Photo: Sam4u1w · CC BY-SA 4.0Field guides / Sindh / Karachi / Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora
Field guide · Heritage
South Karachi
South Karachi District · Sindh, Pakistan
Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora
A historic sandstone temple of the water god Varuna on Manora Island, believed to be the only temple to Varuna in Pakistan.
Shri Varun Dev Mandir on Manora Island, Karachi, is dedicated to Varuna, the Hindu god of water, and is believed to be the only temple to him in Pakistan. It is linked with Jhulelal, revered as an incarnation of Varuna, and is especially dear to Sindhi Hindus. Legend says a wealthy seafarer, Bhojomal Nenshi Bhatia, bought Manora from the Khan of Kalat and his family built the temple; the present carved stone structure was renewed around 1917–18, and a Sindhi inscription on its gate dedicates it to the memory of Seth Harchand Mal Dayal Das.
Why go
- ✦The only temple to Varuna in Pakistan
- ✦Linked with Jhulelal
- ✦A carved stone temple by the sea on Manora
How to Reach
On Manora Island, by ferry from Keamari or by road over the Sandspit causeway.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, November to February.
Getting there, On Manora Island, by ferry from Keamari or by road over the Sandspit causeway.
Allow, Half an hour, as part of a Manora day.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Shri Varun Dev Mandir, Manora, within 5 km.
