Hindu Temple Katasraj in Pakistan to celebrate Shivratri

The Historic Hindu temple Katasraj in Pakistan will join the thousands of other Shiva temple across the world to celebrate Shivratri on February 16, 2007. Newspaper reports suggest Katasraj temple will be celebrating Shivratri for the first time after the formation of Pakistan. Hindu devotees from India are expected to participate.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Katasraj temple is part of several Hindu myths. On hearing Sati’s death, two tears trickled down from Lord Shiva and fell on earth. It is believed that the pond at the Katasraj temple complex was formed by the tear that fell here. The temple was later built near the holy pond.

The temple is mentioned in the Mahabharata and during their exile Pandavas stayed here for sometime. It is believed that the dialogue between Yaksha and Yudhishtar took place here.

The Katasraj temple complex is in a dilapidated condition and restoration works gained momentum with visit of BJP leader L K Advani in 2004. The restoration works are progressing and might take a couple of years more.