| Lava Temple of Lahore | |
| Map Type: | Pakistan |
| Coordinates: | 31.5883°N 74.3129°W |
| Location: | Lahore, PunjabPakistan  |
| Locale: | Lahore Fort |
| Deity: | Lava (Ramayana) |
| Architecture: | Hindu temple |
| Temple Quantity: | 1 |
| Governing Body: | Pakistan Hindu Council |
Lava Temple is a Hindu place of worship dedicated to the Hindu deity Lava, the son of Rama. It is in Lahore Fort, Lahore, Pakistan, and dates to the Sikh period.[1] According to a Hindu legend,[2] Lahore is named after him.[3]
In the Deshwa Bhaga, Lahore is called 'Lavpor', which points to its origin from Lav, the son of Rama. In the ancient annals of Rajputana, the name given is 'Loh Kot', meaning “the fort of Loh” which, again, has reference to its founder, Rama's son.[4]
A legend based on oral traditions holds that 'Lahore', known in ancient times as 'Lavapuri' (City of Lava in Sanskrit),[5] was founded by Prince Lava,[6] the son of Sita and Rama. Kasur was founded by his twin brother Prince Kusha.[7]
To this day, Lahore Fort has a vacant temple dedicated to Lava (also pronounced Loh, hence Loh-awar or "The Fort of Loh").[8]
Currently this temple is under the control of Pakistan Government and is managed by the Pakistan Hindu Council.