23 hrs ago
Sindhi Community Seeks Removal of Pakistaneshwar Mahadev Board
A Shiva temple in Varanasi has a new sign with the name “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev.”
Members of the Sindhi community say the sign was put up by unknown people.
They say their ancestors brought the temple’s Shivling from Sindh during Partition.
The Shivling was originally meant to be immersed in the Ganga.
Instead, it was installed at Chhoti Sheetla Ghat after local people made a suggestion.
The community believes the sign gives the temple an inappropriate association with Pakistan.
They want the sign removed and the shrine renamed “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev.”
City officials said the name does not appear in government records and that they are reviewing the complaint.
Sindhi community members objected to a board reading “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev” at a Shiva temple in Varanasi.
The board was allegedly installed by unidentified people at the temple near Chhoti Sheetla Ghat.
Community members said the shrine was established by Sindhis who migrated from Sindh during Partition.
They asked the Varanasi Municipal Corporation to remove the board and rename the shrine “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev”.
The municipal corporation said no temple by that name appears in government records and that the complaint is under consideration.
- Who
- Members of the Sindhi community and the Varanasi Municipal Corporation.
- What
- The community complained about a “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev” board and requested its removal and a new temple name.
- Where
- At a Shiva temple near Chhoti Sheetla Ghat in Varanasi.
- When
- The issue was raised on September 30 during a public hearing.
- Why
- The community said the temple was established by Sindhis from Sindh and objected to associating it with the name “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev”.
Sindhi Community
Municipal Corporation
Temple Name
Sindhi Community
The community said the “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev” board is inappropriate and asked that the shrine be renamed “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev”.
Municipal Corporation
The municipal corporation said no temple by the disputed name is listed in government records and that the complaint is being reviewed under the applicable procedure.
Responsibility for the Board
Sindhi Community
Community members sought action against those who allegedly installed the board.
Municipal Corporation
The corporation has not identified who put up the board and said further action will follow its review.
Key facts
- Location
- Chhoti Sheetla Ghat, Varanasi
- Disputed board
- “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev”
- Requested name
- “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev”
- Complainant
- Members of the Sindhi community
- Board installer
- Identity not known; the board was allegedly put up by unidentified people
- Municipal position
- Government records do not mention a local temple named “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev”
- Historical account
- Community members said ancestors brought the Shivling from Sindh during Partition
Quotes
Shankar Vishnani
Former councillor and member of the Sindhi community
“The Shivling was brought to Sheetla Ghat to immerse it in the Ganga, but on the suggestion of local people, it was installed there itself.”
theprint.in
A Varanasi Municipal Corporation spokesperson
Spokesperson for the Varanasi Municipal Corporation
“There is no mention of any local temple by the name ‘Pakistaneshwar Mahadev’ in government records. The complaint submitted by members of the Sindhi community is being considered. Further action, as required, will be taken according to the prevailing procedure.”
theprint.in









