamaskund & finally Katakshkund, meaning "Spring of tearful eyes".

📷View of temple complex in 1875.

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#ShriKatasRajTemples fell into disrepair over decades following Partition & suffered neglect. Pakistani Hindus would continue to occasionally visit but were unable to maintain expansive complex. Pond was polluted with litter while local villagers would also use it for recreation.

The temples at Katas are mostly constructed on square platforms. The elevation of sub shrines seems to form a series of cornices with small rows of pillars, crowned by a ribbed dome. The 7 temples were built in an architectural style similar to Kashmiri temples.

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