Sindhi Community Objects to ‘Pakistaneshwar Mahadev’ Board at Varanasi Temple
Community members say the shrine was established by Sindhis who migrated from Sindh during Partition and seek its renaming as ‘Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev’.
New Delhi, Oct 01 : Members of the Sindhi community have approached the Varanasi Municipal Corporation seeking the removal of a board carrying the name “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev” at a Shiva temple near Chhoti Sheetla Ghat.
The community members said the board was allegedly installed by unidentified persons and objected to the name being used for a shrine they regard as an important place of worship for Sindhis in Varanasi. They also urged the authorities to officially rename the temple “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev”.
The matter was raised during a public hearing at the Varanasi Municipal Corporation headquarters on Tuesday. The complainants sought action against those responsible for putting up the board and requested its removal.
A municipal corporation spokesperson said there was no record in government documents of a local temple being registered under the name “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev”.
“The complaint submitted by members of the Sindhi community is being considered. Further action, as required, will be taken according to the prevailing procedure,” the spokesperson said.
According to members of the community, the temple was established by Sindhis who migrated to Varanasi from Sindh during Partition. Sindh, which was part of undivided India before 1947, is now located in Pakistan.
They said their ancestors had brought a Shivling from Sindh to Varanasi with the intention of immersing it in the Ganga. However, following advice from local residents, they decided to install the Shivling at Chhoti Sheetla Ghat instead.
Since then, the shrine has remained an important religious centre for members of the Sindhi community, they said.
Former councillor and community member Shankar Vishnani said the Shivling had been brought from Sindh during Partition.
“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,” Vishnani said.
He added that the shrine had continued to hold religious significance for the community over the years.
Community representatives have objected to the name “Pakistaneshwar Mahadev”, arguing that it is unsuitable for a temple founded by Sindhi migrants. They have asked civic authorities to identify those who installed the board and take appropriate action.
The members have also reiterated their demand that the shrine be recognised as “Sindhu Gangeshwar Mahadev”, reflecting its association with the Sindhi community and the Ganga.
