Jain Temples At Tharparkar

Tharparkar is one of the twenty nine districts of Sindh province. It is largest district of Sindh province by land area. It has the largest number of Hindu population in Pakistan. It is headquartered at Mithi. Thar has a fertile desert and the livelihood of Thari people depends on rainfall agriculture, Tharparkar has the only fertile desert in the world. 

                                            Jainism:

Jainism traditionally known as Jain Dharma is an ancient Indian religion, followers of Jainism are called "Jains", a word derived from the Sanskrit word jina (victor) and connoting the path of victory in crossing over life's stream of rebirths by destroying the karma through an ethical and spiritual life. It is an off-shoot of Hinduism and its founder was Lord Mahivir.

                          Jain Sites At Tharparkar:

Most of the Jain temples and sites are located in the area around Nagarparkar, the site consists of a collection of abandoned Jain temples  date from the 12th to the 15th centuries - a period when Jain architectural expression was at its zenith.

                       The Gori Temple:

The Gori Temple is located approximately 14 miles northwest of the Viravah Temple. This temple was built in 1375-1376 CE and it is built in Gujrati style.

 The entire temple is built on a high platform that is reached by a series of steps carved into stone. There are 24 cells in this temple.

                   The Nagarparkar Bazaar Temple:

This was built main bazaar of the Nagarparkar town. The temple is remarkable for its intricately carved sculptures and paintings.The structure of the temple, including its shikhara and the torana gateway is completely intact.

                       Bhodesar Temple:

Bhodesar is located at four miles from Nagar, there are ruins of Jain temple known as Bhodesar Temple.

(Photo Courtesy: Mr. Khalid Pervaiz Khumbar)