Jain pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan :

Jainism might not be prevalent in Rajasthan, but it holds a strong historical connection, which can be best known by the fact that a major number of Svetambara and Digambara temple are located in this state. Jainism has attracted many followers among the wealthy merchants and traders of West India, who were as financially and politically powerful as the Rajput rulers. As an act of penance and devotion, they financed the building of several elaborately carved temples in Rajasthan. All thanks to them, Rajasthan has some of the finest and largest Jain temples in the world, which are elaborative, beautiful and breathtaking. In the south-western region, one can find good number Svetambara temple, while the north-eastern area is dominated by the Digambara centers. In Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Chittor, Ajmer, Jaipur, Pali, Udaipur, Sirohi, Chittorgarh, and Sawaimadhopur, one can find a good number of Jain temples.

Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple : The Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple is situated in the district of Karauli in Rajasthan. The main deity here is that of the last and 24th Jain Thirthankara, Mahavira Bhagawan. This was established more than 200 years ago, thus it holds special significance for those who follow the tradition of Digambar in Jainism.

History of the Temple :

The principal deity of Lord Mahavira which is established in this temple was originally found on a mound, where it miraculously appeared. The villagers excavated the idol only because they noticed a cow (a special Kaamduhadhenu) pouring its milk on the mound every day. When the villager grew curious they excavated the mound and were surprised at the appearance of the idol of Lord Mahavira. It was when the wishes of people who prayed to this deity started getting answered, a temple was constructed for the idol by Shri Amar Chand Bilala of Jaipur. This was later renovated in the 17th and then 19th century. The temple has enjoyed the patronage of the kings that ruled Jaipur as they provided generous grants that contributed in the upkeep and maintenance of this holy shrine.

Architecture of the Temple :

The original site of the mound has now been covered with an umbrella made of marble and is adorned with images that represent the feet of the Lord. The temple itself has imposing and attractive architecture. It is surrounded by many Dharmashalas. There are three pinnacles that are sky high in the temple. The original idol that bestows with devotess with miracles is installed in the main shrine. Here, Bhagwan Mahavir is seated in Padmasana Posture. Another iconic feature of this temple is the 52-feet high column on which the statues of four Tirthankaras are etched at the top.

Festivals in the Temple :

Mahavir Jayanti is the festival celebrated in this temple, lasting five days in the month of April, it draws millions of the faithful from all over the world.

Ranakpur Jain Temple : The Jain temple of Ranakpur is situated in the heart of the Aravalli hills. The temple is a fine specimen of art and culture that makes it a treasured site of Rajasthan that is to be cherished. The construction of this temple was started in the year of 1446 and was completed in the year 1496. It took fifty years for the completion of the temple.

Architecture of the Temple :

It is a three-storey building made up of marble. The structure of the temple consists of four entrances. The main chamber of the temple contains four images of Adinath. There are four unique Meghananda Mandapa that have elegant designs. The pillars are of forty feet height with delicate carvings all around. Giving support to magnificent domes with studded. Precious stones, these pillars make one of the main attractions in the temple. The domes also hold radiant images of the Gods and Goddesses. On the west side of the Meghananda Mandapa is situated the images of Dharanashah, who was the initiator of this temple and of Deepak who designed this temple, both facing the image of the Lord.

The incredible part of this temple is the multiple number of pillars situated all around the temple. These pillars are unique in nature some being big, some small, some ornate while others are plain. This structure shows the art and skill of the indigenous designer who has given the artistic touch to the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Dilwara, Rajasthan : Dilwara Temple is one of the finest and architecturally renowned Jain temples in India. A large number of visitors and pilgrims visit this temple every day. Its extraordinary architecture is its major attraction. Intricate carvings on the marble stone and high-quality craftsmanship of the workers is clearly visible in every aspect of this temple, making it truly unique and distinct. Its opulent entranceway is truly stunning and spectacular.

Architecture of the Temple :

The temple complex has five sections dedicated to five Jain Teerthankaras. These sections are dedicated to Lord Mahaveer Swami, Shri Adinathji, Shri Parshavnathji, Shri Rishabdaoji and Shri Neminathji. Vimal Vasahi or Lord Adinathji’s Temple is considered as the oldest temple from among these. The temples were constructed between 11th to 13th centuries. The intricate stone carving on the marble pillars and ceilings is truly awe-inspiring. The temple displays a lot of images from the Hindu and Jain Mythology. The profusion of petals, lotus buds, and flowers carved on the ceilings and pillars lend a distinctive look to the temple. Carved corridors, courtyards, arches, and porticos are other distinctive features of the temple.

Tijara Jain Temple Alwar : Known as an Atishaya Kshetra (Place of Salvation).During an excavation in 1956 the main deity of Chandra Prabhu, the eighth Tirthankar was found and the temple was established. The 15 inches idol of Chandra Prabhu in Padmasana Mudra looks very beautiful and is made of white marble. This idol was installed on the 3rd day of Vishakha Shukla V.S 1554, as per the inscription. Later another 8 inches black idol of Chandra Prabhu was discovered in the similar lotus posi ition in the year 1972. This was found under the expert supervision of Pujya Acharya Nirmal Sagarji Maharaj. The place regained as a pilgrimage after both the idols were installed.

The temple is rectangular in shape which gives a beautiful look to its architecture with a sky-high pinnacle. The big hall inside has a capacity to hold 2000 persons at a time. The interiors were done beautifully with glass work and colorful paintings depicting the mythological stories.

There is a strong belief that all the prayers done with true intensions were answered here and the ‘Kundli Dust’ even work like a remedy for all the sorrows and disease.

                            Jain religious sites in Rajasthan comprise of several interesting temples that are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. Jainism has always been an important religious sect in India and while on a tour to Rajasthan one can guess the impact it had on the people of the sub-continent. Rajasthan, however, is one place which also houses different other religious sites belonging to the Hindus as well as Islam. Most of the Jain shrines religious monuments are built with white marble. One probable reason for this may be that white represents purity and sacredness. As pieces of art these are remarkable too.