Vishnu temple found in Pakistan 1,300-years-old

Archaeologists have found a Vishnu temple in south-west Pakistan that could be 1,300-years-old. Pakistani and Italian geologists have together unearthed this ancient temple at the foot of a hill in District SWAT (or Swat). Prima facie, it is looking like a temple of Lord Vishnu, said the archaeologists whom the geologists referred the finding to.

Excavation is going on in the area. During the execution of a recent project, the ancient temple surfaced. Geologists, as much as local Hindus, believe that the temple is at least 1,300 years old.

Fazal Khalid of the Geological Survey of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced the discovery on 19 November. He confirmed that this was actually a Vishnu temple.

The temple was built during the reign of Kabul Shahi. At the time, the Kabul Valley — now eastern Afghanistan — was under the control of Hindu kings (850–1026 CE). That is when this temple was built, the archaeologists said.

Geologists found not only the temple but also the army barracks and the watchtower during the excavations. A pond has been traced too. It is believed that Hindus used to bathe here before offering worship in the temple.

Khalid reminded reporters that Pakistan had been the base of various civilisations. Earlier, a temple of Gandhara civilisation had been found here. However, for the first time, any such ancient architecture of the Shahi period was found in District SWAT.

Nestled in the hills, this district is one of the most attractive places for tourists. Tourists are attracted to everything here from nature, plants to religious places.

There are also several Buddhist monasteries in different parts of the district. The 1,300-year-old Hindu temple of the Lord Vishnu is the latest addition to the district.

Geologists hope that the architecture will attract new tourists to the area.