Abu Ghurab is a 5th dynasty Egyptian pyramid and solar temple complex on the Saqqara plateau. There were probably as many as five or six tombs here. However, till date, only two out of all have survived.

They are namely the one built by the first 5th dynasty Pharaoh Userkaf who ruled between 2465 and 2458 BC, and one built by the Pharaoh Niuserre who ruled from 2416 to 2392 BC and who also built an Egyptian Pyramid at Abu Sir. Abu Gurab is also known as Abu Ghurab, Abu Gurob as well as Abu Jirab. This temple was believed to have been built in honor of the Sun god Ra.

Construction of Egyptian Temple

The temple was constructed by the orders of Nyuserre Ini who was the sixth king of the fifth dynasty of Egypt. The exact dates of his reign are unknown. It is estimated that he came to the throne between 2450 BC and 2430 BC. He has also constructed an Egyptian Pyramid and burial chamber at Abu Sir. Abu Gorab was probably constructed late in Niuserre’s reign that is post-2420 BC.

This temple is located on the shore of the Abusir Lake. Entrance to the temple site is by way of a small structure called the Valley Temple. This valley temple is partially submerged and over the period of time has suffered extensive damage.

The main temple was built on a hill. It is rectangular in shape. Inside the temple is a large, open courtyard. It was believed that the total height of this structure was somewhere between fifty and seventy meters. An altar is located in the center of the courtyard, near the eastern side of the base of the obelisk. It was constructed from five large blocks of alabaster.