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Lal Mandir
Located
just opposite the massive Red Fort, the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
is the oldest and best known Jain temple in Delhi. Originally built in
1526, the temple has undergone many alterations and additions in the
past and was enlarged in the early 19th century. The imposing red
sandstone temple is also known as Lal Mandir. 6
Sonagiri
The
small town of Sonagiri (literally, the golden peak) is situated on a
hill in central India. Several spotless white Jain temples are scattered
around Sonagiri. Both pilgrims and tourists are required to climb the
300 steps to the top bare-footed. Once at the top, travelers can marvel
at the view of countless white temples and chhatris (domes) whichever
way you look.
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Khajuraho Jain Temples
The
village of Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations
in India. Its numerous Hindu and Jain temples are famous for their
erotic sculpture. The temples were built over a span of 200 years, from
950 to 1150. During the Chandella rule, Khajuraho was home to a large
and flourishing Jain community. The Jains apparently lived on the east
side of town and a number of Jain temples have survived in this part of
Khajuraho. Two of the large temples still stand in a good state of
preservation.
Gomateshwara Temple
The
monolithic statue of Gomateshwara stands on a hill in the city of
Shravanabelagola. Gomateshwara was the second son of Lord Adinatha, the
first of the 24 Tirthankara (enlightened human). The 17.38 meter (58
ft) high monolithic stone statue is regarded as one of the largest
monolithic statues in the world. It was created around 983 AD by
Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Kingdom. Once in 12 years the
Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held and the statue of Gomateshwara is
bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
Dilwara Temples
Located
near Mount Abu (Rajasthans’ only hill station), the Dilwara temples
are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The ornamental detail
spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and
panels is simply amazing. There are 5 Jain temples here, each with its
own unique identity and named after the small village in which it is
located. All the temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty between the
11th and 13th centuries.
Palitana
The
city of Palitana is a major pilgrimage center for Jains. The temples of
Palitana are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place in Jainism.
There are hundreds of Jain temples located on the sacred Mount
Shatrunjaya, exquisitely carved in marble. They were built by
generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century
onwards. The top is reached by climbing 3,572 steps, a heavy 2 hour
accent.
Ranakpur Temple
Dedicated
to Adinatha, the Jain Temple in Ranakpur rises majestically from the
slope of a hill. The temple is supported by over 1444 marble pillars,
carved in exquisite detail. The pillars are all differently carved and
no two pillars are the same. The construction of the temple and
quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara’s conquest of the four
cardinal directions and hence the cosmos. The dating of this temple is
controversial but it was probably built between the late 14th and
mid-15th centuries.
