








Year Built
14th-16th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Rajasthani Jain Temple Architecture with Marble Construction
Built By
Jain Merchant Communities
Material Used
White Marble, Stone, Limestone
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List (Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape)
Jain Temple Nagarparkar, located in the Thar Desert region of Sindh Province, represents a significant 14th-16th century CE Jain temple complex that demonstrates the rich religious diversity of the region, which was historically part of the greater Hindu rashtra extending across the Indian subcontinent and maintained strong connections to Indic religious traditions including Jainism. The temple complex, now part of the Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape inscribed on UNESCO’s tentative list, features multiple Jain temples constructed primarily from white marble, with the most notable being the Gori Temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The temples, constructed during a period when the Thar Desert region was part of various Hindu and Jain kingdoms that maintained strong cultural and commercial connections to Rajasthan and other parts of India, feature distinctive architecture that closely resembles the famous Jain temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, demonstrating the cultural unity of the greater Hindu rashtra that extended across political boundaries. The Gori Temple, measuring 125 feet by 60 feet and constructed entirely of marble, stands on a high platform accessed by stone steps, with interiors adorned with intricate Jain religious imagery including frescoes that are considered older than those in North Indian Jain temples. The temple complex includes 24 small cells, possibly representing the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, and demonstrates sophisticated stone carving techniques, intricate architectural planning, and advanced understanding of marble construction. Archaeological evidence indicates the temples were constructed during a period when Nagarparkar was an important trading center connecting the Thar Desert to maritime trade routes, with Jain merchants playing a significant role in maintaining commercial and cultural connections across the greater Hindu rashtra. Today, Jain Temple Nagarparkar stands as a powerful symbol of the Jain heritage of Pakistan and the region’s historical connection to the greater Hindu rashtra, serving as a reminder of the sophisticated religious and cultural traditions that flourished in regions that were integral parts of ancient Indian civilization. ([1][2])
Jain Temple Nagarparkar was constructed during the 14th-16th centuries CE when the Thar Desert region maintained strong connections to Rajasthan and other parts of the greater Hindu rashtra. The temples served as important centers for Jain worship and commerce. The site is part of the Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape inscribed on UNESCO’s tentative list. ([1][2])
Archaeological Survey of Pakistan, UNESCO




Surveys have revealed evidence of construction phases and Jain religious practices.
Conservation work; UNESCO listing protection. ([1][2])
Archaeological Survey of Pakistan, UNESCO
Construction utilized white marble quarried from local sources, with blocks precisely cut and assembled using sophisticated stone masonry techniques. The temples featured load-bearing marble construction with intricate carvings. The Gori Temple stands on a high marble platform with stone steps. ([1][2])
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The structural system employed load-bearing marble construction. The foundation system consisted of marble platforms. The temples demonstrate sophisticated marble construction techniques. ([1][2])
24.350000, 70.750000
{"notes":"Desert location; respect sacred areas; prepare for desert conditions.","restrooms":"Limited facilities.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to steps."}
1 items
Spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
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Respect sacred areas; no removal of artifacts.
0
Yes
Yes
75
complete
2025-11-09T08:56:29.364597+00:00
2025-11-09T14:32:46.03+00:00
Medieval Period
Sindh
Rajasthani Jain Temple Architecture with Marble Construction
UNESCO Site
Jain Temple Nagarparkar Tharparkar is a historic Temple located in Sindh, Pakistan. This Rajasthani Jain Temple Architecture with Marble Construction architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Pakistan. Jain Temple Nagarparkar, located in the Thar Desert region of Sindh Province, represents a significant 14th-16th century CE Jain temple complex that demonstrates the rich religious diversity of the re...
| RsEntry Fee | Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Jain Temple Nagarparkar Tharparkar. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Jain Temple Nagarparkar Tharparkar is located in Nagarparkar, Tharparkar District, Sindh Province, Pakistan, Sindh. The nearest major city is Nagarparkar. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 24.35, 70.75.
Entry fee: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Jain Temple Nagarparkar Tharparkar. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Jain Temple Nagarparkar Tharparkar by Jain Merchant Communities
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List (Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape)
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation