Hindu Temples: Adding to Karachi’s Historical Diversity

Prior to 1947, Karachi was a Hindu-majority city, but large numbers of Hindus emigrated to India following partition of the subcontinent. Many emigrated overseas over time. Hindus now comprise 1.12% of the population in Karachi, approximately 244,689 individuals (Pakistan Census, 2023).

Nevertheless, the Hindu community has left indelible marks on the cultural and architectural heritage of Karachi. These include the iconic Hindu Gymkhana, established in 1925, which currently houses the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). Hindu temples (mandirs), have long existed in city. Prior to 1947, there were around 200-250 temples. The number has since dwindled to an estimated 50–70. Some are notable, prominent temples, whereas others are small, located where Hindus reside. A few are as old as 1500 years, including the Swami Narayan Mandir, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the Ratneshwar MahaDev Mandir, and the Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir.

Hindu temples are unique in the sense that they are devoted to specific deities and celebrate different Hindu festivals within their premises. Here I describe two of the most prominent and the oldest temples in Karachi.

Swami Narayan Mandir

Photo Credit:  Facebook Page of Shri Swami Narayan Satsangis Karachi

This temple built in 1788 is located at Serai Quarters, opposite City Courts on M.A Jinnah Road. This is the only surviving Swaminarayan temple in Pakistan. The Swaminarayans are a major denomination within Hinduism who are strictly vegetarians.

During partition, this temple worked as temporary station for Hindus in Karachi who wished to migrate to India.

My favorite tidbit about this temple is the restaurant located within its premises which serves delicious vegetarian food. The food is consumed not only by Hindus but is also quite popular among Muslims. The restaurant is also responsible for serving food during large religious congregations. This temple is renowned for celebrating all the main religious festivals including Diwali, Janmashtami, Dussehra, and Holi among others.

Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir

Photo Credit: Dawn.com

What makes this 300 year old temple unusual is that it is under a cave situated at the Clifton beach, with six levels underground. The sculptures of Hindu deities were made by the renowned sculptor Faqeera, under the guidance of Ismail Gulgee, a famous Muslim Pakistani artist.

Each Monday, Bundara (free food) consisting of dal chawal (lentils and rice) is served to all devotees after the prayers.

Several legends are associated with this temple, including a hidden freshwater spring and a secret tunnel that connects to the Mohatta Palace. Another legend says the third eye of Lord Shiva, the deity worshipped there, resides in this temple. He watches over the Arabian Sea, shielding Karachi from calamities. This idea might sound familiar to some since Muslims hold a similar belief regarding Abdullah Shah Gazi, a Muslim saint buried nearby.