In 1905, poet Allama Iqbal wrote in his poem 'Naya Shiwala' -- "sach keh doon ae brahman, gar tu bura na maney, tere sanam kadon ke butt ho gaye purane (I tell you truth oh Brahmin, if I you don't mind these idols in your temples have grown old)".
After the Partition, the idols of Lord Shiva at the ancient Shivala Teja Singh temple in Sialkot, Pakistan, had not grown old, but disappeared gradually as they had been vandalised several times, especially post-Babri Masjid demolition. Now, under the regime of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the over 1,000-year-old temple has been reopened to Hindus and Pakistan government's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has planned the renovation and preservation of the 'shivala', with the help of Lahore-based Sir Ganga Ram Heritage Foundation.
ETPB deputy secretary of Hindu affairs Faraz Abbas told TOI on Wednesday that the temple was opened after performing a yagna amid chanting of mantras in the presence of local Hindu leaders. Faraz himself broke a coconut, symbolizing the breaking of ego and offered it as an oblation to the sacred fire. He added that ETPB chairman Aamir Ahmad had issued directions to undertake the renovation and preservation. "The 'shivala' building is stable and strong, only a few parts require minor repairs. The flooring of the verandah has to be done, Also, the roof of one of the rooms has caved in. ETPB will spend Rs 50 lakh on restoration," he said.
Sir Ganga Ram Heritage Foundation director Sayed Shaheen Hassan said, "The foundation works as a bridge between the Hindu community and Pakistan. We held several meetings with ETPB officials for opening the 'shivala' and will help in its restoration. We may also share some maintenance cost," he said.
Source: Times of India
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