01-28-2004, 11:01 PM
<b>Pak to restore Hindu shrine in Punjab </b>
Asian News International
Lahore, January 28
The Archaeology Department in Pakistan's Punjab province has begun supervision of restoration work of the famous Hindu shrine of Ketas, which is located between Kallar Kahar and Choa Saidan Shah.
The first phase of the restoration work is likely to cost Rs 8 million and will be completed in the next few months, Faisal Ali, an official of department, was quoted by The News, as saying.
The nearly 250-year-old shrine is an important centre of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come here to bathe and pray for the well being of the community.
Ketas means "weeping eye" and it is a bunch of deserted temples, shrines, bath houses and ruined fort surrounding a pool, sacred to the Hindu God Shiva.
According to legend, when Lord Shiva wept over his wife's death, the tears formed the pool.
Ali also confirmed that he expected at least 300 Hindu pilgrims to arrive at Ketas in February to perform their religious rituals at the shrine.
The rituals, which last for three days, begin on February 18, he added.
Asian News International
Lahore, January 28
The Archaeology Department in Pakistan's Punjab province has begun supervision of restoration work of the famous Hindu shrine of Ketas, which is located between Kallar Kahar and Choa Saidan Shah.
The first phase of the restoration work is likely to cost Rs 8 million and will be completed in the next few months, Faisal Ali, an official of department, was quoted by The News, as saying.
The nearly 250-year-old shrine is an important centre of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come here to bathe and pray for the well being of the community.
Ketas means "weeping eye" and it is a bunch of deserted temples, shrines, bath houses and ruined fort surrounding a pool, sacred to the Hindu God Shiva.
According to legend, when Lord Shiva wept over his wife's death, the tears formed the pool.
Ali also confirmed that he expected at least 300 Hindu pilgrims to arrive at Ketas in February to perform their religious rituals at the shrine.
The rituals, which last for three days, begin on February 18, he added.