The fascinating journey of Shri Godiji Parshvanath

Nestled in Pakistan's southern Sindh province near the town of Nagarparkar lies a forgotten treasure of faith and architecture. Near the Indian border, amid a landscape shaped by hills and sand dunes, stand the ruins of a magnificent but abandoned Shwetambar Jain temple.

This region, with Barmer in Rajasthan to its east and the Rann of Kutch to its south, once resonated with the chants of devotion and the soft hum of spiritual gatherings. Today, the whispers of a bygone era echo through these desolate temple, a testimony to the zenith of Jain artistry and heritage.

The Gori Jain Temple, near Nagarparkar stands as a masterpiece, its grandeur unmatched. Its frescoes—some of the oldest surviving Jain frescoes in the northern reaches of the Indian subcontinent—adorn the walls, narrating tales of devotion, culture, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The temple’s 24 sub-shrines, now empty, bear witness to the vibrant spiritual life that once thrived within its precincts narrate the tale of its glorious past. 

But why did this architectural marvel fall silent? Which sacred pratima (idol) once graced this temple’s sanctum and where is it currently? What was its history, and how did its fortunes wane? 

These questions, steeped in mystery and intrigue, have answers that lead to an extraordinary tale of devotion, divine intervention, and the passage of time. The story of the Gori Jain Temple is one of faith transcending borders, a saga of spiritual power and human perseverance that has been uncovered in the annals of history through hymns composed by different Jain monks in ~1594 CE (Vikram Samvat 1650) and ~1751 CE (Vikram Samvat 1807) respectively and various other accounts in 19th century.

Ruins of the Gori Jain Temple near Nagarparkar, Sindh Pakistan (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Origins

The year was 1173 CE (Vikram Samvat 1229) and the vibrant city of Patan, once the capital of Gujarat, witnessed a grand event. King Kumarpal, a devout follower of Kalikalsarvagya Acharya Shri Hemchandra, consecrated three divine pratima’s (idols) under Acharya Shri’s guidance. Among these pratimas, the one representing Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan, held extraordinary divine power and became the focal point of devotion.

However, destiny had other plans. By the 14th century, the city of Patan faced repeated invasions and temples became targets of destruction by invaders. In a desperate bid to safeguard the pratima, a devout Jain devotee buried one of them underground. Hidden but not forgotten, this pratima would embark on a journey spanning centuries, led by divine intervention and unwavering faith.

Beautiful fresco art at the Gori Jain Temple (Source: pakheritage.org)

From Patan to Sindh

The story takes a dramatic turn at the end of 14th century with Meghasha, a devout Jain merchant from Parkar, Sindh. One fateful night, Parshva Yaksha, the celestial guardian deity of Prabhu Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan, appeared in Meghasha’s dream. The Yaksha revealed that a sacred pratima lay hidden in Patan and that Meghasha was destined to retrieve and restore it.

Following the divine vision, Meghasha traveled to Patan and discovered that the pratima had been stolen by a thief, who had buried it beneath his home. Guided by the Yaksha’s instructions, Meghasha negotiated with the thief and bought the pratima for 500 tankas (coins), a fortune at the time.

That night, Parshva Yaksha again appeared in his dream and instructed, “Tomorrow, place the pratima in a cart drawn by two oxen. Begin your journey, and under no circumstances should you look back.” Meghasha followed the instructions. As Meghasha passed through a deserted region near Godipur near Parkar in Sindh, fear and curiosity compelled him to glance back. At that moment, the cart came to an abrupt halt. The Yaksha reappeared and assured Meghasha, “Do not worry. This is the destined place for the pratima. Build a temple here. This land, Godipur, will flourish as a great pilgrimage site due to the divine presence of Lord Parshvanath.” 

Meghasha installed the pratima with great fanfare in the year ~1376 CE (Vikram Samvat 1432) under the guidance of Acharya Shri Mahendrasuri of Achalgacch. Thus, in the 14th century, the sacred Tirth of Godipur was established, marking the birth of Shri Godiji Parshvanath Tirth. It flourished until the 17th century, attracting countless devotees.

According to traditional accounts, compiled in early 20th century by Yati Ramlal Gani, the members of the Gothi clan of Oswals are the descendants of Meghasha. They now live in various part of India.

Ruins of the Gori Jain Temple near Nagarparkar, Sindh Pakistan (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

An Alternate version of the history

Another version of the history of this sacred pratima introduces additional nuances. In Siddhpur Patan, a devout Jain had initially hidden three pratimas of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan underground to protect them from invaders. A Muslim neighbour, discovering the secret, unearthed one pratima and hid it in his own home. The Muslim man began experiencing recurring visions of the presiding deity, instructing him to hand over the pratima to Meghasha for 500 tankas. Frightened by these divine interventions, the man awaited Meghasha’s arrival.

Simultaneously, Meghasha, engaged in trade with his brother-in-law Kajalsha from Parkar in Sindh, received a similar vision, guiding him to retrieve the pratima. Upon meeting the Muslim man, Meghasha paid the stipulated amount and joyfully acquired the pratima. His devotion to the pratima brought prosperity to his trade and immense spiritual fulfilment.

Returning to his hometown, Meghasha’s narration of the pratima’s acquisition displeased Kajalsha, who objected to the expense. To maintain peace, Meghasha chose not to involve Kajalsha in the pratima’s ownership and later entrusted it to his friend Dhanraj for safekeeping. Twelve years later, Meghasha received another divine vision, urging him to relocate the pratima to a place where its glory could be widely recognized.

Meghasha followed the divine instructions, placing the pratima in a cart pulled by oxen. The journey ended near Godipur near Parkar when the cart came to an abrupt halt. That night, the presiding deity appeared in Meghasha’s dream, providing instructions to construct a temple. Meghasha discovered abundant resources—a well with sweet water, treasure, and a quarry of fine stones—at the designated site. With these, he transformed the desolate village into a flourishing town, constructing a magnificent Jain temple.

However, this divine endeavor was marred by jealousy. Kajalsha, envious of Meghasha’s achievements, plotted against him and ultimately caused his demise before the temple’s consecration ceremony. Kajalsha’s attempts to claim the temple’s glory were thwarted, as repeated failures to hoist the Dhwaja (ceremonial flag) underscored the divine disapproval. Ultimately, Meghasha’s son, Mera or Mahio, completed the ritual, ensuring the temple’s sanctity.

 

The temple's dilapidated and broken Shikhar (spire) (Source: Ema Anis/ Dawn)

Safeguarding the Pratima by Sodha rulers of Sindh

In 1716 CE (Vikram Samvat 1772), the Sodha Rajput rulers of Sindh, who deeply revered Jainism, faced increasing invasions. The ruler Sutoji transported the pratima from Godipur to Lakhasar Fort for protection, where he buried it underground. Occasionally, darshans (viewings) were arranged for trusted devotees. After Sutoji’s demise, his successor Poonjoji continued the practice .There are accounts that many sadhus-sadhvis and laity assembled for the darshans held in 1764, 1788, 1796, 1810, 1822 and 1824. However, during a fierce battle, Poonjoji was killed  in 1832, leaving the pratima’s location unknown to others.

The temple was later damaged in the battle between British Colonel Tyrwhitt and a local Sodha chief, who had taken shelter at the temple in 1846. The temple was visited by a British author, Stanley Napier Raikes in 1854. Raikes met local Jains to compile recent history and consulted a Jain Yati Gorji Kantvujaji at Bodhesar, who had manuscripts describing the history of the temple.

The temple was inspected the Archaeological Survey of India in 1879. The report refers to it having been built in Samvat 1432. An inscription of 1715 was noted mentioning repairs made. A Shwetambar Jain Muni, Shri Vidyavijayaji visited Sindh in 1937. He noted that the temple was empty, and had decayed. A local Bhil served as a guard. However, at that time there were still many Jain families in towns near Nagarparkar. 

Rediscovery and Migration

Coming back to the history of Shri Godiji Parshvanath Bhagwan, after Poonjoji's death in 1832, the pratima’s whereabouts remained a mystery. Years later, Narayanji, a descendant of the Sodha family, rediscovered the pratima during an excavation. However, fearing further invasions, Narayanji decided to migrate to Khanpur, near Tharad in Gujarat, taking the pratima with him sometime during late 19th century.

Later, as Narayanji considered returning to Sindh, his nephew,  Rana Vajoji of Vav, requested custody of the pratima. Recognizing Vajoji’s devotion and the relative peace in Vav, Narayanji entrusted the pratima to him and housed it in a small shrine near the Upashray.

The pratima of Shri Godiji Parshwanath at Vav, Gujarat (Source: Yash Vora)

Reinstallation at Vav, Gujarat

Decades later, in the 1970’s, Acharya Shri Omkarsurishwarji Maharaja, had a profound realization upon seeing the pratima. He declared, “This pratima holds immense divine power. If consecrated in the heart of the village, it will elevate the spiritual and material prosperity of Vav.”

Under his guidance, the pratima was ceremoniously moved to a grand new temple in the village center. During this process, an ancient inscription was discovered, confirming the pratima’s origins in Godipur as below: सं. १४३२ वर्षे फाल्गुन सुद - २ भृगुवासरे अचल गच्छे श्रीमद् महेन्द्रसूरी गच्छेशितुः पिप्पलाचार्य अभयदेवसूरीणामुपदेशेन उसवंशे शाह मेपा(धा) केन ।।. 

Historical records of the Sodha Rajputs further validated the pratima’s illustrious journey. In 1974 CE (Vikram Samvat 2030), a grand festival was held to commemorate the pratima’s reconsecration. Under the auspices of Acharya Shri Bhadrasuriji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Omkarsuriji Maharaj, the sacred pratima was reinstalled with great reverence, marking a new chapter in its extraordinary history.

Prashashti at Godiji Jinalay, Vav

(Source: Yash Vora)

Prashashti at Godiji Jinalay, Vav

 

Other pratimas of Shri Godiji Parshvanath

Ancient pratima of Shri Godiji Parshvanath at Pydhonie, Mumbai

It is noteworthy that several temples across Western India house ancient pratimas of Shri Godiji Parshvanath and attribute their origins to the same fascinating historical narrative. The major temples include:

• Shri Godiji Parshvanath Jinalay at Pydhonie, Mumbai which is believed to be brought from Mirpur Tirth  in Rajasthan (and originally from Gori, Sindh). 
• Shri Godiji Parshvanath Jinalay at Runi Tirth (Banaskantha District, Gujarat)
• Shri Godiji Parshvanath at Prerna Tirth, Ahmedabad which dates back approximately 400 years
• Shri Godiji Parshvanath Jinalay at Radhanpur, Gujarat
• Shri Godiji Parshvanath Jinalay at Gohili (Sirohi District, Rajasthan)
• Shri Godiji Parshwanath Bhagwan at Moti Katra, Agra which dates back approximately 400 years
• Shri Godiji Parshwanath Bhagwan at Jaswantpura (Jalore Dist., Rajasthan) which dates back approximately 200 years

While most of these pratimas are linked to the same historical origins, the evidence available—including the historical records of the Sodha Rajputs and the ancient inscriptions found at the Vav Tirth—strongly suggests that the pratima at Vav Tirth is the original pratima from Godiji.

P.S.: Pakistan's Sindh Tourism Minister in June 2024 proposed the development of a Kartarpur-like visa-free religious corridor from contiguous areas of Gujarat in India and Nagarparkar in Pakistan to enable Jain devotees to worship the ancient temples there.


References:

• Shri 108 Parshwanath Tirth Samput, Part 3, Muni Shri Prashantshekharvijayji (p. 9-14)
• Bhanvarlal Nahta, Shri Gaudi Parchvanath Tirth, Muni Jinavijaya Abhinandan Granth, Ed. Dalsukh Malvania, Jinavijayaji Samman Samiti, Jaipur, 1971, p. 263-275
• Stanley Napier Raikes, Memoir on the Thurr and Parkur districts of Sind, Education Society's Press, Byculla, 1859. p. 83, Appendix B
• Mari Sindhyatra, Muni Vidyavijayaji, Shri Vijayavardhamanasuri Jain Granthmala, v. 53, 1943 AD, p. 13-15
• Reports regarding the archaeological remains in Kurrachee, Hyderabad, and Shikárpur collectorates, in Sindh, with plans of tombs, Volume 8 of Archæological Survey of Western India, Archaeological Survey of India, Govt. Central Press, 1879, p. 29
• Revised lists of antiquarian remains in the Bombay Presidency: Government central press, 1897, James Burgess, Henry Cousens, p. 222
• Footloose: The lost idol of Gorecha —Salman Rashid, Daily Times, Pakistan, 27 June 2008
• Vav Mandan Godiji Parshva Prabhuno Itihas, Shri Rajsundarvijayji (Divya Bhaskar- Dharma Darshan, 19th December 2024)
• Mangilal Bhutoria, Itihas Ki Amarbel Oswal, Priyadarshi Prakashn 1992, p. 226
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/pak-minister-for-kartarpur-like-corridor-in-sindh-for-hindus-101717701420186.html