Six Jain Temples in Pakistan that Survived the Test of Time
By Sony Punjabi
Summary
The article highlights six surviving Jain temples in Pakistan, noting the historical presence of the Bhabra merchant community in Punjab, which followed Jainism and was centered in Sialkot and Pasrur. Most Jains migrated to India post-1947, leaving behind temples now in ruins or identifiable states. Key temples include the Jain Digambar Temple with Shikhar, repurposed as an Islamic school after its destruction during the 1992 riots linked to the Babri Masjid demolition. The Nagar Bazar Temple retains its Shikhar and Torona gateway, remaining intact and historically active until after Pakistan's independence. The Karoonjhar Jain Temple, situated at the foothills of the Karoonjhar mountains in Sindh's Tharparkar District, is another notable site. Despite the absence of a Jain community, these structures endure as cultural remnants. The author, Sony Punjabi, is a media science student with interests in travel and literature, aspiring to become a travel blogger.
Conclusion
The document highlights the historical and cultural significance of six surviving Jain temples in Pakistan, despite the near-complete disappearance of the Jain community following the 1947 partition. These temples, such as the Jain Digambar Temple with Shikhar and Nagar Bazar Temple, stand as enduring symbols of Pakistan's rich religious heritage, though many now exist in ruins or repurposed states, like the Jain Digambar Temple's conversion into an Islamic school after the 1992 riots. The preservation of these sites, despite their deteriorating conditions, offers a tangible link to the past and underscores the complex interplay of history, identity, and cultural resilience. The article also reflects on the broader implications of religious migration and the gradual erasure of minority communities, while emphasizing the importance of documenting and safeguarding such heritage for future generations.