https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Valmiki_Swamiji_Mandir%2C_RawalpindiValmiki Swamiji Mandir, Rawalpindi - Revision history2026-11-08T03:28:10ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valmiki_Swamiji_Mandir,_Rawalpindi&diff=543478&oldid=prevTheentrepreneur at 14:09, 26 October 20252025-10-26T14:09:34Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox Hindu temple<br />
| name = Maharishi Valmik Swamiji Mandir<br />
| native_name =<br />
| native_name_lang =<br />
| image =<br />
| alt =<br />
| caption =<br />
| map_type = Pakistan<br />
| map_caption = Location in Pakistan<br />
| country = Pakistan<br />
| state = Punjab<br />
| district = Rawalpindi<br />
| location = Gracy Lines, Chaklala Cantonment, Rawalpindi<br />
| coordinates = <!-- e.g. 33.####°N 73.####°E --><br />
| deity = Valmiki<br />
| festivals =<br />
| architecture =<br />
| year_completed = 1935<br />
| creator =<br />
| website =<br />
| functional_status = Active<br />
}}<br />
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'''Valmik Swamiji Mandir''' (commonly called ''Valmiki Mandir'' or ''Balaknash Temple'') is a Hindu temple located in the Gracy Lines neighbourhood of [[Chaklala Cantonment]], [[Rawalpindi District|Rawalpindi]], in the [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] state of Pakistan. The temple was built before the partition of British India and has served the local Hindu community as one of the principal places of worship in the area.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Historic temple’s days may be numbered|last=Hassan|first=Shiraz|newspaper=Dawn|date=28 August 2014|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1128257|access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> It is one of the 3 main Hindu temple in the Rawalpindi district, others being [[Lal Kurti Temple]] and the [[Krishna Temple, Rawalpindi|Shri Krishna mandir]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-01 |title=Pindi lit up as Hindus celebrate 'Festival of Lights' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2506605/pindi-lit-up-as-hindus-celebrate-festival-of-lights |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Festivals like Diwali and [[Holi]] are celebrated here.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shirazi |first=Qaiser |date=2023-11-16 |title=Diwali lights up Rawalpindi temples |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2446647/diwali-lights-up-rawalpindi-temples |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shirzai |first=Qaiser |date=2024-03-25 |title=Hindus celebrate festival of colours in Rawalpindi |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460486/hindus-celebrate-festival-of-colours-in-rawalpindi |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
The temple is reported to have been constructed in 1935 and has functioned since the pre-partition era as an active temple for Rawalpindi's Hindu residents.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|title=Historic Hindu temple facing demolition in Pakistan|newspaper=The Times of India|date=25 August 2014|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/historic-hindu-temple-facing-demolition-in-pakistan/articleshow/40869367.cms|access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> <br />
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==2014 demolition threat and legal action==<br />
In August 2014, reports stated that Station Headquarters had issued notices to residents of Block 141, Gracy Lines, Chaklala, to vacate the area as part of local development (including construction of an educational and housing complex or military barracks). The move raised fears that the temple and nearby Hindu residences could be demolished.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><br />
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Members of the local Hindu community petitioned the civil court seeking relief. Early reports noted a temporary stay order obtained against immediate demolition, though the stay provided only short-term respite and residents were reported to have been offered alternative accommodation. Authorities reportedly told the community they would build a replacement temple if relocation were required.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hindu temple may be razed in Pakistan|last=IANS|newspaper=Business Standard|date=28 August 2014|url=https://www.business-standard.com/amp/article/news-ians/hindu-temple-may-be-razed-in-pakistan-114082800177_1.html|access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> The temple was not demolitioned and is currently active.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘No temple of their own’: Islamabad’s Hindus still wait for promised place of worship |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2613389/amp |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><br />
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==See also==<br />
* [[Hinduism in Pakistan]]<br />
* [[Hinduism in Islamabad Capital Territory]] <br />
* [[Kalyan Das Temple]] <br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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{{Hindu temples in Pakistan}}<br />
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{{coord missing|Pakistan}}<br />
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[[Category:Hindu temples in Punjab, Pakistan]]</div>Theentrepreneur