23 hrs ago

Sindhi Community Seeks Removal of Pakistaneshwar Mahadev Board

Sindhi Community Seeks Removal of Pakistaneshwar Mahadev Board
Sindhi community objects to ‘€˜Pakistaneshwar Mahadev’€™ board at Varanasi temple · theprint.in

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.

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.”
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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.”
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Sources

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