Among various fascinating legends connected with the popular tourist resort of Murree, self-styled as ‘Queen of the Hills’ in Pakistan, is a unique one about the tomb of Virgin Mary.
Believe it or not, but some claim that located on a peaceful Murree hilltop, is the very site thought to be the final abode or resting place of the Mother of Isa (AS) or Jesus Christ – better known to Muslims as Hazrat Marium (AS).
The site has been maintained and honoured as far back as anyone can remember. Its importance can be judged from the fact that the surrounding country is named after the supposed gravesite.
According to old legend, the name ‘Murree’ is derived from ‘Marium’ or Mary. Among locals it is know as “Mai Mari da Asthan” (“Resting Place of Mother Mary”). Indeed, when the British first arrived here in 1850s to establish a new hill-station in India, Murree was still known as Mari. The spelling was later changed to the present one in 1875.
The exact origin of the shrine has become obscured by the waves of time. Since time immemorial the Hindus had worshipped it, and the Muslims paid their homage on Thursdays by lighting earthen lamps filled with oil.
Commanding, as one book puts it, “magnificent views over forest-clad hills into deep valleys, studded with villages and cultivated fields, with the snow-covered peaks of Kashmir in the background” and overlooking the plains of Punjab, it stood naturally eligible to be selected by the British for defence purposes who built a watchtower at the site.
According to old records, “in 1898, Richardson, the Garrison Engineer, wished to demolish the tomb at the time of the construction of the defence tower. Shortly afterwards he died in an accident, and the locals connect the incident with his evil intentions towards the tomb.”
The grave was thereafter promptly repaired.
A little further down the ridge, the British built a convent and named it the Convent of Jesus and Mary. Today, it is one of the best girls’ boarding schools in Pakistan.
After partition the government of Pakistan procured this site from private landowners. This place was preferred due to its suitable elevation for the purpose of installation of TV transmitters.
More recently in 1968, two towering antennas were added adjacent to one another on ‘Pindi Point’, which is the new name given to the location. One of them arises from the same place where Mary is believed to rest.
