Viravah Jain Temple: A Rich Heritage Site in Tharparkar

Viravah Jain Temple also known by Mahavir Jain Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples of Nagarparkar taluka, and it is located at village Viravah, about 20 km (or 12.6 miles) north of Nagarparkar town of district Tharparkar, Sindh. Built in the 13th century, this temple take you back in time when Viravah had flourished as populous and prosperous commercial hub of this region of Nagarparkar. The temple's location near the historic site of Parinagar, highlights historical importance of Viravah. In the past, Viravah had been a business hub for regional trade and had also contributed in remarkable economic and cultural legacy of the region.

During the flourishing time of sea-port town Parinagar in ancient times which is now in ruined deserted condition, a large population of Jain community mostly related to merchants professions were settled in Viravah and its surrounding areas. The Jain community had built numerous temples in this region reflecting their cultural and spiritual legacy. Today, several historic Jain temples, including the Godi (Godecha) Jain Temple, Pooni Jain Temple, Viravah Temple, and others, stand as enduring symbols of architectural heritage - some beautifully preserved, while others bear the marks of time. These Jain temples had been visited by Jains and other people from different parts of the Indian subcontinent as pilgrimage or worship site till the partition of India.

Location of Viravah Jain temple

Viravah Jain temle is located in Viravah village which comes on the way if someone is travelling from Islamkot to Nagarparkar. Viravah Jain temple is located on the bank of historic Kajalasar Lake and near to ruins of ancient inland deserted seaport of Parinagar.  

This Viravah Jain Temple is about 71kms (or 44.1 miles) away in the south-east from Islamkot, thus it will require a travel journey of about 1 hour & 15 minutes from Islamkot. If you are coming back from Nagarparkar to Islamkot then temple will takes around 20 kms distance and travel journey of  about 25 minutes from Nagarparkar.

GPS Coordinates of Viravah Jain Temple: 24.52010, 70.76747

Architectural Layout of Viravah Jain Temple

The site of Viravah Jain temple facing the east-direction covers the total area of 60 m by 60 m (Area = 3600 square meters, Perimeter = 240 m) surrounded by boundary walls. In older times, temples of Hinduism as well as Jainism were mostly made near lakes or rivers. Similarly, this temple of Viravah was constructed besides the Kajalasar Lake (or Kajal Jheel). 

Outer back-side view of Mandapa and Shikhara of Viravah Temple

The structure of main building of this Jain temple is based on classical Nagara-style architecture which was popular during the classical or medieval period of temple architecture in Gujarat and Rajasthan states of India. This Jain temple lying in the center of site of temple is built on the high raised platform with stairs.

Beautiful carved pillar of marble stone from the Viravah Jain Temple, now displayed as a standalone artifact, which was once an integral part of the temple’s original structure.

 The layout of main building of this Jain temple is organized in three main sections: 

Three main sections of Viravah Jain Temple building structure

1. Artha-Mandapa (Entrance Porch): Visitors are greeted by a spacious porch of temple which is half-open hall with beautifully carved pillars and arches. The Ardha-mandapa often bridges the external environment with the sacred interior, acting as a space for devotees to gather and prepare before entering the main hall.

   

   Artha-mandapa or Entrance of Viravah Jain Temple

   
   

   

   Unique design of red-stone Arche of Entrance Porch in front-view of Viravah Jain Temple

   
   
2. Mandapa (Main Hall): The heart of the temple is the Mandapa, or main hall, designed as a spacious yet intimate area where devotees gather to worship the deity. The structure and ceiling of mandapa of this temple is supported by pillars carved with some motifs. The main hall of the Viravah Jain Temple features five open gateways i.e. two facing the Garbhagriha (Shikhara) side, one each on the left and right, and one at the entrance porch—all thoughtfully designed to allow cross-ventilation, bringing in natural light and fresh air.

   

   Inside view of ceiling of great hall or mandapa of Viravah Jain Temple

   
   

   

   Internal view Mandapa or Great Hall of Viravah Jain Temple

   
   
3. Garbha-Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The innermost chamber of Jain temple, known as the Garbhagriha or Shikhara, is where the main deity or idol resides. In the case of Viravah Temple, currently there is no any idol or image present in the temple. As per local people and records, the original idol was historically believed to be an image of Lord Mahavira which is considered as 24th Tirthankara (Supreme Preacher) of Jainism. It is evident from the built platform in Garbhagriha that size of original idol was not more than Therefore, this temple is also known by Mahavir Jain temple of Viravah. Local residents of Viravah

Internal view of ceiling of Garbhagriha or Innermost section of Viravah Jain Temple

Internal view of Garbha-griha or Innermost section of Viravah Jain Temple

Conservation and Protection of Viravah Jain Temple:

All historical temples including Viravah Jain Temple, Pooni Jain Temple and others of Nagarparkar area are protected under Pakistan's Antiquities Act, initially enacted in 1968 and later updated in 1975. The site of this temple is managed by the Director General of Archaeology and Museums, with restoration efforts overseen by the Sindh Endowment Fund Trust (a non-profit based organization) for the Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh, established in 2008. 

Notice Boards installed outside Viravah Jain Temple for Visitor guidance

For more than 7 decades since the partition of India in 1947, the site of Viravah temple had been in ruined state. Some blocks and structures of this temple had been scattered in this site. Recently, the platform and structures of this temple had been restored and strengthen. Also, an exhibition area covered with shelter has been built around the main temple building in order to protect all precious carved stones or objects which were previously scattered and broken in the site of temple. After restoration of this temple, this historic site is handed over to Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Sindh in order to promote tourism in this area.

Front view of Viravah Jain Temple before and after restoration works

Left side view of Viravah Jain Temple before and after restoration works

Right side view of Viravah Jain Temple before and after restoration works

Some Precious idols, stones and broken stones which were once part of temple building are placed in sheltered sections built around the main building of Viravah temple for public display and protection from weather

In 2016, Government of Pakistan, Directorate General of Archaeology nominated the historical landscapes of Nagarparkar for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage tentative list as 'Nagarparkar Cultural Landscapes', highlighting its cultural and historical significance on the global stage.

For the visitors or tourists, exploring the Viravah Jain Temple is like traveling back in time to a world full with spiritual and cultural riches. Recent restoration efforts have converted this long-forgotten relic into a must-see site for history and architectural enthusiasts. With its inclusion on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage List, the temple stands ready to share its beauty and history with the world, allowing people to enjoy the ongoing heritage of Jain culture in Pakistan."