Karak, Pakistan — The Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj Samadhi Temple stands as one of the most revered Hindu religious landmarks in Pakistan, embodying deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Situated in Teri, a small town in the Karak district near Peshawar, the temple is dedicated to Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj, a 19th-century Hindu saint whose teachings inspired countless devotees across the Indian subcontinent.
The shrine’s origins trace back to the early 20th century, when followers of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj established his Samadhi (final resting place) at the site where he passed away in 1919. For decades, the temple served as a pilgrimage hub for Hindus from across Pakistan and India, especially during the saint’s annual death anniversary, drawing thousands of worshippers.
A History of Devotion and Turbulence
While the temple’s sanctity has endured for over a century, it has also faced periods of neglect, encroachment, and targeted destruction during times of communal unrest. In 1997, the shrine was vandalized, dealing a severe blow to the local Hindu community. Yet, through persistent advocacy by devotees and human rights activists, the Supreme Court of Pakistan intervened in 2015 to order its restoration.
However, in December 2020, the temple suffered one of its most devastating assaults when a mob of approximately 1,500 people, led by a cleric and members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) party, attacked and set fire to the shrine. The incident stemmed from disputes over land and expansion plans, and it drew widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Legal Action and Reconstruction Efforts
In the wake of the 2020 attack, the Supreme Court of Pakistan once again stepped in, ordering the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to reconstruct the temple within two weeks. The court emphasized the need for proper architectural planning to preserve the site’s heritage value.
Law enforcement responded by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against more than 350 individuals involved in the violence. Dozens of arrests were made, and several police officials were suspended for failing to prevent the attack. The reconstruction was completed under government oversight, and the temple was reopened to pilgrims in early 2022.
A Symbol of Pluralism and Resilience
Beyond its religious role, the Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj Samadhi Temple stands as a testament to Pakistan’s pluralistic heritage, reflecting a time when Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs coexisted and contributed to the region’s shared cultural fabric.
Today, the temple once again welcomes devotees and heritage enthusiasts, both from within Pakistan and abroad. For the Hindu community, it is more than just a place of worship — it is a living emblem of faith, endurance, and the enduring hope for peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.
