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. This temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture - quite contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain temples which were highly ornamented and richly carved. It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols of Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches.The temple is a vast complex costructed with white sandstone, and has cupolas of red sandstone along with the chhatris & spires visible from all around.A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as high as 32 feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira have been consecrated. It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights illuminate the entire complex. The best time to visit is March-April. |
