The Jain temple are basically of two types; With a dome and without a dome. The remarkable pillars, intricate designs, architecture, carved ceilings, masterpieces of layouts reflect the irresistible charm. Each temple an oasis of peace, would you like to visit the Jain temples of India that mark the widespread existence of Jainism?
Jainism, which originated thousands of years ago, is one of the oldest religions in India. This religion is one such religion in the spiritual land of India, whose followers follow three basic principles - non-violence, forgiveness and non-attachment. About 4.2 million Jain followers in India and around 6 to 12 million worldwide, who make up less than one percent of the population, claim a rich heritage and spirituality. At present, the followers of Jainism worship four of the 24 Tirthankaras, mainly: Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha- initiator of Jainism), Parshvanatha (also known as Parshva or Paras), Neminatha (Nemi and Arishtanemi) and Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and the most prominent).
India is indeed a hub of diversity and is home to many Jain temples with a rich heritage that mark their widespread existence across the country. Here is a list of the 10 awe-inspiring Jain temples in India, however, are not exhaustive.
1 of 10 - Dilwara Temples
Located about 2.5 kilometres from Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples is a complex of five separate Jain temples structures built in the middle of a forest; Each is endowed with unique architectural splendor. It is world famous for its excellent use of marble which is known for its impeccable architecture. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the temple was built by Vimal Shah and exquisitely designed by Vastupala, the Jain minister of Dholka. The group of five temples in the complex include Vimal Vasahi Temple, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Shri Parshvanatha Temple and Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple; In which Luna Vasahi Temple and Vimal Vasahi Temple are adorned with intricate marble carvings. All the temples have finely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and artistically done decorative details on the panels; You will need to spend hours contemplating their beauty. But you must take a few moments to admire the scenic natural beauty around the temple complex.
Location : Mount Abu, Rajasthan
2 of 10 - Ranakpur Jain Temple
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| Ranakpur Jain Temple dedicated to the initiator of Jainism, Adinatha © Ramakant Sharda / Pixabay |
Dedicated to the initiator of Jainism, Ranakpur Jain Temple or also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, is a Svetambara Jain temple located in Ranakpur village of Pali district In the Aravalli Hills between Jodhpur and Udaipur in Rajasthan. Built in the 15th century by Jain businessman Darna Shah, the three-storey temple structure made of marble is world famous for its intricate architectural style. Truly a sight to behold, every inch of the temple is embellished. Supported by 1,444 carved marble pillars, the temple is decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, geometrics, scroll art, floral patterns and Jain scriptures. Also Particular attention should be paid to the distinctive domes, shikharas, turrets, and cupolas. Most notably, all the pillars are ornately carved separately and no two pillars will see similarities – the pillars keep changing their shades as the day progresses.
Location : Ranakpur, Rajasthan
3 of 10 - Bawangaja Temple
Bawangaja is a famous Jain temple located in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh in India, is considered a holy destination for the Jain community. About 6 kilometers south of the Narmada River, the site has the world's second largest megalithic statue of Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara, the initiator of Jainism. Standing in yoga posture at a height of 4000 feet, this gigantic statue is 26 meters high (84 feet) which is carved out of a single mountain; The centre is located in Satpura range jagged area. Many great saints observed penance at this place. Built around the 12th century, the temple complex includes 11 other Jain temples apart from the colossal idol. The structural style of the idol exhibits exquisite artistry and is more similar to the statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. The natural beauty of the area is eye-catching.
Location : Barwani, Madhya Pradesh
4 of 10 - Palitana Temples
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| The Palitana group of temples located atop the Shatrunjaya Hill © Bhavyesh Acharya / Wiki Commons |
One of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains, the Palitana Temple Complex is a massive temple complex located atop the Shatrunjaya hill in the southwest of Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. A great tourist attraction of the state of Gujarat which is considered sacred by Svetambara Jains. According to legend, it is believed that 23 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras sanctified this hill with their presence. There are 863 Jain temples within the entire temple complex which are exquisitely carved in marble; Some of these are huge temples, while most of the temples are small in size. The Palitana temple complex is extremely outstanding, the main temple being dedicated to Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. To reach the main temple it is necessary to climb 3500 stone steps which is a heavy accent but also a unique journey; Dholis (chairs) carried by porters are available for those who are unable to walk to the temple. And one thing, no one is allowed to stay overnight in the temple premises, not even the priests as it is the abode of God.
Location : Palitana, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
5 of 10 - Girnar Jain Temples
Girnar Jain Temple, Group Temple of Jainism is located at an altitude of about 3,507 feet on the holy mountain of Girnar in Junagadh district, Gujarat. The temple is considered sacred by the two major branches of Jainism - Digambara and Svetambara Jain communities.It is famous for its spiritual importance and a group of Jain temples are spread over about two-thirds of the mountain. About 10,000 stairs will have to be climbed to reach the top of the temple complex, although this is not an easy journey. If a devotee cannot climb up to the top, then ‘palkhis’ are also available for them at the foot of the mountain. Around 16 temples are scattered in the temple complex and the grandest and oldest temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath. According to Jain religious beliefs, he is believed to have renounced all worldly pleasures after seeing the slaughter of animals at his wedding and came to this mountain and attained enlightenment here and after attained salvation. The existing temple was built around the 12th century.
Location : Mount Girnar, Junagadh, Gujarat
6 of 10 - Sonagiri Temples
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| The Sonagiri temples is home to more than 100 Jain temples © Rzen / Wiki Commons |
Sonagiri in Datia District, about 60 km from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a sacred Jain pilgrimage center that is home to more than 100 Jain temples. Spread over 132 acres, these temples were built in the mid-9th and 10th centuries. Most of the temples are built atop the hill while the rest of the temples are established in a village. Sonagiri is a major pilgrimage site of the Digambar Jain community and the exterior of the spotless white temple scattered on the hill is worth seeing. While the 57th Jain temple built on the hill is the most prominent and oldest on Sonagiri. The 11 feet tall statue of Chandraprabhu, the 8th Tirthankara on the hill, is as the main deity of the temple which is in meditative posture. This place is also famous among devotees and ascetic saints to attain self-discipline, austerity and salvation to get rid of the cycle of life and death; It is believed that about 5.5 crore saints have attained Nirvana here. Devotees need to climb 300 stairs to reach the top of the temple, which is well worth it.
Location : Datia, Madhya Pradesh
7 of 10 - Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir
Bada Mandir is a historic Jain temple in Jabalpur on the shores of Hanumantal Lake, which includes 22 white colored shrines built in the 17th century and later renovated the temple in the 19th century. The grand structure of the temple appears like a fortress known for its magnificent architecture - one of the major center of Jabalpur. The temple is a treasure trove of stories; The temple has many images from the Kalachuri period (10-12th century) to modern times, including a remarkable sculpture of Lord Adinatha. It is the only temple in which there is a idol of Jain Goddess Padmavati which is particularly noticeable for its glass work. This is the place from where the annual Jain procession begins on lord Mahavir's birthday.
Location : Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
8 of 10 - Gomateshwara Temple
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| The Monolithic statue of Gomateshwara, 57 feet high and 26 feet wide © Ananth H V / Wiki Commons |
Gomateshwara Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to the son of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism located at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district of Karnataka, commonly known as the Bahubali Temple. Bahubali is also known by other names including his names Kammateswara and Gommateshwara; He was the second son of Lord Adinatha and younger brother of Bharata Chakravartin. The monolithic statue of Gomateshwara, 57 feet high and 26 feet wide, is located on Vindhyagiri hills. The black stone statue of Gomateshwara is one of the largest monolithic sculptures in the world which was built in the 10th century AD by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Kingdom. Once every 12 years, Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held here in which the idol of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, vermilion and saffron paste. It is said that he meditated motionlessly in the standing posture for a year, during this time the climbing plants grew around his legs.
Location : Shravanbelagola, Hassan district, Karnataka
9 of 10 - Shri Sammed Shikharji
Shikharji is not only known for its temple but is bound to offer the most captivating views of its lofty spires - surrounded by mountains and lush green forests. The etymological meaning of the word Shikharji is 'Peak of concentration'. One of the holiest sites of Jainism, Shri Sammed Shikharji is a pilgrimage site located in Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. This holy place date back to the 18th century. Spread over a wide area of 200 square kilometres, the temple is built at an altitude of 4,490-feet peak called Parasnath Hill in the state of Jharkhand. There are many marble shrines on the hill, in which 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras are dedicated to the Tirthankaras who attained salvation here. The journey up to the temple complex is a bit long - a round trip of about 29 km. If there is difficulty in walking, Palanquins 'Palkhis' are available at the foot of the mountain.
Location : Parasnath Hill, Jharkhand
10 of 10 - Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
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| Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir just opposite the Red Fort at Chandni Chowk © Biswarup Ganguly / Wiki Commons |
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is one of the oldest and most striking sites in the capital of India, the holiest Jain temple located just opposite the Red Fort at the intersection of Netaji Subhas Marg and Chandni Chowk. The temple built in 1656 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, was constructed using red sandstone; Therefore, the grand temple is also known as the Lal Mandir or the 'Red Temple'. The temple's structural style, displays exquisite architecture with glided roofs, and intricate carvings and is covered with colorful frescoes. The temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara Lord Parshvanath.
Location : Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi
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