Lal Kurti Temple (also known as the Balmiki Temple or Valmiki Mandir) is a Hindu temple located in the historic Lalkurti area of Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. [1] Built in 1905, it remains an active place of worship for the city's small Hindu community.[2] The temple is the only Hindu shrine still in use within Lalkurti, a neighbourhood that historically had multiple places of worship for different faiths.[3] It is one of the 3 main Hindu temples in the Rawalpindi district, others being Krishna Temple in Saddar Cantonment, and the Valmiki Swamiji Mandir in Gracy lines.[4]
Lalkurti developed in the mid-to-late 19th century as a bazaar serving the British Indian Army; the area's name derives from the red tunics of soldiers who shopped there.[3] The temple structure was completed in 1905 and remained a focal point for local Hindus before and after the Partition of India.[2] Following 1947, most Hindus left the area, but a small community continued to worship at the temple.[3]
In the years after Partition, Kheera Lal served as the temple's first post-Partition administrator. His grave remains within a side portion of the complex.[2]
Worship and community
The temple hosts daily worship and major Hindu festivals including Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan.[2] Temple administration has been led by members of a local family associated with the Pakistan Hindu Balmik Welfare Society.[2]
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