Jainism in India is followed more than 4.2 million people and is known as a religion which talks about pacifism and a non-violent path for all living beings. Jainism believes that the purpose of one's life should be to undo the negative effects that might come from one's karma through a purification of both mind and body. Jain temples are usually built using marble stone. Here are 7 most famous Jain temples in India:
1. Dilwara Temple, Rajasthan
This is one of the finest Jain temple one can visit which is located near the hill station Mount Abu in Rajasthan. It has five marble temples which are considered sacred by the Jains. It is said to have been built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Vastupal Tejpal and is known for its work of art as well. The simplicity of Jainism is also reflected in the simple architecture of this building.
2. Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka
It is one of the largest temple in the state of Karnataka with a 60 feet tall and 26 feel wide statue of Bahubali the second son of Lord Adinatha, also known as Gomateshwara, which makes it one of the largest monolithic statues of the world. It is said to have been build in 10th century AD by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chamundaraya. It has also been voted as the first of seven wonders of India by the Indians. Once in every 12 years, people celebrate the Mahamastakabhisheka festival by bathing the statue in curd, milk, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
3. Lal Mandir, Delhi
It is the oldest and best known Jain temple in the capital city of India dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, and is situated right opposite to the Red Fort near the famous Chandni Chowk. It is said to have been originally built in 1656 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and also houses a Birds charity hospital.
4. Shikarji Temple, Jharkhand
Situated on the Parasnath hills in Giridih district of Jharkhand, it is also known as Teerthraj (King of Teerths) since it is the salvation place of 20 Teerthankaras and a lot many saints. It covers an area of 200 square km and stands at a height of 4429 feet among barren and agricultural plain.
5. Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan
Counted as the most visited religious place in India and acclaimed as a superb and intricate architectural piece world-wide, this temple is located in the Pali district of Rajasthan between Udaipur and Jodhpur and is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. It is said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah with aid from Rana Kumbha and its construction has been documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate.
6. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
The village of Khajuraho is a popular destination for tourists because of its numerous Hindu and Jain temples with erotic sculptures. During the reign of Chandella, the village was home to a large Jain community who lived on the eastern part of the town and it is in this part of Khajuraho that one finds these Jain temples. They are said to have been built over a span of 200 years and reflect the medieval architecture well.
7. Palitana Temple, Gujarat
It is indeed one of the greatest tourist attraction in the state of Gujarat. The temple is situated on the Shatrunjaya hill in the Bhavnagar district and the Shatrunjaya hill is considered very sacred by the Jains and has hundreds of temples. The temples are dedicated to Lord Adinatha and were built as an abode for the divine which is why no one is allowed to stay overnight there, not even the priests. The city has 863 temples that are carved from marble and one needs to walk 3500 steps to reach the main temple of the city.