City of Multan where Holi Festival started

Multan in Pakistan From Where The Festival of Holy started. 

The Multan Sun Temple, also known as the Aditya Sun Temple, was an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Surya also called Aditya, which was located in the city of Multan, now in Punjab, Pakistan.

The original Sun Temple at Multan is said to have been built by Samba, son of Krishna, to gain relief from the symptoms of his leprosy more than 5000 years ago.

Samba, the son of Krishna and Jambavati (daughter of Jambavantha), was sent to exile to get treated for his leprosy, which he got due to a curse after an incest act.

After the conquest of Multan by the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century AD, under the leadership of Muhammad bin Qasim, the Sun Temple became a source of great income for the Muslim government.

Hindu Temple in Today’s Multan

Dilapidated Hindu Temple in Multan

Surya Deva in Konark, Orissa, India

Surya, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, England

The ancient temple where Holi originated

This is the famous “Prahladpuri temple” of Multan in Pakistan. This is where the Holi festival originated, according to Puranic lore.

According to Puranas, this was the place where Holika was burnt. It was believed by Hindus that this temple was built by Prahalada himself

Suraj Kund Temple, Multan

view of ruins of ancient Prahladpuri Temple. The restoration work on ancient Prahladpuri temple is likely to commence in next few days. Holi, the festival of colours, very much popular in Hindus, commenced from this Prahladpuri temple. The temple is located near the shrine of great saint of sub-continent Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya RA. APP photo by Qasim Ghauri

An inner view of ruins of ancient Prahladpuri Temple. The restoration work on ancient Prahladpuri temple is likely to commence in next few days. Holi, the festival of colours, very much popular in Hindus, commenced from this Prahladpuri temple. The temple is located near the shrine of great saint of sub-continent Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya. APP photo by Qasim Ghauri

view of hole in the roof of ancient Prahladpuri Temple. The restoration work on ancient Prahladpuri temple is likely to commence in next few days. Holi, the festival of colours, very much popular in Hindus, commenced from this Prahladpuri temple. The temple is located near the shrine of great saint of sub-continent Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya. APP photo by Qasim Ghauri