Gori Temple, Nagarparkar Explained

Gori Temple
Sindhi: گوڙي مندر
Religious Affiliation:Jainism
Deity:Parshvanatha
Map Type:Pakistan Sindh
Country:Pakistan
State:Sindh
District:Tharparkar district
Location:Nagarparkar
Coordinates:24.6381°N 70.6178°W24°38'17.3"N 70°37'03.9"E
Established:300 A.D

The Gori Temple (a.k.a. Gori jo Mandar or Temple of Gori) is a Jain temple in Nagarparkar.[1] It's located 14 miles northwest of the Viravah Temple.[2] It was built in 1375-1376 CE. The temple was exclusively allocated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankar Lord Parshwanath. This temple along with Jain temples of Nagarparkar were inscribed on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016 as the Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape.[3]

Etymology

The name of this temple changed several times in the course of the centuries. It was built in 300 AD. by Gorichom a Jain worshiper.,[4] or 16th century [5]

Design

Gori Temple has an architectural design similar to ones in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.[6] The temple measures 125 feet by 60 feet, and is built of marble. The entire temple is built on a high platform that is reached by a series of steps carved into stone.

The interiors of the temple features adorned with Jain religious imagery which is older than any other frescos in the Jain temples of North India. It is designed in curved pillars and the canopy entrance of temple is decorated with paintings representing Jain mythology. The frescoes at Gori jo Mandir (Gori temple). The temple has 24 tiny cells, which might have been used to facilitate the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Secrets of Thar: A Jain temple, a mosque and a 'magical' well. Anis. Ema. 2016-02-19. DAWN.COM. en. 2018-12-21.
  2. Web site: Gori Temple, Tharparkar. heritage.eftsindh.com. 2018-12-21.
  3. Web site: Tentative Lists. UNESCO. 16 September 2017.
  4. Web site: Gori jo Mandar: Desert rose. 2011-02-02. The Express Tribune. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  5. Web site: A glimpse into the many sights, sounds and colours of Hindu temples in Thar. www.thenews.com.pk. en. 2018-12-21.
  6. Web site: Despite past grandeur, temple of Gori stands abandoned in Tharparkar. 2016-02-10. The Express Tribune. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  7. Web site: Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. en. 2018-12-21.