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Jain Temples
In Rajasthan
The restrained austerity of the Jain way
of life has its anti-thesis in the
delightful exuberance, even opulence, that
one sees in their temples.
Dilwara Temple, Mt Abu: For many
visitors, this is reason enough to visit Mt
Abu. Located within an ancient mango grove,
the Dilwara temples are profusely carved,
and are open between noon and six in the
evening. During the morning, the priests
perform several ritual ceremonies that are
not open for public viewing. The Jains house
images of their tirthan-karas (those who
impart knowledge) within the sanctums, and
the two main shrines, those of Adinath and
Neminath, are elaborately carved, from
doorways and lintels to ceilings, pillars,
walls and arches. The sculptor's art is as
much a dedication to the gods as it is a
repository of the stone-carver's skill,
enshrined here forever. A separate hall,
dedicated to the donors who worked towards
the building of these magnificent temples,
houses their lifesize images including the
delicate tracery of their garments captured
in exquisite detail on marble.
Parsvanath Temple, Nakoda: Situated
in a valley ringed by hills, on the Jodhpur-Barmer
highway, the temple dedicated to the
tirthankara Parsvanath is carved in black
stone. Beside it are other Jain tem-ples,
including Shantinath with its steep flight
of stairs, as well as some ancient Hindu
temples.
Ranakpur: Since the Jains held
important positions in Rajput courts, made
their money through trading, and were
influential money-lenders to the royal
house, it was hardly surprising that the
Ranas, in turn, were patrons of the Jains
and their quiet religious ways. In fact, the
tract of land on which the Ranakpur temples
have been laid was a gift of the Ranas to
the Jains in the 15th century. The Chaumukha
is its principal deity in the main temple
with its impressive dimensions: 29 halls
spread over 40,000sq ft, and consisting of
1,444 pillars, not one of which is alike in
its carving. Cupolas surround the five
spires. Three entrances lead to the temples
via doublestoried portals and pillared
courts. Halls and courtyards radiate around
the main shrine. Also in the valley are a
polygonal sun temple, and two 14th century
Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and
Parsvanath.
Shri Mahavirji Temple: Located 90
km from Ranthambhor, it is believed that the
spot was converted into a pilgrimage spot
following the unearthing of a statue of
Mahavira by a cowherd. The temple is a vast
complex that has been constructed with white
sandstone, and has cupolas of red sandstone.
Its chhatris and spires are visible from all
around. The walls are painted with religious
scenes, and facing the temple is a tower
where the footsteps of Mahavira have been
consecrated.
Rishabdo Temple, Dhulev: A temple
complex that is beautifully carved, 64 km
from Udaipur, it is dedicated to Rishabdeo,
while images of several other tirthankaras
are carved into panels on the walls. Built
in the 15th century, the temple has stone
elephants at the entrance, and images of
goddesses flanking the main shrine. Various
phases of Rishabdeo's life are also
illustrated through sculptured panels.
Offerings of saffron are made to the deity,
and a rath yatra every year attracts
pilgrims from all over.
Other Jain centres of pilgrimage:
Some other centres where the Jain temples
have a major following are at:
Bhandasha Jain Temple: A 16th century
temple dedicated to the 23rd tirthankara
Parsvanath, this temple in Bikaner is very
poular.
Lodurva: An important complex of Jain
temples near Jaisalmer, they are known for
the fine quality of their sandstone
carvings. |
