Jain Digest 2015 06

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 30

JAIN DIGEST
Jain temple at Gorri
making the total number 24. It may have been used for housing images of 24 Tirthankars. 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.
Gujranwala Jain library
Jain Temple at Gorri, some 20 km northwest of Viravah, Tharparkar (Sindh) lies in a deplorable condition. It is believed to have been built during the heydays of the Sodhas around 1376 A.D. It has exquisitely decorated interiors reflecting the highly developed aesthetic sensibility of those who made it. The canopy which also serves as an entrance to the temple is decorated with paintings representing the Jaina mythologies. However, the paintings of Parshvanath being welcomed by yakshas and yakshinis are found in the domed ceiling of the canopy. As one enters the main hall of the temple, one finds on either side of the hall 12 cells thus
Gujranwala is situated 70km from Lahore After the death of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Gujranwala became important during Maharaja Ranjitsingh. who was born in 1744, Many Jains arrived here for the business opportunities. Yatishree Dunuchandraji with two disciples visited Gujranwala and brought first Idol of Shree Rishabhdev. Then many sthanakvasi monks visited the place. Many Jains followed sthanakvasi faith. They had Shwetamber Shikharbandhi Chintamani Parshvanath Temple and two Ghar derasars. During the Indian Muslim separation, Acharya Vallabhsuriji had chaturmas in Gujranwala. Jain Temple and big Jain Library was there. This was brought back to India with the help of the Pakistan Government by Sheth Kasturbhai who was instrumental to repatriate after eighteen years of work. At present Jain Agamas and other hand written books are present in Delhi Bharatiya Sanskruti Vidya mandir. The number is said to be around 20,000. Jain temple at Gujranwala is now a residence.
30 I MAY-JUN 2015