Shawala Teja Singh Mandir (also spelled Shivala Teja Singh) is a Hindu temple to Shiva in the Dharowali locality of old Sialkot, built by a Sardar Teja Singh. It was sealed after Partition in 1947, damaged in 1992, and reopened in July 2019 after 72 years. It is small, works as a place of worship for Sialkot's Hindu community, and is worth an hour if you are already in the city.
This guide covers what is known about its history, the restoration work announced in 2025, and how to visit sensibly. We have kept to what could be checked; some details, such as exact opening hours, are not published reliably.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Dharowali (Dhaarowal) locality, old Sialkot |
| Dedicated to | Shiva |
| Closed | 1947 to 2019 |
| Reopened | July 2019 |
| Management | Reported under the Pakistan Hindu Council since the reopening, on Evacuee Trust Property Board property |
| Visiting hours | Some travel sites list roughly 8 am to 5 pm; not officially confirmed |
| Entry | No ticket reported |
What is Shawala Teja Singh Mandir?
The temple is a shrine to Shiva built by a Sardar Teja Singh. Its age is disputed: heritage and news sources call it anything from about 900 to over 1,000 years old. The safe description is "centuries old".
Visitors climb a steep staircase to reach the shrine, which sits raised above the surrounding lanes. Conservation work described by the Walled City of Lahore Authority lists lime plaster, frescoes, a vaulted roof, facade treatment and woodwork, which gives an idea of the building's character.
Why was it closed for 72 years?
After Partition in 1947, most of Sialkot's Hindu population left and the temple was sealed. In 1992, after the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India, a mob damaged it in one of several attacks on temples in Pakistan.
In 2019, on the instruction of then Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Evacuee Trust Property Board restored the building and reopened it in July. Local Hindu residents said they could now come whenever they wished, and the Deputy Commissioner said people were free to visit at any time. The Pakistan Hindu Council has since looked after pilgrimage and religious observances.
Restoration announced in 2025
In late October 2025 Punjab's Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, announced that a team from the Walled City of Lahore Authority would begin restoration of the temple, alongside work at Puran Bhagat's well in Sialkot. No completion date was given in the reports we found. That means scaffolding or closed sections may be in place when you visit, so treat this as a site under works rather than a finished attraction.
How to visit
The temple is in the old city, so a rickshaw or car with a driver is easier than driving yourself through narrow lanes. Ask locally for "Shawala Teja Singh" or "Shivala mandir" and allow time to find parking. Our guide to places to visit in Sialkot has the wider itinerary.
Practical points:
- Go in daylight, in the morning or early afternoon.
- Remove your shoes at the entrance and dress modestly.
- Ask before photographing worshippers or the inner shrine.
- Keep to what is open. If the gate is closed or work is under way, do not force entry; ask the caretaker or neighbours.
- Be sensitive around festivals. Hindu festivals such as Diwali bring worshippers, so visit as a guest.
What else is nearby
Sialkot has several other heritage sites tied to the Sikh and Hindu past. Gurdwara Baba di Ber is one, and Iqbal Manzil is Iqbal's birthplace house. For temples elsewhere in the province, see Hindu temples in Punjab and Katas Raj. Our wider list of destinations is a starting point for planning.
Is it worth visiting?
For readers interested in minority heritage or the layered history of Sialkot, yes. It is quick, quiet, and one of the few sites in the city that shows the pre-Partition Hindu community. It is not a large or elaborate monument, and the ongoing restoration means the experience may change from month to month.
If you only have a short time in Sialkot and prefer bigger sights, Iqbal Manzil and the city's sports goods industry fill a day more easily.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shawala Teja Singh Mandir?
In the Dharowali (Dhaarowal) area of old Sialkot, Punjab.
When did Shawala Teja Singh reopen?
In July 2019, after being closed for 72 years since 1947.
Who built Shawala Teja Singh?
Sardar Teja Singh built it; the temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its exact age is disputed.
Can non-Hindus visit?
Reports say the temple is open to visitors and has begun to attract heritage tourists. Behave as you would at any place of worship and ask locally about access.
Is the temple being restored?
Yes, a restoration led by the Walled City of Lahore Authority was announced in October 2025. We could not confirm its progress, so check before you go.
