Abstract
This study critically examines the complex interplay between religious authority and state policy in Pakistan, with a focus on the Hinglaj Devi Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in Balochistan. As a symbol of religious and cultural heritage, the Hinglaj Devi Temple embodies the resilience of indigenous spiritual practices and highlights the challenges faced by religious minority communities. This research explores how state policies regarding religious heritage and minority rights influence the preservation, accessibility, and sanctity of sacred sites like Hinglaj. By analyzing governance frameworks affecting this temple—such as policies on religious access and cultural preservation—the study reveals the evolving role of state authority in shaping sacred spaces within the modern nation-state context. The findings underscore the importance of policy frameworks that uphold cultural diversity and foster coexistence, ensuring that sacred sites like Hinglaj Devi continue to flourish as spaces of devotion and heritage.
Presenters
Zahid YasinSenior Lecturer, Islamic Studies/Social Sciences, Riphah International University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Religious, Authority, State, Policy, Sacred, Sites, Hinglaj, Pakistan
