Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Karachi
The 1,500-year-old Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Pakistan, the Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir has tucked away in Soldier Bazaar.
The temple holds special significance for Hindus as it is the only shrine in the world which has a “natural statue” of Hanuman that is not man-made.
It is also believed that the temple is 17 lakh years old and was built in “Treta Yug”. It is also believed that Lord Rama visited this temple while in exile. Devotees believe that the impressive idol of Lord Hanuman was excavated from the earth and since then has been placed here. The priest said that if someone walks around the idol 11 or 21 times, all his wishes will come true.
The blue and white 8 feet statue was found many centuries ago at the place where the temple now stands; it bears all five aspects of Hanuman : Narasimha, Adivaraha, Hayagriva, Hanuman and Garuda.
It is believed that such naturally-formed idols of deities possess exceptional power and appear to bless worshippers.
Such sites represent vestiges of ancient lore in Hindu mythology, they also stand like warriors of Time; pitted testaments of a peaceful, pluralistic past.
