JAIN TEMPLES

Introduction To Jain Temples

India is bestowed with the blessings of the diverse religious faiths. Jainism is one of them, Jain Tirthankars - religious preachers spread the message of peace, non violence, love and enlightenment all over the world. The core of this great religion and its preaching is evident in the cave temples, in the studied molded stones and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. It is this teaching that has attracted and moulded the sentiments of millions of people across the nation as well as the world.

Thousands of devotees visit India from all over the world to seek blessing and also to marvel at the great Jain architectural splendor. Nestling across the Indian sub-continent, these Jain pilgrimage sites are the best destination options for tourists and pilgrims.

Major Jain Temples

Chaumukha Temple

Chaumukha Temple is the most remarkable temple amongst all temples within the Jain Temple complex.

Constructed during the reigning period of Rana Khumba in 15th century.

It is dedicated to ADINATHA. Lord Adinath (the first Jain 'Tirthankara') is the main

presiding deity of Chaumukha Temple. The term 'Chaumukha' means four-faced. The complex structure of the temple has four separate

entrance doors to penetrate in the chambers. These chambers lead to the main hall or 'Grabh-Griha', where the idol of Lord Adinath is placed.

This temple has four face along with a basement of 48,000 sq feet.

There are four gates to enter into the sanctum. Enter inside the temple, at the main hall, you will see the image of Lord Adinath, encircled by several smaller shrines and domes.

While moving throughout different sections of the temple, to your surprise, you will find here:-

artistically adorned 4 subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared halls and, 80 domes standing on the support of nearly 800

columns. Sum total of 1444 columns in the entire temple

complex.

Light Coloured marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple.

It occupies an area of approx 60X62 mtrs. Distinctive domes, shikharas, turrets capolas rises magistically

from the slopes of hills. Over 1444 marble pillars

Carved with exquisite details Differently carved…………… No Two pillars are the same

Impossible to count the pillars Statue Face one or the other statues. 1 beautiful carving made out of a single marbles rock where

there:- 108 heads of snakes……….… Numerous Tails……………….. One Cannot find the end of tails

PLAN

Central Main Shrine is called "Mula-prasada," its interior is "Garbagriha" (sanctum), its main statue is "Mulanayaka.“

In the type of Chaturumukha (four faced) shrine unlike the case of Mt. Abu, there are not "Gudha-mandapa" (closed hall) and "Trika-mandapa" (vestibule), but four "Ranga-mandapas" ( A, assembly hall) in front of four portals of the main shrine.

Each Ranga-mandapa connects with three storyed "Meghanada-mandapa" ( B, high hall) in front. Having four "Mahadara-prasada" (two faced shrine) diagonally in four directions of the main shrine, the temple type is "Panchayatana" (five shrined type).

In addition to this, there are two "Bhadra-prasada" east and west sides, making the total composition much more intricate.

A line of "Deva-kulika" (small shrine) along "Bhamati" (cloister) surround the whole complex. All these shrines hold a statue of Tirthankara or Jina (four in Chaturmukha, two in Mahadara-prasada), there are more than 100 statues in total.

PRINCIPLES

The principal impression conveyed by this temple is the variety and multiplicity of its parts, yet all are well proportioned and uniformly disposed within the scheme.

Contrast of the pointed spires with the ovoid domes and the fretted roofs each of the different character and height but each signifying the position of some chappel, hall or tabernacle with in.

There is an inscription on pillar near the main shrine stating that in 1439 deepaka an architect constructed the temple at the direction of dharanka (devout worshipper of arhats), a devoted jain.

Spellbound after observing the magical change of colour of the columns from golden to pale blue with the passage of every hour during the day.

The complexicity in design of the entire temple justifies the prolonged period of 65years was really worthy to be taken for such a grand construction.

Dilwara Temple The finest example of Jain temples in india. Known for the fine marble work to carve the Jain tirthankar

idols. These idols all over the temple are very exquisitely

designed. The temples were built during 11th to 13th century AD, a

time when Jainism was very popular and was rising higher. The hallmark of these Dilwara Temples is the crisp

translucent shell-like treatment of marble, which surpasses anything seen elsewhere.

Five Important Temples in dilwara are Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshavanath Temple, Mahaveer Swami Temple

Vimal Vasahi Temple This temple carved entirely out of white marble was built in 1021 AD

by Vimal Shah, a minister of Raja Bhimdeo. The temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher or

guide) Adi Nath. The temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor,

which has numerous cells containing smaller idols of the Tiranthakaras.

The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.

The Rang mandap is a grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved out arches with a breathtaking central dome. On the pillars are carved female figurines playing musical instruments and 16 Vidhyadevis or the goddesses of knowledge each one holding her own symbol.

The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step inside its heavily decorated doorway. Installed here is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev.

Luna Vasahi Temple

The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji.

This magnificent temple was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local ruler.

The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple.

The main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving.

Pittalhar Temple

This temple was build by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabd.

A massive metal statue of Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in five metals is installed in the temple.

The main metal used in this statue is 'Pital' (brass), hence the name 'Pittalhar'. The Shrine consists of a main Garbhagraha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.

Parshavanath Temple

This temple, dedicated to Lord Parshavnath was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 A.D.

It consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara.

On all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four big mandaps.

The outer walls of the sanctum comprise of beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas and other decorative sculptures comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark.

Mahaveer Swami Temple

This is a small structure constructed in 1582 A.D. and dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer.

There are pictures on the upper walls of the porch painted in 1764 A.D. by the artists of Sirohi.

ThAnK YoU….!!!

Presentation

Made By-

Deepika Goel