MULTAN, NOW IN PAKISTAN, is home to the world’s largest repository of Sufi shrines. Its original names were Moolasthana, Kashyapura and Kaspatryus, mentioned by the ancient Greek historian, Herodotus.
Multan was also the first major ancient Tirthakshetra to be ravaged by Muhammad bin Qasim who desecrated the grand Aditya temple in the city.
But there was another equally sacred temple in Multan: the Prahladapuri temple. The history of the Prahladapuri temple is painfully similar to the tragic history of all Hindu temples in the landmass now known as Pakistan.
After Multan was thoroughly Islamicised, the Prahladapuri Temple was the only place of Hindu worship in the city.
In 1831, it was protected by a small garrison of Sikhs against great odds. The temple survived in this perilous fashion for nearly 150 years after this.
In the 1970s, the Pakistan Government took over the temple and built a Madrassa in its premises.
In 1992, a fanatical Muslim mob completely demolished the temple.
This podcast episode narrates the full historical backdrop to the fortunes of the Prahladpuri temple and the lessons it teaches us.
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The post presents the tragic history of the Prahladpuri Temple in Multan, Pakistan. It frames the temple’s story within the wider history of Hindu temples in the region.
Where was the Prahladpuri Temple located?
The Prahladpuri Temple was in Multan, now in Pakistan. The article notes that Multan was historically known by names including Moolasthana, Kashyapura and Kaspatryus.
Why does the article discuss the Aditya temple in Multan?
The article says Multan was an ancient Tirthakshetra and that Muhammad bin Qasim desecrated the grand Aditya temple there. This background introduces the religious history surrounding the later story of Prahladpuri Temple.
What happened to the Prahladpuri Temple in 1831?
According to the post, a small garrison of Sikhs protected the Prahladpuri Temple against great odds in 1831. The temple survived for nearly 150 years after that defense.
What happened to the Prahladpuri Temple in the 1970s and 1992?
The post states that the Pakistan Government took over the temple in the 1970s and built a Madrassa in its premises. In 1992, it says a fanatical Muslim mob completely demolished the temple.
Does the post include a podcast episode?
Yes. The page includes an audio player for a Dharma Dispatch Digest episode that narrates the historical backdrop and lessons of the Prahladpuri Temple.
