Jain Temples In Pakistan

Location : Sindh Pradesh, Tharparkar, District - Nagarparkar City, Pakistan

Travel : By Air To Karanchi And Then By Train.

In Vikram Samvat 1432, Acharya Abhaydeo Soori Named The Idol As 'Abidhan Godia Parshwanath' at Anheelpur Patan now in Pakistan. Shah khetsingh preserved the above idol in his house for 13 years and in 1445 it was kept in basement of his house and left aneelpur. In the meantime muslim ruler hussain khan demolished the house of Shri Khetsingh and chose the place for the purpose of stable. Somehow in the year 1465 the idol was excavated from the derbis by manita begam who kept the idol in her palace. Later on king udaipal donated 40 Beegha Land and gave permission to raise the temple. Meghaji got the temple constructed on Thursday, Magh Shukla Poornima in Vikram Samvat 1494. Meghaji was awarded the title of sanghpati.

Today this place is in the territory of Nagar Parkar. The temple is in ruined condition.

List of Jain Temples In Pakistan
Punjab Province

Sindh Province

North West Frontier Province

-----------------------------------------------------

Information Courtesy: Mr. Rajkumar Jain, SJM Tirth Raksha Trust, Northern Region, Delhi

-----------------------------------------------------

Information From Readers
Subject: Jain Temples in Pakistan
Email From: Mr. Vinod Kapashi, London, E-Mail : vkapashi@ntlworld.com

There were many Jain Temples in Pakistan. After all North West frontier area right upto Kandahar (in Afghanistan ) were the strongholds of Indian religions. Gandhari- the famous woman in Mahabharata came from Kandahar or Gandhar as it was known before. Kingdom of Gandhar has been mentioned in Jain, Buddhist and Hindu books. The famous ruins of a Buddhist's University are not very far from Islamabad. This University was called Taxila University. (This one and the one near Bodhi-gaya in Bihar, Nalanda, were two very large Buddhist universities). Both were plundered and destroyed by Muslims.

Coming to Jain temples:- Taxila was the place where famous Laghu Shanti Stotra and a book Tattavartha Sutra were composed.
A place called Bhera (not far from Peshavar) had a Jain temple.
Siyalkot- There was a jain temple here.
Khanka Dogra near Lahore:- A Jain temple was built here in 1926
A Ramnagar near Akalgadh (Probably the name has been changed now): Old Jain temple has been listed here.
Bhera:- Near Makval Junction: had a Jain temple.
Multan:- Had a beautiful Jain temple of Parshvanath. The Shikharbandhi Derasar also had patta of Plitana and Girnar.
There were Jain temples in Deragazikhan,Kalabag and Bannu and Jira

Only a few years before partition , a temple was built in Lahore. Panjab Kesari Atmanand Maharaj left that area after partition.
Finally I have a copy of a magazine published in 1926. It has an advertisement, with photograph, of Atmanand Jain Gurukul in Gujranwala (in Pakistan?). The Jain Boarding had 75 students at that time. More details are available with me. 

Vinod Kapashi . London

Subject : Restoration of selected Jain temples in Nagar Parkar
Email from : Mr. Yashwant Malaiya, E-Mail : ymalaiya@yahoo.com

Recently there was an enquiry about Jain temples in Pakistan. Here let me suggest an idea for Jain organizations: restoration of  one or two selected Jain temples in Nagar Parkar in Pakistan.

It should be noted that Nagar Parkar region is just across the border from Kutch, in fact culturally it is a continuation of Kutch. Also it should be noted that Nagar Parkar is one part of Pakistan with still substantial number of Hindus. Nagar Parkar city is only 20 km from the border. It will perhaps seem like a crazy idea. However I think 

- it is very feasible
- it will greatly benefit Jainism
- this project will significantly promote peace between Indian and  Pakistan.

When I was a PhD student, I knew many Pakistanis, in fact some were my roommates. I know how Pakistanis think and I think there is an very good chance that this project can be accomplished.

For your consideration, I will present some thoughts on political and financial feasibility, benefits to the Jains, implications for Indo-pak relations, and some potential risks. But before that, let me add some information about the temples of 
Nagar Parkar: 

A Lost World By Zulfiqar Syed
Email from : Mr. Yashwant Malaiya, E-Mail : ymalaiya@yahoo.com

The Karunjhar hills are a repository of ancient culture. Nagarparkar has great historical significance, boasting such famous sites as Karoonjhar, Bodhesar mosque and Jain temples. Situated on south-eastern border of Sindh, Karoonjhar is a 16-mile range of big and small sand-hills that surround the Nagarparkar town. This mountain range of the Thar desert is popular for its old Jain temples, granite deposits and rare flora and fauna. The songs of peacocks echoing in the vales and ancient sites like Bodhesar talao (water tank) add to its scenic as well as historical importance. Its highest peak is 1,000 feet above sea level and is known as the Tarwat's peak. In ancient times Karoonjhar was also known as Kinro. Today it is a mountain of myth and reality.

At Bodhesar, 5km north-west of Nagarparkar town, and by the side of the talao at the foothill of the Karoonjhar, lies a beautiful, shining white mosque. This mosque, though small in size, is said to have been built by Sultan Mahmood Begra, the ruler of Gujarat. An inscription on the mosque reads the name of Mahmood Shah Bin Muzaffar Shah Bin Ghiyasuddin, and the year H-880/1505.

Prior to describing the temples of Jain scattered throughout Nagarparkar taluka or subdivision, some light should be thrown on their religion. Along with Buddhism, Jainism was the most important reform movement that established an independent unit from Hinduism. The word is derived from Jina, meaning victor or conqueror, implying final victory over bondage to life's misery. Jainism has a universal message of nonviolence.

Jainism denies creator-god. However, human teachers Tirthankaras (ford-makers) are worshipped once they reached liberation. It was founded by Rishabha and attained a major status in India at the time of Mahavira, who was born in about 599 BC in northern India in a royal family. When he was about 30 years' old, after he had been a householder, Mahavira decided to abandon his aristocratic surroundings in favour of an ascetic life. He caste aside his fine raiment, gave away his treasures, and embarked upon a severe regimen. For twelve years, he underwent castigation, enduring bodily and spiritual injury and emerged a teacher of many monks, a renowned preacher and a propounder of a new religion.

Chief among the tenets of Jainism is the deification of Mahavira. The Agamas (precepts) and Siddhantas (treatises) declared him to incarnate and preeminent, a venerable savior of men, and the last of 24 Tirthankaras. Jainism also preaches that karma is knowable, ineffable and a cosmic power which directs retribution in the hereafter.

In line with the founder's austerity, a Jain is admonished to follow a ethical programme of exacting discipline. The distinctive principle of Jainism is 'ahimsa' or nonviolence towards all living creatures in both thought and action. Jainism distinguishes between Digambara (sky clad or unclothed) and Svetambara (white clad) sects. The line of difference is drawn between Digambara going naked and Svetambara in white, otherwise both agree on cosmology, ethics and philosophy.

The spread and prosperity of its followers is marked by the presence of temples in Thar and Parkar. Gorri, Viravah, Bodhesar and Nagaparkar are famous for Jain temples. A temple located in Nagarparkar bazaar is remarkable for its grace and elegance. It is richly decorated with sculptures and paintings. An exquisite carving done on pillars and on entrance of the temple is magnificent.

Apart from this fabulously carved temple, there exist a cluster of three temples at Bodhesar -- supposed to have been built in 1375 AD and 1449 AD. Two temples with corbelled domes are built of kanjur and redstone, and are finely carved. Third temple which is raised on a platform is most inspiring and imposing -- though in a pathetic condition.

Twenty-four kilometers north of Nagarparkar at Viravah stands a Jain temple in neglected and desolate state. It is built in white marble and consists of an open group of pillars with carved capitals. Captain S.N. Raikes while travelling through this area in 1856 found the remains of five or six Jain temples mostly made of white marble. At present, only one temple survives.

There is another Jain temple at Gorri, some 20km north-west of Viravah. The temple is in fairly good condition and is believed to have been built during the heydays of Sodhas around 1376 A.D. It has exquisitely decorated interiors reflecting the aesthetic sensibility of those who made it. It is very similar to the one at Bodhesar but far more superior in craftsmanship and finish, bearing architectural influence from adjacent Rajasthan from where the followers of the faith infiltrated into Nagarparkar and brought a new style of temple architecture.

Email From : Mr. Kishor H. Parekh, E-Mail : jkparekh24@hotmail.com

There was a Jain Temple in Karachi. At one time there were lot of Gujarati Jain businessmen living in Karachi. Second place in Pakistan is Multan where there was a large concentration of Jains prior to partition. It used to be called "Jainokan Gadh" in former undivided Punjab. Please contact me if you have any questions and I can be of any help to you.

Kishor H. Parekh, 877 Daffodil Court, Simi Valley, California USA, Phone: 805-582-0603

---------------------------------------------------------------
Above email information is received by Ahimsa Foundation in response to its email circulated to the members of yahoo groups on behalf of eminent research scholar on Jainism Dr. Noel Q. King of United States, who was visiting Pakistan in October, 2003 to trace the present status of Jain centers in Pakistan
---------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Information About Jain Temples in Pakistan - Received from Shri Atul Bafna

There are several Jain relics spread across Pakistan. Professor Emeritus of History & Comparative Religion of University of California Santa Cruz had visited Pakistan briefly late last year and has kindly forwarded details of his finds of Jain relics. He had made a detailed visit several years ago but had to leave in a hurry due to bad health. Last year's visit was very brief and details given are a little scanty nevertheless interesting.

Taxila is one of the most important archeological sites of Asia located along the Silk route in Punjab Province of Pakistan. It flourished during the 1st to 5th century AD when it became famous as a major seat of learning of Buddhism. The Stupa shown above is located near the city of Sirkap (severed head) along side many other Buddhist relics. A request has been made to find out why it is called the Jaina Stupa but no information has been forthcoming.

The Lahore Museum has a fine collection of Jain relics mainly of the material collected from the city of Gujranwala and Darkhana. It is believed that Mr Raghavji Virchand Gandhi, the first person to represent Jainism abroad and who attended the first Parliament of World Religions in 1893 in Chicago was supported by the Jain center from this area.

The following murtis are all on display at the Lahore Museum, unfortunately the quality of photographs is not very good and it is difficult to identify the symbol (lancchan) on any of the murtis. Photos: Courtesy Pakistan Tourist Development Corporation

On the road from Rawalpindi to Lahore in the Pothohar area, there are so-called 'Kafir Kots', ruins of old temples. No details of these temples are available but the architecture seems to be Jain.

On a near by hill top about 2000 ft high there is a small lake called Shiva Tears for Sati. There are ruins along the hill side up to the top and sorrounding the lake. Many of the building look like monasteries. There is a Shiva statue in the temple in the photograph below but Prof King suspects that the statue may have been of a tirthankar and that a Jain temple was converted to a Hindu temple. For more information please contact: Mr. Atul Bafna, E-Mail : abafna@yahoo.com

---------------------------------------------------------------

Dotted with temples Nagarparkar is a land of old Jain temples that are neglected and in desolate condition
Article By Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro ( Pakistan )
E-Mail : zulfi04@hotmail.com 

---------------------------------------------------------------

Nagarparkar has great historical significance, boasting such famous sites as Karoonjhar, Bodhesar mosque and Jain temples. Situated on south-eastern border of Sindh, Karoonjhar is a 16-mile range of big and small sand-hills that surround the Nagarparkar town. This mountain range of the Thar desert is popular for its old Jain temples, granite deposits and rare flora and fauna. The songs of peacocks echoing in the vales and ancient sites like Bodhesar talao (water tank) add to its scenic as well as historical importance. Its highest peak is 1,000 feet above sea level and is known as the Tarwat's peak. In ancient times Karoonjhar was also known as Kinro. Today it is a mountain of myth and reality.

At Bodhesar, 5km north-west of Nagarparkar town, and by the side of the talao at the foothill of the Karoonjhar, lies a beautiful, shining white mosque. This mosque, though small in size, is said to have been built by Sultan Mahmood Begra, the ruler of Gujarat. An inscription on the mosque reads the name of Mahmood Shah Bin Muzaffar Shah Bin Ghiyasuddin, and the year H-880/1505.

Prior to describing the temples of Jain scattered throughout Nagarparkar taluka or subdivision, some light should be thrown on their religion. Along with Buddhism, Jainism was the most important reform movement that established an independent unit from Hinduism. The word is derived from Jina, meaning victor or conqueror, implying final victory over bondage to life's misery. Jainism has a universal message of nonviolence.

Jainism denies creator-god. However, human teachers Tirthankaras (ford-makers) are worshipped once they reached liberation. It was founded by Rishabha and attained a major status in India at the time of Mahavira, who was born in about 599 BC in northern India in a royal family. When he was about 30 years' old, after he had been a householder, Mahavira decided to abandon his aristocratic surroundings in favour of an ascetic life. He caste aside his fine raiment, gave away his treasures, and embarked upon a severe regimen. For twelve years, he underwent castigation, enduring bodily and spiritual injury and emerged a teacher of many monks, a renowned preacher and a propounder of a new religion.

Chief among the tenets of Jainism is the deification of Mahavira. The Agamas (precepts) and Siddhantas (treatises) declared him to incarnate and preeminent, a venerable savior of men, and the last of 24 Tirthankaras. Jainism also preaches that karma is knowable, ineffable and a cosmic power which directs retribution in the hereafter.

In line with the founder's austerity, a Jain is admonished to follow a ethical programme of exacting discipline. The distinctive principle of Jainism is 'ahimsa' or nonviolence towards all living creatures in both thought and action. Jainism distinguishes between Digambara (sky clad or unclothed) and Svetambara (white clad) sects. The line of difference is drawn between Digambara going naked and Svetambara in white, otherwise both agree on cosmology, ethics and philosophy.

The spread and prosperity of its followers is marked by the presence of temples in Thar and Parkar. Gorri, Viravah, Bodhesar and Nagaparkar are famous for Jain temples. A temple located in Nagarparkar bazaar is remarkable for its grace and elegance. It is richly decorated with sculptures and paintings. An exquisite carving done on pillars and on entrance of the temple is magnificent.

Apart from this fabulously carved temple, there exist a cluster of three temples at Bodhesar -- supposed to have been built in 1375 A. D. and 1449 A. D. Two temples with corbelled domes are built of kanjur and redstone, and are finely carved. Third temple which is raised on a platform is most inspiring and imposing -- though in a pathetic condition.

Twenty-four kilometers north of Nagarparkar at Viravah stands a Jain temple in neglected and desolate state. It is built in white marble and consists of an open group of pillars with carved capitals. Captain S.N. Raikes while travelling through this area in 1856 found the remains of five or six Jain temples mostly made of white marble. At present, only one temple survives.

There is another Jain temple at Gorri, some 20km north-west of Viravah. The temple is in fairly good condition and is believed to have been built during the heydays of Sodhas around 1376 A. D. It has exquisitely decorated interiors reflecting the aesthetic sensibility of those who made it. It is very similar to the one at Bodhesar but far more superior in craftsmanship and finish, bearing architectural influence from adjacent Rajasthan from where the followers of the faith infiltrated into Nagarparkar and brought a new style of temple architecture.

-----------------------------------------------------

Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R271003