The Hindu : International / India & World : Jaswant visits Hinglaj temple

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006

International

International - India & World

Jaswant visits Hinglaj temple

B. Muralidhar Reddy

The shrine is held in veneration by both Hindus and Muslims

ISLAMABAD: Leading an 86-member delegation, the former Foreign Minister and senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh visited the ancient temple of Hinglaj in Balochistan on Tuesday.

The temple is on the right bank of the Hingol river, over a 10-hour road journey from Karachi. It is a low mud edifice, built at the extremity of a small cave, and contains only a tomb-shaped stone, known as Mata or Maha Maya (Goddess). Held in veneration by both Hindus and Muslims, the temple is dedicated to Hinglaj Devi, Goddess of Fate. Muslims call the goddess Bibi Nani or simply Nani.

Mr. Singh and his entourage crossed into Pakistan via the Khokhrapar-Monabao border from Rajasthan on Monday. The team will visit a number of shrines and temples in Balochistan and Sindh during its weeklong stay.

In a goodwill gesture, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has permitted Mr. Singh and his entourage to ride into the country in two of his private vehicles.

He is travelling through most parts of Sindh and parts of Balochistan in the vehicles brought from India. The first stop after arrival in Pakistan on Monday was Umerkot town.

In his comments at a reception, Mr. Singh said he had brought the message of love and harmony to Pakistanis from the people of India. The recent peace process would bring them closer.

The soon-to-be inaugurated Munabao-Khokhapur rail service, linking Sindh with Rajasthan, would unite people on the two sides of the border.

On February 2, Mr. Singh, besides visiting the Jinnah Mausoleum and Museum, will host a reception to prominent citizens of Karachi.

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