Tilla Jogian Temple

Overview

Tilla Jogian is the highest peak in the eastern Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan. It is above 925 m above sea level. It comprises a complex of Hindu mandirs housing at least three baths and a network of waterworks with at least two minor dams. There are number of ways to reach at the top: One from Rohtas Fort side and the other from Sanghoi, the Jhelum River side.

About The Temple

Tilla Jogian has been place of Hindu pilgrimage for at least 2000 years. It was established in 1st century BC by the Guru Gorakhnath of kanphata Jogis. Tilla Jogian in Punjabi means the Hill of Saints. This is where the Kanphata Jogis, who pierced their earlobes and were an order founded by Guru Gorakhnath have left behind a monastery. For thousands of years it was a place of sun worship for the Hindus because the Sun can be seen here earlier and sets here later due to its height. It became a place of worship for Hindus.
The mound area has three groups of old structures at its top. Twelve temples, a shrine and a monastery, all in ruins, stand out among them. A central water tank and a well built in the Central Asian style from the Mughal period also adorn the historic site. The shrine commemorates the visit of Baba Guru Nanak and its damaged structures can be seen on the peak of the hill. As for temples, they are 12 in number and are clustered on all sides of Tilla Jogian.

History of the Place

Murad Baksh, the hero of the real life romantic epic story Heer Ranjha came to this place to join the Jogi order. Guru Nanak, founder of Sikh religion, also meditated here for 40 days. Akbar (1542 - 1605 CE), Mughal Emperor visited this place twice in four years to pay homage and built a water tank here. Jahangir (1605 - 1627 CE), Mughal Emperor also paid a visit here. Ahmad Shah Abdali sacked and looted the monastery.

Accessibility

Pakistan has four international airports. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates buses from Lahore to Delhi taking 12 hours to reach the destination.

Temple Address