Rawal Dam temple, the center of religious harmony

Rawal Dam Temple is a small historic Hindu shrine in the Islamabad–Rawalpindi area. Although less elaborate than the major temples of the twin cities, it remains evidence of the communities that lived around Rawal village before the construction of Rawal Dam.

The shrine is included in our guide to 72 historic Hindu temples of Pakistan.

Three streams from Margalla Hills fed this plain beside Korang. Rawal colony sits on top of a rocky outcrop that was the perfect size for a mixed community, trying to feel safe from the sea of Muslims’ all around. Fortunately, it was also the perfect spot for an irrigation dam and a pond, which is exactly what Pakistan built after 1960.

 Rawal village was a symbol of interfaith harmony. It had a Hindu temple, a Sikh Gurdwara, and a mosque, all on top of the rocky mound. The Sikh Gurdwara couldn’t last long and its roof caved in after 1960, the Hindu temple was whitewashed over several times and has lost all its priceless paintings and frescos. Only the mosque still stands proud and fresh, despite being a hundred years old. Legend has it that the Hindu temple was built at this rock formation in reverence to ancient settlers that lived on this rock. Evidence also points to the same in the form of potshards and unusual caverns. Rawal temple still has its Dharamsala intact, although certain grave robbers have tried to find the elusive pot of gold by burrowing it under its floors. The structure is locally described as a shivala, a term commonly used for a shrine or temple dedicated to Shiva. Its modest scale reflects its role as a local place of worship rather than a large pilgrimage complex.

For other surviving temples in the twin cities, see Krishna Mandir in Saddar and Kalyan Das Temple near Kohati Bazaar.

The best thing about the place is that the Irrigation department has restricted access to the site and you have to grease-palm to get in. It is more green, airy and beautiful, as a result. The view of Rawal Lake, Margalla hills, and Rawalpindi city above treetop level in spring are breathtaking. CDA has a gorgeous guesthouse on top of another hill and it’s THE place to hang out. Watching the Spillways open and water gushing out during monsoon is quite an experience.

Rawal Dam Hindu temple is just 35 minutes from Rawalpindi.

The place also has a Canoeing and Yacht club, which is also dysfunctional. Any other country would be making billions from this place from religious tourism. Even I know a certain Mr. Dhār dying to visit his childhood home.

On the Northern Bank of Rawal Dam is the Lake view park. Their Aviary (bird) pen, boat rides, All Terrain (ATV) track, paintball, and Golf range are fun to go to. The best thing about the place is their Gol Gappay, ice cream cone, and French fries. A lot of female university students visit the place, so it has a lot of scoping potential as well. Lake View Park is fast becoming the center for music and dance parties as well.

Adjacent to Lake View Park is a lovely marsh where flora and fauna live, untrammeled by urban noise and pollution— this is a must-visit place for a boat ride amongst ducks, birds, and gulls and even a horse ride.

Rawal Dam Temple is modest, but small neighbourhood shrines are as important to local history as grand monuments. The surviving structure deserves respectful documentation and protection.

Continue with our regional guide to Rawalpindi’s temples and historic cemeteries or discover more heritage and historic places in Pakistan.