• A brief photo feature on author’s trip to Katas Raj Temple complex in modern day Pakistan.

A Sacred Journey Begins

My journey to the Katas Raj Temples in Chakwal, Pakistan, was nothing short of a spiritual awakening. Nestled in the quiet hills of the Salt Range, this ancient temple complex possesses a timeless, sacred energy that transcends words and resonates deeply within the soul.

The Pond of Lord Shiva’s Tears

At the heart of the complex lies a tranquil, crystal-clear pond—believed by Hindus to have formed from the tears of Lord Shiva, shed in grief after the loss of his beloved wife, Sati. Each tear is said to have given birth to this divine spring. As I stood beside its edge, a profound stillness surrounded me, as though time itself had paused in reverence.

Temples That Whisper Stories

With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, Katas Raj is like a living museum. I walked through the revered Shiv Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Ram Mandir, and the cluster of Satgraha Temples. Though weathered by time, their stone structures still hold grace, dignity, and power. Each temple tells stories—not only of gods and traditions but of generations of devotees who came here in search of connection and peace.

The Echo of the Pandavas

A highlight of my visit was entering the Pandavas’ Cave—believed to be where the Pandava brothers lived during their exile, as described in the Mahabharata. Standing inside, surrounded by stone and silence, I felt as if the ancient epic had come alive. The air was heavy with legend, and for a moment, I wasn’t just reading history-I was part of it.

A Living Connection to Dharma

Katas Raj is not just a historical monument; it is a sacred site where Bhagwan, bhakti, and Bharatiya itihas (Indian heritage) converge. Every step through its pathways felt holy. Each corner seemed to whisper forgotten prayers. This visit renewed my sense of identity and reminded me that no matter where we live, our roots, spiritual, cultural, and historical, run deep through time, story, and devotion.

Author Pooja Kumari is a youth educator based in Islamabad and affiliated with the Hindu Heritage Foundation of America (HHFA).