Malkana Temple

On Friday, 20 January 2023, after visiting Malot the artist started the journey to the next connecting destination Malkana Temple, situated at a distance of 49 km from Chakwal City. Dalwal village was reached through a connecting road from the Kallar Kahar-Choa Saidan Shah Road in Kallar Kahar. A broken road connects from there to Malkana. This route also links to the road that leads to the Malot Fort, which is six kilometers from Malkana.
Mr. Anees was generous enough to accompany the artist and the associates to visit the Malkana temple. Shiv or Sub Gunga in Malkana was one of the small archeological sites of the Salt Range, situated close to Maghal and Malot villages in the district Chakwal. Malkana was previously a hamlet, and the bulk of its residents were Hindus who had gone to India following the partition. Due to a lack of essentials, the few Muslim families in the community relocated to neighboring, larger communities, as all of the local enterprises were owned by its Hindu people. There are now only two residences on the property. Malkana has two Shiv Gunga temples, a banyan tree, three peepal trees, a date tree, and many other trees, as well as a stream of pure water with a waterfall and a cave.
In this now-forgotten village, there remain two dried-up ponds and a well where the Hindu people used to bathe. The ponds are now overgrown with plants and filled with earth. The ruined temples, as well as the trees and cave, are over a century old. The two temples are hidden from view since they are surrounded by overgrown woods. This is the only temple among the two dozen visited in Pakistan that does not appear Hindu at all. Thick walls, Wall carving, and spire resemble a Buddhist Temple. The peacefulness of this sacred place, which you can experience even now, is the nicest thing about it. A simple stroll up the cliff behind the temple will give you a bird's eye perspective of the valley bottom and the densely wooded Salt Range final ridge. It's a pity that none of the murals and frescoes are still intact. The Malkana family still lives in Pakistan as Muslim converts, and there are Malkana Hindus all across the world, including Haryana, and Punjab. Malkana Temple was protected by the grand Malot temple that lies on the hill overlooking this site.
The author/artist created "Contemporary Echoes of Malkana" using digital tools and collage work to give it a sophisticated sensation of touch. (Image.5). That artwork depicts the heritage site of chakwal creatively arranged in the form of a Digital Illustration that imitates the beauty of Malkana Temple. The artist expertly blends contemporary and traditional elements to create a beautiful combination of past and present. The combination of brilliant colors and aggressive brushstrokes gives the painting a feeling of vitality and movement. The composition is well-balanced, with an emphasis on Malkana's architectural aspects and natural environment. The artwork beautifully reflects the character of the location and generates feelings of calm and medication. It's an enthralling depiction that embraces the essence of the region and challenges viewers to consider its relevance in the modern world. It demonstrates the artist's talent and ability to generate emotion via their art. This was the only temple among the two dozen visited in Pakistan that does not appear Hindu at all. Thick walls, Wall carving, and spire resemble a Buddhist Temple. The peacefulness of this sacred place, which you can experience even now, is the nicest thing about it. As the temple is ruined. The artist used the digital technique to preserve this beautiful heritage site for generations.