Historic Temples in Pakistan: A Call to Conscience

Historic Temples in Pakistan: A Call to Conscience makes a case for preserving ancient emblems of faith and promoting pluralism in a land of contradictions that has been home to multiple ancient faiths, yet stands besieged by unpalatable extremism. It aspires to enshrine the ideal of liberty. By framing an all-inclusive piety, this book sets out to ignite a discourse and the collective conscience of a nation numbed into silence, fear or the false conviction of supremacy of a singular religion; to institutionalise the fundamental right of will. Elaborately embellished with evocative photography of ancient and exquisite Hindu shrines, opulent rituals, and festivals, as well as the regional populace, the chronicle features extensive research and exceptional pilgrimage sites—Hinglaj, Katas Raj, Kalka Cave Temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Shivala Mandir, to name a few. While vivid introductions and sweeping images present the landscape and social fabric of a territory, the scent of celebrations spreads passion and fervour. A special section introduces the extraordinary Fakira, the last of the human hands behind idols in Pakistan. Humanity is cast as the oldest of creeds and the reason for faiths. Therefore, devotion cannot be reserved for a sole Call to Prayer