If you have studied at Karachi University, you might be familiar with the 50-year-old historic temple located inside the campus, but many others might not.
Before reading this article, let us help you with the road map to reach this temple if you ever plan a trip.
The route from Maskan Chowringhee to Block G in Karachi University passes through the Pharmacy and Chemistry departments. To visit the temple, you have to turn right from this straight road and enter Servant Society.
Block G has been allocated for residence to long-term Hindu, Christian and Muslim employees of Karachi University.
When we reached there it was the seventh night of Navratri. Almost half the roads were plunged into darkness, except for a few roads where Navratri celebrations were going on in full swing.
The houses of Hindus along the road to the temple were lit up with fairy lights to welcome the devotees.
We reached the temple with the help of a resident named Salim. We were told that the residents of the society are very reserved and not welcoming, yet despite being Christians, Salim led us to the temple, where the Hindu community welcomed us warmly.
‘Jugat Devi’ temple of one room appeared to be Temple Like any other, but its story was interesting.
We spoke to Sham Lal – a worshiper – who told us that his family had been living there for many years before the temple was built in 1973.
This is not the only temple built in Block G of KU, it also houses Ram Peer Temple and Hanuman Temple.
“This temple has been built with the financial assistance of the Hindu residents of the university, we are grateful to Jamia for allowing us to build our place of worship within the campus,” Lal said.
He told us that the temple was established by the Hindu Panchayat. Earlier, Hindus used to go to the temple in Clifton for worship, which was challenging for them as they had to travel from one end of the city to the other.
“This temple was founded by Shankarbhai Vaghela, Hirabhai Vaghela, Kalidas Makhwade and Kishan Hamusa, who lived here for about sixty years,” Lal said.
He said, “The community has submitted a letter to the university – requesting permission to bring material to the campus to make the RCC roof for the temple building. The upper part of this temple will be built with the cooperation of the Hindu Panchayat. “
“In our celebrations, Muslims as well as Christians actively participate and extend their good wishes during the festivities. We also respond by joining their celebrations. However, the university students, especially Sindhis, Students studying political science and media science, often turn to temples and churches for their academic work – Sham Lal expressed the view of the Muslim and Christian communities living around the temple.
“The University of Karachi is a vibrant mosaic of cultures where you will find a diverse tapestry of individuals from all walks of life,” said Dr Hassan Auj, a syndicate member of the university who also shared deep connections with the residents of G.I. block.
in conversation with jio digitalHe revealed that he shares cordial relations with the Hindu and Christian communities living around the university, often participating in their joyous celebrations.
Asked about the presence of a temple on the university grounds, Dr Hasan painted a vivid picture of the institution.
Every year, the University of Karachi awards degrees to an astonishing 45,000 students, among them he proudly includes himself.
“This iconic institution in Karachi serves as a gateway to a profound sense of enlightenment and awareness. Within its sacred grounds, you will find a temple, a church, an Imambargah and a mosque, each a testament to the city’s rich religiosity. Stands in diversity. Together, they weave a fascinating tapestry of faith and tradition,” he said.
Dr. Auj underlined the peaceful coexistence of the university residents, suggesting that if young minds approach these communities with open hearts and inquisitive spirits, they will understand and appreciate the rich diversity.
He enthusiastically explained that these residents are models of peace and that if youth are open to their culture, they will learn to respect these vibrant and resilient minority groups.
In his concluding remarks, Auj left an indelible message: “Students who visit temples or churches as tourist destinations should remember that these are sacred institutions and everything connected with them deserves the utmost respect and reverence.”
