Home Archaeology Johi Temple – A unique architectural monument

Johi Temple – A unique architectural monument

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Johi Temple – A unique architectural monument
Photo Courtesy: Author

Temple has two typically constructed domes – one is high with approximately 70 feet in height while the other is small and built in round shape.

Aziz Kingrani

The Hindu Temple situated in Johi town of district Dadu is a unique architectural monument of Sindh, which is known as Shiva Temple and is locally called as ‘Qubi’.

The historical accounts reveal that the temple was erected in the 1850s to an unusual but with unmatched design.

Krishna is depicted on wall of temple taking out butter from the Chaadis of gopis
Krishna is depicted on wall of temple taking out butter from the Chaadis of Gopis

This temple has two typical constructed domes, one is high which is approximately 70 feet in height while second is little and built in round shape. The temple had four arched entries but now two of the entries had been closed.

Johi temple had been constructed with material of iron, cement and cheeroli (made from limestone and gypsum). Idols were fixed with iron and cheeroli on outer side, around the little round dome. The idols were destroyed after the partition of subcontinent. The remaining parts of destroyed idols can be observed yet.

Krishna, Radha and Rukmini are shown on wall of the temple
Krishna, Radha and Rukmini are shown on wall of the temple

The architecture of the temple resembles with the temple built in India and Nepal. The fresco paintings are done on both the outer and inner walls of the temple. The inner wall paintings adorn the manifestations and incarnations of Shiva, Krishna and Vishnu. The Nandi of Shiva, dejins, cows including mother cow, bulls, fairy, royal ladies and cobra charmer playing Murli or Pungi are adorned on the inner walls of the temple.

A royal Oman is swinging tied with tree painted on wall of temple - Sindh-Courier
A royal Oman is swinging tied with tree painted on wall of temple
A fairy is represented on wall of temple - Sindh Courier
A fairy is represented on wall of temple

Furthermore, the images of Ghañesha, Parvati, Radha, Gopis, men, women, enormous snakes, pigeons and the other religious symbols of Hinduism are represented on inner walls of the temple.  According to the versions of traditional accounts the area of the temple was large. Approximately, 35 rooms were constructed near the temple. The temple had large courtyard around it as well.

A snake charmer (Jogi)) adorned on wall of temple - Sindh Courier
A snake charmer (Jogi)) adorned on wall of temple
Shiva, Parwati and Ghanesha are frescoed on wall of the temple - Sindh Courier
Shiva, Parwati and Ghanesha are frescoed on wall of the temple

According to local legends, before partition of subcontinent a fair had been held at Johi and famous Sindhi singers, Bhagat Kanwar Ram and Master Chandar mostly used to come to sing and also visit the Johi temple. Undoubtedly, the Johi temple is marvelous type of construction and amazing cultural heritage of Dadu District and Sindh.

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Aziz-Kingrani-Sindh-CourierAziz Kingrani, hailing from village Haji Manik Kingrani, Johi, Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan, is poet, short story writer, playwright and a research scholar. He has been contributing in the fields of history and literature since five decades. He has served as a professor as well. His 17 books are published in English and Sindhi language. His articles in English, Sindhi and Urdu have been published in various newspapers and magazines.