Press Statement issued by Shri L.K. Advani
on Renovation of Katasraj Temple complex in Pakistan

A three-member delegation of the archeological department of the Government of Pakistan today called on Shri L.K. Advani, leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha) at his residence this morning. The delegation, led by Mr. Orya Maqbool Jan Abbasi, director general of the directorate of archeology of Punjab province, acquainted Shri Advani about the progress made in the project to renovate the Katasraj Temple complex near Lahore.

It may be recalled that Shri Advani had laid the foundation stone for this project during his visit to Pakistan in June 2005. The temples in Katasraj, which are now in ruins, have great significance for Hindus because of their association with the Mahabharata epic. The Pandavas are believed to have spent some time at Katasraj during their 14-year exile. The legend about Yudhishthir’s dialogue with Yaksha is linked to the holy pond in the Katasraj Temple complex.

Shri Advani expressed his appreciation over the renovation work accomplished so far and the plans ahead. The delegation explained that Rs. 6.3 crore would be spent on the first phase of the project to be completed in 2007. Mr. Abbasi expressed confidence that the basic conservation work at the main Shiva Temple would be completed soon so as to make it ready to receive Hindu pilgrims, including a contingent from India, on Maha Shivratri festival.

Shri Advani expressed the hope that the Government of Pakistan would also begin similar conservation and renovation projects at the historic Hinglaj Temple in Baluchistan, the Lav Temple inside the Lahore Fort (the name ‘Lahore’ is derived from Lav, the son of Lord Ram) and the Shiva Temple in Karachi, which was recently visited by Pakistan’s President, General Pervez Musharraf.

Mr. Abbasi said that Punjab’s provincial government plans to renovate the Valmiki Temple located outside the Lahore Fort.

Shri Advani suggested that archeological experts from Pakistan should acquaint themselves with the development of pilgrimage centers in India by visiting the temple complexes at Tirupati, Vaishnodevi and the newly established Akshardham temple-cum-cultural center in New Delhi.

Shri Balbir Punj, secretary of the BJP, was also present at the meeting.

(Shyam Jaju)
Office Secretary