Most sacred HINDU temple in Pakistan, Hundreds of pilgrims undertake foot yatra every year, located in..., name is...
Hinglaj Devi Temple
Islamabad: Did you know that Balochistan is home to a renowned spiritual site that holds a very pivotal connection for Hindus? Located in the scorching valleys of Balochistan, Hinglaj Devi Temple has deep significance for Sanatanis. It is also the site of Pakistan's largest annual Hindu festival, which usually takes place in mid-April. The Hindus residing in Pakistan travel hundreds of kilometers through rugged terrain to reach this sacred place. Among them this year was Amar Fakira, who came to seek the blessings of Hinglaj Bhavani.
There are around 4 million Hindus in Pakistan, making up just about 2% of the country's total population. Hindus in Pakistan face unimaginable torture, often face discrimination in housing, employment, and access to government welfare programs. Despite such challenges, the Hindu community continues to hold on to and preserve their faith.
According to a Navbharat Times report, Amar Fakira, a resident of Karachi, faced a difficult time last year when his three-year-old son suddenly lost movement in one of his legs. Doctors were unable to give any clear answers or assurance. In that moment of uncertainty, Fakira made a vow — if his son recovered, he would walk nearly 320 kilometers to the Hinglaj Devi Temple. A year later, after his son regained strength, Fakira fulfilled his promise by embarking on a seven-day barefoot pilgrimage to the temple at the end of April. All You Need To Know About Hinglaj Temple The pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Temple stands as a powerful symbol of faith for the Hindu minority in Pakistan.
For many, the pilgrimage to Hinglaj Devi holds the same spiritual significance as Hajj in Islam.
Among Hindus in India as well, there is a strong desire to undertake this pilgrimage.
For most of the 20th century, reaching the Hinglaj Devi Temple was nearly impossible.
The construction of the Makran Coastal Highway in the early 2000s provided unprecedented access to the temple.
Most of the journey could now be completed by vehicle, making the pilgrimage less difficult. Despite this, thousands of devotees still choose to travel on foot.
Fakira is among those who believe that walking the entire distance is the true form of devotion to the goddess.
According to legend, when Goddess Sati immolated herself, her remains fell at various places—Hinglaj being one of them. The Hinglaj Temple is located inside a natural cave. The temple complex includes four shrines, of which the most revered is the Nani Mandir.
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