The Jain Mandir is a Jain temple located on Lytton Road in Old Anarkali, Lahore.[1][2]
History
editWhile its exact construction date remains uncertain, it is believed to have been erected in the late 1930s or early 1940s.[3] According to Iqbal Qaiser, a Punjabi author, it was constructed by a woman in 1940.[4]
Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the temple underwent a period of neglect.[3] Significant damage was inflicted in 1992 in the wake of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.[3][4] Due to prevailing misconceptions linking Jainism with Hinduism, the Jain Mandir in Lahore was targeted.[3] Despite its durable construction, the temple was substantially damaged over two days, with the aid of a crane facilitating the process.[3] The remnants of its dome remained for roughly three decades.[3]
In relation to the development of the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT), concerns were raised about the temple's fate.[3] By 2016, the remaining parts of the temple were enclosed by a wall, with some of the surrounding area allocated to the OLMT project.[3][5]
In December 2021, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the restoration of the Jain Mandir, in addition to a Hindu temple in Neela Gumbad.[3][4] Restoration efforts included reinforcing the foundation, repositioning the original dome, updating infrastructure, and converting the nearby space for public use.[3] The renovated temple, now standing at thirteen meters, is situated opposite the Anarkali station of the OLMT.[3]
In June 2022, the Jain Mandir in Anarkali was reopened for religious practices.[3]
Architecture
editThe temple was designed in the Shikhara architectural style, a term derived from the Sanskrit word for "mountain peak."[3] Characteristic features of Jain temples.[3] The temple features a tapering tower with religious motifs and etchings, as well as adjacent courtyards, are evident in its design.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Pakistan set to reopen Lahore's famous Jain temple". The Express Tribune. December 5, 2021.
- ^ "A historic move". The News International.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Nawaz, Muhammad Asif. "Story of the Jain Mandir". Youlin Magazine. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
- ^ a b c Rizwan, Sheharyar (2022-04-01). "Under-reconstruction Jain Mandir in Lahore all set to reopen". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
- ^ "Historic Jain temple demolished in Lahore". The Times of India. 2016-02-12. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-10-26.