Basuli Hanuman temple
| Basuli Hanuman temple | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Sect | Vaishnavism |
| Deity | Hanuman |
| Defunct as a religious site, used as a private residence | |
| Location | |
| Location | Old Anarkali, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | c. 1890's or early 20th century |
Basuli Hanuman temple, also known as the Bansi Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore in Punjab, Pakistan. It was constructed in the 19th century, perhaps in the 1890s or early 20th century.[1][2] Abandoned after the partition in 1947, the complex now serves as a place of residence.[1][2] After the 1992 Babri Masjid incident, angry locals carved off the faces in the depictions of the deities Hanuman and Krishna found in the temple. No conservation attempts have been made on the temple.[2][3] In 2024, footage emerged of the temple's premises being used as a toilet.[4]
The temple complex contains a tall shikhara, a courtyard, and a haveli, which consists of jharokha on its facade.[2] Sanskrit inscriptions decorate its walls.[3]
References
- ^ a b Haider, Jarrar & Rafique, Saima & Asim, Muhammad. (2023). Urban Conservation: A Transformational Vision for an Abandoned Hindu Temple in Lahore. Journal of Art, Architecture and Built Environment. 6. 20-36. 10.32350/jaabe.62.02. Retrieved on 19 April 2026 via: https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/JAABE/article/view/5037/2267 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jaabe.62.02
- ^ a b c d Ahmad, Samee. "Basuli Hanuman Temple." Clio: Your Guide to History. October 29, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2026. https://theclio.com/entry/87343
- ^ a b Ahmad, Samee Ahmad; Amin, Aliza; Arif, Mohammad Samee (5 September 2019). "The spatial politics of Lahore's Hindu temples". Dawn. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ "Outrage erupts as ancient Hanuman temple in Pakistan's Lahore converted to public toilet; WATCH viral video". Asianet News. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2026.