Nestled at the foothills of the Margalla Hills is a figment of history that efficiently reflects a strong and rare image of coexistence. As one steps into the winding paths of Saidpur Village, they first encounter a mosque on the right. Just ahead, a rare scene unfolds; on one side, a Hindu temple stands, while on the other, a Sikh gurdwara. Between the two stands a dharamshala, which used to host pilgrims who came to honor the life of Lord Rama.
Architectural Harmony
The architecture of the temple, gurdwara, and dharamshala leaves a viewer in awe as they encounter a lively and flamboyant image. Their design, especially that of the dharamshala, is emblematic of Mughal architecture, with its floral tile patterns and airy baramdas. This makes one wonder about the Muslim influence on Hindu and Sikh cultures.
Saidpur’s Hindu Legacy and the Legend of Lord Rama
The history of Saidpur Village is quite rich, starting with the Hindu belief that Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, went into exile. During their exile, they spent 14 years in Saidpur. Moreover, the religious significance of Saidpur also resides in a nearby stream, as it is widely believed that Lord Rama drank water from it. As Saidpur was dominated by Hindus in 1580, Man Singh I created the Shri Ram Kund Temple as a tribute to Rama and his family. Today, it remains a testament to history, culture, and religion.
The Gurdwara of Saidpur: A Tribute to Sikh Teachings
On the right side of the temple, a gurdwara for Sikhs stands. It is believed that during the 20th century, it was constructed to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak. With the temple and gurdwara located parallelly, Waheguru and Ram were worshipped simultaneously. Additionally, with a church and a mosque in the vicinity, Saidpur remained a symbol of interfaith harmony.
Partition and the Abandonment of Saidpur’s Religious Sites
The Partition of India in 1947 brought a new facet to Saidpur’s history. As Hindus migrated to India, they took their idols with them, and the Sikhs also left. In the aftermath, the mandir was converted into a girls’ school in 1960 when Islamabad was declared the new capital of Pakistan. After a few decades of serving as a school, the temple was finally vacated in 2006 due to protests by the Hindu community. However, the authorities still did not allow Hindus or Sikhs to worship as they pleased.
The Decline of Religious Heritage in Saidpur
It is saddening to see the condition of the temple today. Instead of being a tribute to interfaith harmony and the rights of minorities, the temple and the gurdwara have become mere tourist spots and landmarks. Moreover, the stream of water, which held religious significance for Hindus, has been infiltrated by impurities due to a lack of care and maintenance. What was once a holy pond is now a contaminated water body.
Political Shifts and Their Impact on Saidpur’s Religious Identity
Looking at Saidpur from a political lens, we can note how various political eras have shaped the fate of the temples and, consequently, the overall rights of minorities in Pakistan. During the 1960s, General Ayub’s era prioritized development, which led to the conversion of temples into schools. However, this development came at the cost of the Hindu and Sikh communities. Furthermore, the evacuation of the temple in 2006 can be linked to President Musharraf’s era, when Pakistan leaned towards a more liberal and secular ideology. However, what is disheartening is that even during the so-called prime years of secularism in Pakistan, Hindus were still not allowed to worship as they pleased. Instead, these religious sites were reduced to tourist attractions. This reflects poorly on the state and highlights the ongoing struggle for minority rights in Pakistan.
Conclusion
As citizens of Pakistan, we should raise our voices for minorities just as we would for ourselves if we were in their position. Advocating for minority rights can help eliminate prejudices and sectarianism against other communities, fostering interfaith harmony and religious pluralism.