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Crocodile Worship
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Crocodile Worship
Gharials are sacred in Karachi, Pakistan
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Crocodile Karachi Pakistan Sacred Worship Gharials
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In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a group of devotees in Karachi, Pakistan, pay homage to a sacred gharial crocodile in 1912. The image captures a moment in time when the ancient tradition of crocodile worship continued to thrive in this bustling port city. Gharials, also known as "gharials," are a critically endangered species of crocodile, native to the Indian subcontinent. In Pakistan, they were revered in the Sindh province, including in the city of Karachi, where a large population of these long-snouted reptiles once inhabited the Indus River and its tributaries. The religious significance of gharials in the region can be traced back to Hindu and Jain mythology, where they were believed to represent the god Vishnu or the goddess Laxmi. The crocodiles were believed to possess the power to grant fertility, prosperity, and protection. Devotees would visit the gharial temples, located near the riverbanks, to offer prayers and perform rituals. In this photograph, we see a group of men, dressed in traditional clothing, gathered around the gharial, which is lying on the riverbank. One man is holding a tray of offerings, including flowers, fruits, and coconuts, while another man is sprinkling water on the crocodile's head. The gharial, with its powerful jaws and piercing eyes, gazes intently at the scene unfolding before it. The photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, when the natural world held a sacred place in the hearts and minds of people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Pakistan and the world. Today, efforts are being made to protect gharials in their natural habitats and to promote awareness of their significance in the region's rich history and religious traditions.
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