The HERMENEUTIC EXPOSITION OF THE JAIN

TEMPLE CLUSTER AT KHAJURAHO

‘Dr Uday Dokras

Ms Kinjal Shah
Jainism is religion as well as a beautiful concept. Jainism is having its own significant history,
contemporary art and architectural style. Also there are many universal concepts been derived
and illustrated in Jainism.

Jain temples are everywhere in India. Jainism is basically a way of living that has merged itself
with the culture around. In Jainism there are only rules and regulations that enhances the seven
points of enlightment in human being, also Jainism is a step towards conservation of nature and
the planet earth.

Generally in every state there are Jain tourism spots (majorly at the highest point of every state)
like

 Dilwada Temple, Mount abu, Rajasthan

 Ksharavanvelgola, Karnataka
 Shikharji, Bihar
 Girnarji, Gujrat
 Akshardham, Delhi
 Kundalpur, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh
and many more. Jain tourism provides all the facilities inside the premises. Mainly Jain
architecture is a composition of huge stones placed to form a structure, there are identical shapes,
elements and components in it.

There is an entire literature about Jainism available online, if you are packing your bags for a
tour, there are many options around the world (Mainly southern asia) to choose from.
Jain doctrine teaches that Jainism has always existed and will always exist. Like most
ancient Indian religions, Jainism has its roots from the Indus Valley civilization, reflecting
native spirituality prior to the Indo-Aryan migration into India. Other scholars suggested
the Shramana traditions were separate and contemporaneous with Indo-Aryan religious
practices of the historical Vedic religion. In August 2005, the Supreme Court of India ruled
that Jainism, Sikhism (and Buddhism) are distinct religions but are inter-connected and inter-
related to Hinduism, so these three are part of wider broader Hindu religion, based on the
historic background on how the Constitution had come into existence after. However, in the
2006 verdict, the Supreme Court found that the "Jain Religion is indisputably not a part of the
Hindu Religion"

Why do Jains have temples?

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Jains, the believers of Jainism are known fOr magnificent temples. The question is why Jains
prefer having or constructing temples instead of praying at home.

Three reasons

1. Jains believe in teachings of 24 divine Tirthankaras, last being Mahavir for the current
era is believed to have lived 2600 years ago, since there is no Tirthankara at present,
there's no pious assembly i.e Shamavsharan where Tirthankaras give sermons, temples
in Jainism is mere representation of that preaching hall, a replica of Tirthankaras sabha,
Jain's believe that In temple they can feel the auspiciousness and peace similar to
which was present when Tirthankaras were dwelling this very earth.
2. Jains also believe that no matter how much we try at home, it's near to impossible to
create that sacred environment at home like we get in temple. At home we do many
works which aren't appropriate like we gossip, people bitch, eat, fight, make love, poop
and what not. The energy levels and environment at home is quite not suitable. This
simply doesn't make home a good place for meditation and aren't sanct enough to keep
idols.
3. Walking to a temple is putting an effort, reaching a temple is significant dedication and
performing pooja bhakti meditation or reading scriptures is determination. With the
beginning of thought 'lets go to temple’ one gets an directed orientation, an aim is
generated and efforts followed. Once the task is performed the peace and satisfaction is
one that's acheived.

These are some of the many reasons why Jains have temples, why they prefer worship away from
their homes in beautifully constructed temples. And I find these reasons quite amazing.

Jain temple, New Delhi, India.

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The elements of Jain architecture are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and
emphasis on symmetry and proportion.

 With regard to architecture, the Jains adopted the local building traditions
of Vaishnava and Dravidian styles while evolving their style.
 The exquisite Jain architecture consists of caves, temples, monasteries and other
structures.
 In ancient times, they received great patronage under the ruling dynasties
of Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and other kingdoms.

Types of Jain architectures

 Stupa (Chaitya)
 Layana (Caves)
 Jinalaya (Temples)

Stupa (Chaitya)

 The Jains erected them for devotional purposes.

 The earliest Jain stupa was built in the 8th century BCE, before the Jina Parsvanatha.
 Structure: Jain stupa has a peculiar cylindrical three-tier structure that is quite
reminiscent of the Samavasarana, by which it was replaced as an object of worship.
 As used in Jain inscriptions, the name for a stupa is the standard word "thupe".
 Mathura Jain Stupas: A Jain stupa dated to the 1st century BCE-1st Kankali Tila
moundcentury CE was excavated at Mathura in the 19th century, in the .
 Ayagapatas: The Jain devotional reliefs, called Ayagapatas, show a probable design
of the Jain stupa.
o The stupa drum is set on a high platform and accessed by a flight of stairs and
an ornate torana gate, quite similar in style to the toranas of Sanchi.
o The drum of the stupa is elongated and cylindrical and formed of three
superposed tiers separated by railings and decorated bands.
o The platform may have been squared, with Persepolitan-type columns in
each corner.
o On the Vasu Ayagapata, one of the Persepolitan pillars is surmounted by
a Dharmachakra wheel, and the other pillar was probably surmounted by an
animal, as seen in other similar Ayagapatas.

Layana (Caves)

 Caves, the earlier architecture found in Maharashtra, are of the Digambara Jain
sect.
 These are found from the 6th century during the Chalukya period and continued
during the Rashtrakuta period.
 Rock-cut architecture: The method of building a structure by cutting it out of raw is
known as rock-cut architecture.
o It is done by excavating solid rock where it naturally exists to create
structures, buildings, and sculptures.

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 o Temples, tombs, and caves were the principal rock-cut architecture
applications.

Jain Caves
Name Description
Ellora Caves (Maharashtra)  Cave numbers 30-35 at Ellora are Jain caves carved
in the 10th century.
 These caves belong to the Digambara sect.
 All of the Ellora monuments were built during
the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
 Emphasis is placed on the depiction of the twenty-
four Jinas.
 The Jain caves contain some of the
earliest Samavasarana images among their
devotional carvings.
 Pairing of sacred figures in Jainism,
specifically Parsvanatha and Bahubali.
 Other artworks of significance include those of the
deities Sarasvati, Sri, Saudharmendra,
Sarvanubhuti, Gomukha, Ambika, Cakresvari,
Padmavati, Ksetrapala, and Hanuman.

Udaygiri Caves (Odisha)  There are 18 caves in Udayagiri, and the most
important is Rani Gumpha.
o This cave is occupied by the Queen of
Lalakendu, Kesari.
o It contains scriptures depicting the victory
march of King Kharavela.
 Ganesh Gumpha Cave: Carvings in this cave tell
the story of the Princess of Ujjayini with King
Udayana of Kausambi
o This cave has two giant statues of elephants
carrying garlands at the entrance.

Sittanavasal Caves (Tamil  The monument is a rock-cut monastery or temple.

Nadu)  Created by Tamil Sramana, it is called the Arivar
Koil and is a rock-cut cave temple of the Arihant.
 It contains remnants of notable frescoes from the
7th century.
 Ancient structures such as Gol
Gumbaz, Talagirisvara Temple, and this one are

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 claimed to be relatively unappreciated.
 The Sittanavasal Cave is listed as one of
the Adarsh Smarak Monuments by the
Archaeological Survey of India.
 The temple cave was initially dated to Pallava
King Mahendravarman I (580–630 AD) before
converting from Jainism to Hinduism as a Shaivite.

Jinalaya (Temples)

Jain temple architecture is a style of temple architecture that developed as a part of Jainism.
This ancient Indian religion emphasizes on non-violence and respect for all living things.

 Each element of Jain temples, like Mandapa, Garbhagriha, Mukhmandapa,

Shikhar, Devakoshta etc, are designed to create a peaceful and harmonious
atmosphere for meditation and worship.
 Some key elements of Jain temple architecture include:

 Jain temples have numerous pillars with a well-designed structure, forming squares.
 The squares thus formed create chambers, which are used as small chapels and
contain the image of a deity.
 From these pillars, there are richly carved brackets that emerge at about two-thirds
of their height.
 The only architectural variation specific to Jain temples is the frequently seen four-
faced or Chaumukh design.

 Types of Jain temples: There are mainly two types of Jain temples: Shikar-bandhi
Jain temple and Ghar Jain temple.

Features Shikar-bandhi Jain temple Ghar Jain temple

Size of They are more traditional and large temples. These are smaller, more
temple intimate temples meant to
be used as personal shrines
within a household.
Structural  Dome-like structure (Shikhar) on top. These temples do not have a
features  These temples often have multiple levels and dome and are typically less
large, elaborate entrance ornate than Shikar-bandhi
halls (mandapas) with intricate carvings and temples.
sculptures
 They have many marble pillars carved
beautifully with demi-gold posture.

Serves as The central shrine in a Shikar-bandhi temple houses They are used for daily

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 an image of a Tirthankara, and the temple serves prayers and rituals.
as a gathering place for Jain devotees.

Types of Jain temples

Jain Religious Sites

Places Description
Dilwara Temple (Rajasthan)  There are two major temple complexes.
o One was built around 1030 A.D.
by Vimala Shah, dedicated to the first
Tirthankara.
o The second one was dedicated to
the Tirthankara Neminatha and was
founded around 1230 A.D.
by Tejapala.
 Each temple complex stands in a rectangular
walled area decorated with statues in niches
around the circumference.
 They are famous for using pure white
marble and intricate marble carvings.

Ranakpur temple (Rajasthan)  Built by Darna Shah in 1437 CE.

 It is a Svetambara Jain temple dedicated to
Tirthankara Rishabhdev.
 It is famous for its intricate carvings and
unique architecture (Maru-Gurjara
architecture).

Temples (Gujarat)  They are large groups of Jain temples.

 These temples were built in and after the 11th
century CE.
 It is one of the most sacred sites of
the Svetambara tradition.
 The main temple is dedicated to Rishabhdev.

Mount Mangi Tungi (Maharashtra)  Numerous temples are considered sacred in

Jainism.
 It enshrines images of Tirthankaras in several
postures, including Padmasana and
Kayotsarga.

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  In 2016, the Statue of Ahimsa, a 108 ft idol
carved in monolithic stone, was consecrated
here, and it is recorded in the Guinness Book
of World Records as the tallest Jain idol in the
world.
 Ram and Hanuman attained moksha from
Mount Mangi Tungi.

Shikharji (Jharkhand)  It is located on Parasnath Hill.

 important Jain Tirtha by both Digambara and
Svetambara.
 It is where twenty of the twenty-four Jain
Tirthankaras attained Moksha.
 The current structure of temples at Shikharji
was rebuilt by Jagat Seth in 1768 CE.

Khajuraho Group of  They are a group of Hindu and Jain temples.

Monuments (Madhya Pradesh)  The Jain temples are located in the east-
southeast region of the Khajuraho
monuments.
 Most were built between 885 CE and 1000 CE
by the Chandela dynasty.
 The temples are famous for their Nagara-style
architectural symbolism and a few erotic
sculptures.
 They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jain religious sites

Paintings

One facet of Jain art is painting, generally known as miniature paintings because most
pictures are rendered in small sizes. Jain miniature paintings were developed all over India in
the 7th century A.D. and reached maturity during the 15th century A.D.

Jain Paintings
Mural Paintings  The work on walls or solid structures is
called murals.
 The manuscript text most frequently illustrated is
the Kalpa Sutra, which contains the biographies
of the Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and
Mahavira.

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 o The illustrations are square-ish panels set
in the text, with "wiry drawing" and
"brilliant, even jewel-like color."
 Rishabha, the first Tirthankara, is usually
depicted in either the lotus position or
kayotsarga, the standing position.

Western Indian style of painting  The Western Indian style prevailed in the region
comprising Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Malwa.
 Features: certain physical traits, such as eyes,
breasts, and hips, are enlarged.
o Figures are flat, with the angularity of
features and the further eye protruding
into space.
o palm-leaf was used for the manuscripts.
o The Kalpasutra and the Kalakacharya-
Katha, the two very popular Jain texts,
were repeatedly written and illustrated
with paintings.

Sittanavasal Paintings  Famous for its fresco-secco technique with

many mineral colors.
 The painting themes depict a beautiful lotus pond
and flowers, people collecting lotuses from the
pond, two dancing figures, lilies, fish, buffaloes,
and elephants.
 The paintings are on the theme of Jain
Samasvasarana, the most attractive heavenly
pavilion, referring to the attainment of Nirvana
and Khatika Bhumi.

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Architecture

Jal Mandir, Shikharji///Ranakpur Jain temple built in 15th century///Lodhurva Jain temple

Saavira Kambada Basadi//Luna Vasahi, Dilwara Temples//Palitana temples

Like Buddhists, Jains participated in Indian rock-cut architecture from a very early date.
Remnants of ancient jaina temples and monasteries temples can be found all around India,
and much early Jain sculpture is reliefs in these. Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, and the Jain
temples at Dilwara near Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Jain tower in Chittor, Rajasthan is a
good example of Jain architecture

Modern and medieval Jains built many Jain temples, especially in western India. In particular
the complex of five Dilwara Temples of the 11th to 13th centuries at Mount
Abu in Rajasthan is a much-visited attraction. The Jain pilgrimage in Shatrunjay hills near
Patilana, Gujarat is called "The city of Temples". Both of these complexes use the style of
Solanki or Māru-Gurjara architecture, which developed in west India in the 10th century in
both Hindu and Jain temples, but became especially popular with Jain patrons, who kept it in
use and spread it to some other parts of India. It continues to be used in Jain temples, now
across the world, and has recently revived in popularity for Hindu temples.

A Jain temple or Derasar is the place of worship for Jains, the followers of Jainism.[11] Jain
architecture is essentially restricted to temples and monasteries, and secular Jain buildings
generally reflect the prevailing style of the place and time they were built. Derasar is a word
used for a Jain temple in Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. Basadi is a Jain shrine or temple in
Karnataka. The word is generally used in South India. Its historical use in North India is
preserved in the names of the Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples of Mount Abu. The
Sanskrit word is vasati, it implies an institution including residences of scholars attached to
the shrine.

Temples may be divided into Shikar-bandhi Jain temples, public dedicated temple buildings,
normally with a high superstructure, typically a north Indian shikhara tower above the shrine)
and the Ghar Jain temple, a private Jain house shrine. A Jain temple which is known as a
pilgrimage centre is often termed a Tirtha.

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The main image of a Jain temple is known as a mula nayak[ A Manastambha (column of
honor) is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples. It has four 'Moortis' i.e.
stone figures of the main god of that temple. One facing each direction: North, East, South
and West.

Jain paintings

Depiction of Tirthankars- The most voluminous and important aspect of idolatery and
paintings of the Jains is depicting the HOLY MEN. A tirthankara or Jina is represented either
seated in lotus position (Padmasana) or standing in the meditation Khadgasana (Kayotsarga)
posture. This latter, which is similar to the military standing at attention is a difficult posture
to hold for a long period, and has the attraction to Jains that it reduces to the minimum the
amount of the body in contact with the earth, and so posing a risk to the sentient creatures
living in or on it. If seated, they are usually depicted seated with their legs crossed in front,
the toes of one foot resting close upon the knee of the other, and the right hand lying over the
left in the lap

Tirthanakar images do not have distinctive facial features, clothing or (mostly) hair-styles,
and are differentiated on the basis of the symbol or emblem (Lanchhana) belonging to each
tirthanakar except Parshvanatha. Statues of Parshvanath have a snake crown on the head. The
first Tirthankara Rishabha can be identified by the locks of hair falling on his shoulders.
Sometimes Suparshvanath is shown with a small snake-hood. The symbols are marked in the
centre or in the corner of the pedestal of the statue. The sects of
Jainism Digambara and Śvetāmbara have different depictions of idols. Digambara images are
naked without any ornamentation, whereas Śvetāmbara ones may be clothed and in worship
may be decorated with temporary ornaments. The images are often marked with Srivatsa on
the chest and Tilaka on the forehead. Srivatsa is one of the ashtamangala (auspicious
symbols). It can look somewhat like a fleur-de-lis, an endless knot, a flower or diamond-
shaped symbol.

The bodies of tirthanakar statues are exceptionally consistent throughout the over 2,000 years
of the historical record. The bodies are rather slight, with very wide shoulders and a narrow
waist. Even more than is usual in Indian sculpture, the depiction takes relatively little interest
in the accurate depiction of the underlying musculature and bones, but is interested in the
modelling of the outer surfaces as broad swelling forms. The ears are extremely elongated,
suggesting the heavy earrings the figures wore in their early lives before they took the path to
enlightenment, when most were wealthy if not royal.

Sculptures with four tirthanakars, or their heads, facing in four directions, are not uncommon
in early sculpture, but unlike the comparable Hindu images, these represent four different
tirthanakars, not four aspects of the same deity. Multiple extra arms are avoided in tirthanakar
images, though their attendants or guardians may have them.

Jain Sculptural Reliefs

The brilliance of the Jain sculptures can be seen from the delicate images of the Jain
Tirthankaras. The sculpture can depict any of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, with images
depicting Parshvanatha, Rishabanatha, or Mahavira being more popular.

Mathura School of Sculptures:

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This school was developed around Mathura, an important city on the Uttarapatha and the
second capital of the Kushanas.

 The images discovered here belong to all three religions: Buddhism, Brahmanism and
Jainism.
o These were created using red spotted sandstone, readily available in the
nearby Aravalli region.

 Features of Jain sculptures in Mathura school:

o They depict Jina in a seated or standing pose.
o The standing Jina is straight, with hands long enough to reach the knee.
o The seated Jina is in padmasana (lotus position or cross-legged posture) with
hands in dhyana mudra. They are generally nude.
o Jaina venerates 24 Tirthankaras who are distinguished by different emblems
on their throne or chest: a lion for Mahavira, a bull for Rishabh etc.
o They also donated reliefs to the stupa, known as ayagapatas, in the form of
square slabs depicting Jina stupa, swastika, twin fish symbols, various scenes
etc.
 Jain sculptures have been recovered from a ruined stupa at Kankali Tila.
o Kankali Tila is a mound located in Mathura.
o Numerous Jain sculptures, Ayagapattas, and pillars were found here during
excavations.

Examples of Jain Sculptures

 Lohanipur torso: It is a polished sandstone statue in Patliputra, Bihar, representing

a Jain Tirthankara in a damaged state.
 Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments: located around the walls of Gwalior
Fort, Madhya Pradesh.
o They depict Tirthankaras in seated Padmasana posture and Kayotsarga
posture in typical naked form.
 Vasantgarh hoard: it is located in Rajasthan; evidence shows a strong foothold of
Jainism in this area as 240 Jain bronze idols were discovered.
o Idols of this hoard show images of Tirthankara, sashandevatas (yaksha and
yakshi) and Jain deities in Shwetambar iconography.

TYPES

According to Sramana (Jaina) scriptures,

Chaityas(Jinalaya/Jain temple) are classified into two types-

1. Krutrim Chaityas
2. Akrutrim Chaityas
Krutrim Chaityas are that which are made by humans and celestial beings and
are subjected to destruction with time(Ashashwat).

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Akrutrim Chaityas are that which are not made by anyone(Anadhinidhan). They are not
subjected to destruction with time(Shashwat).In the Akrutrim Chaityas, there are 4-sided
(Chaumukhi) idols of only the 4 Shashwat
Jinas i.e Rushabhanan, Chandranan, Vardhamanan and Varishen. They are worshipped by
the Vyantar, Vaimanik,Bhavanvasi and Jyotish devas(celestial beings).

In the 3 worlds i.e Upper world(Urdhwa lok), Middle world(Madhya lok) and Lower
world(Adho lok), there are many Krutrim Chaityas and Akrutrim Chaityas.

In the Chaitya-vandana Sutra, there are mentions to the exact number of Akrutrim Chaityas
in the 3 worlds as they are fixed in number and do not vary with time.

Whereas the number of Krutrim Chaityas are not fixed in number and vary with time.

What is the difference between a Jain temple and a Vaishnava temple?

1.A Gujarati/ Rajasthani in Western India visualises the architect of a temple in a different way
than a Bengali in Eastern India.

2.I don't think Vardhman Mahavir proposed idol worship, forget about worshipping him in a
temple.

3.Sects influenced a lot of differences within themselves: Digambharas and Sverambharas;

Vaishnavites and Sri Vaishnavites.

How do Hindu temples differ from Buddhist or Jain temples?

“Hindu” means Indian.

So asking how are “Hindu temples” different from Bauddha or Jaina temples is meaningless.
After all, Bauddha and Jaina are Hindu darsana, with their own sampradaya.

You could instead reword it to: How are Bauddha and Jaina temples different to the temples of
the other sampradaya like Sikhi, Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnava and so on.

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You could say that there is no difference since all temples are a focal point for the community
which they serve. And the purpose of all temples is to educate you “about yourself” and by
inference, your dharma!

However there is an essential difference.

Vaishnava temples for example educate the masses through a visual representation of the nature
of reality, with the sanctum containing the material representation or vigraha of the focal point of
practices, which is nothing but a “higher human ideal” that defines a path to the ultimate
objective, which is moksha. It also educates you on the other ideals and qualities (represented by
other deities) essential to realizing your objective through mnemonic narratives (folklore)
associated with the main deity.

Bauddha and Jaina temples instead focus on educating scholars (monks) of their tradition on the
teachings of the Buddha and the Jaina Tirthankaras and are hence usually part of a larger complex
that houses the students and teachers.

While the education in Vaishnava temples involves passive learning, those in Bauddha and Jaina
temples involve active learning. Active learning for scholars in the Vaishnava tradition happens
only in a Gurukula.
Miscellania
What is the difference between Jain Agama of Digambara and Jain Agama of
Shvetambara?

Aagama means, knowledge which gandhara has learned from Tirathankara and then
translated/converted them into sutra (prakrut/sanskrit language) form, those sutra we known as
Aagama.

So Shvetambara sect believe in 45/32 Aagama, based on their belief as it’s speech/knowledge of
tirathankara. Shwetambar agams sometimes consider vyavahaar nay, which is practical point of
view.

As per my knowledge, Digambar sect puts more emphasis on nishchay nay. Nishchay nay may
be defined as ideal situation or idealistic point of view.

However, most Jainism writers, while writing explanation, put a note about the different opinions
(if there are any). They conclude such notes with a statement ‘Tattva Kevali Gamya, which
means only omniscient people know the truth.

There are very few such opinions which differ, say just one percent. Such differences are seen
when we refer to explanations of original scriptures, written by various scholars. Many times,
people like me prefer to go with the opinion that appears logically correct. Also, there are people
who refer to original scripture lines (ardha-maagadhi ones) and go by its meaning.Whereas
Digambara sect doesn’t believe in these, as per their belief Aagama got obsolete after 609 years
(as far as I remember) of Lord Mahaveer’s nirvana.
They have their own sutra (i don’t know what they call them) like Shatkhandagama, which is
written by their primitive aacharya. They have the same respect for these sutra as Shwetamabara
have for Aagama.
What is the difference between Hindu temple (Devalay) and Jain temple (Derasar)?

 Devalaya is a Sanskrit word - resident of God or house of God.

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  and Derasar is a Gujarati word which mean Temple. Both are same in view of worship of
God.
 Jain use word Derasar for Temple and worship to Arihanta and Siddha.
 and Devalaya is used for all temple belongs to Hindu or Jain or any other religion.

Why do Jains worship the Hindu God 'Ganesha'?

Jains never worship dietes followed by Hindus. Jains worship Veetragi dev (Jinendra dev). All
our Teerthankaras and every soul who attained salvation are Jinendra. Veetragi means free from
all kinds of attachment, both physical and mental. If you see Jain God's idol at Terapanthi
Digambar Jain temples, you will see that it's without clothes, ornaments, and weapons. There
won't be any devi besides it as God doesn't have wife. Nor does he have children, family, friends,
servants, any kind of property, or vehicle. He doesn't need anything. He is either in padmasan
posture with both hands in his lap or standing posture with both hands on side. His eyes are
neither open nor closed. It's Nasa dhrashti. It means looking at the tip of nose. Closed eyes are a
sign of lazyness and sleep while open eyes signifies raag (attachment) towards worldly and
materialistic life. Hence, the eyes of idol is set on the tip of the nose. It conveys that God is not
interested in worldly beings, worldly life, worldly pleasures or miseries or materials. He is
meditating in his own soul and he gets divine pleasure and eternal bliss in that. He is never
hungry or thirsty. He is never sleepy or tired. He never becomes ill. He never moves or travel. He
is not impressed by anyone nor he will be angry on anyone. He doesn't reward or punish. He is
neither creator nor destroyer. He is not a sustainer of the world either. He doesn't need anyone or
anything to be happy as he is experiencing eternal bliss in his own soul. That's how our souls are
too. Eternal bliss lies in our own soul but unlike Veetragi Lord Jinendra, we are not able to
experience it because our soul is bounded by karma since time imemmorial. Lord Jinendra had
destroyed all karma so he's experiencing eternal bliss. That's the reason we pray him. We don't
pray to beg for worldly pleasures like it's done in some other religions. We pray to show respect
towards him and we just wish that just like God destroyed all karma, may I get courage to do the
same. There is a saying “Jain mandir bhikshalay nahin, Shikshalay hai”. It means Jain temple
is not a place to beg for worldly pleasures. It is a place to learn to experience your soul to get
eternal bliss. You can only experience soul once you have complete self absorption and
detachment from the world and all kinds of worldly pleasures, people, and materialistic life.
When you neither have raag (love or attachment) nor dhwesh (anger or hatred) It's called
veetragta.

We don't refer idol as murti. We call it pratima which means reflection. Just like when you go
near mirror, you are not interested to see the mirror. You are interested to see your reflection.
Similarly, the purpose of praying idol is that we realize that our soul is just like this and if we
follow the footsteps of God, we can be God too just like him. Despite having eternal bliss in our
own soul, we try to find happiness in outside world. We have imagined that happiness is in
family, friends, spouse, children, food, money, sex, car, big house, luxuries, luxurious lifestyle,
good looks, fame, etc. But none last long. All those stuff just create illusion of happiness and
doesn't have real happiness.

Coming to the point, why Jains pray Ganesha? No we don't. Jain aagams do acknowledge Shri
Ram and Shri Krishna existed whom Hindus believe as God, but nowhere I found the mention of
Bhrahma, Vishnu, Shiv, Parvati, Ganesha, Kali Mata, etc. I have not seen any Jain temple where
there is idol of Ganesha. However, if any Jain temple has it, it's probably because he is believed
to be the yaksha of Teerthankar’s samavasaran according to some Jain people. However, I have

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not read about Shri Ganesha in any Jain texts. To know what is samavasaran, please
refer Samavasarana - Wikipedia and समवसरण की महिमा - ENCYCLOPEDIA

When Teerthankar attains kewal gyan (enlightenment) and becomes omniscient, the king of
heaven Indra orders Kuber dev to create samavasaran, a divine preaching hall where Teerthankar
preaches the path of salvation to human beings, heavenly beings, and animals. Yes, along with
human beings, animals and heavenly beings also come to hear the preachings of Teerthankara.
Many heavenly deities with supernatural power participate in samavasaran. Just like human
beings, they also come to hear the preachings of Teerthankaras. There are also yaksha and
yakshini in samavasaran who are one kind of heavenly deities. Some Jain temples may have idols
of kshetrapal, Padmavati devi, etc but those idols are not main. The main idol (mul nayak) is of
always Lord Jinendra (Teerthankar). The idols of heavenly deities are kept in the temple but most
Jains don't worship them. They just show respect to them. Those idols are kept in Jain
Temples just out of respect. It's like, you go to Temple to worship God but you also
appreciate people who contributed in the construction of temple. Similarly, Jains show
respect to those deities as they are also true followers of Teerthankaras, they took care of
Teerthankaras' samavasaran.

There are a few Jains who worship heavenly deities but that doesn't mean those deities are
God per Jainism. God is the one who is enlightened and who had achieved salvation. Those
heavenly beings are subject to birth and death, just like us. Their life span is much longer
than us and they also have supernatural powers as they are in heaven but their lifespan
eventually ends and they can be reborn as human, animal, or even as tree or plant based on
their karma. Heaven and hell are not eternal in Jainism. Many of the heavenly dieites
including yakshas and yakshinis in Teerthankara’s Samavasaran are samyag dhrashti (self-
realized) and they eventually attain salvation in their upcoming birth.

Those who worship deities for worldly pleasures, offers fruits and flowers to God, and
believes in decorating idol of Lord Jinendra actually doesn't know the true form of God. God
in Jainism - Wikipedia, The Concept of God in Jainism

Because such idols are found in Jain temples and because some sects of Jainism decorate
idols, stick chakshu, offer flowers and fruits, I believe it is misunderstood and misinterpreted
that Jainism is somewhat similar to Hinduism but it's not. It has nothing to do with Hinduism
or Buddhism or any other religion. The base ideology of God as creator, sustainer, destroyer,
punisher, or giver itself is not accepted in Jainism. Jainism is the only religion in the world
which says God isn't creator, sustainer, or destroyer of the world and doesn't punish or reward
anyone. We ourselves automatically bear fruit of our own karma, good or bad.

What is a Hindu-Jain temple?

Jain temple converted into a Hindu temple can be probably called Hindu - Jain temple.

This is Gnana Sarasvati temple in Basar. It used to be a Jain temple.

Sarasvati looks weird ?

She sure does, because it was a Tirthankara statue converted into Saraswati.

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Padmakshi temple was once a Jain temple, again a Tirthankar statue converted into Goddess
statue

7th Century Mahavira statue is morphed into Aadhali Amman. (Tamilnadu) It looks like this :
But, then we have this underneath :

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Dodappa Temple Karnataka :

Draw some Tripundra (Pattai) on the Tirthankara statue !

Mahamaya shaktipeeth Ratanpur Chhattisgarh :

Take a look at the door frame : how the Goddess looks :

This is a common pattern when Jain temples are taken over :

1. The Idol will be fully covered at all times

2. The face of the Idol will be covered with turmeric completely or it will have silver,
bronze or gold plating.
This is an account of how Jain caves were converted to Hindu temple from a Jain Blogger :

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Recently I visited Udaygiri-Khandgiri caves near Bhuvaneshwar in Orissa.... Lord
Parshwanath as Vishnu, Padmavati as Durga!(http://jainsamachar.blogspot.com/2008/04/lord-
parshwanath-as-vishnu-padmavati-as.html?m=1)

This was all done after Bhakti movement gained momentum and Jainism was rooted out from
the South.Some excerpts from the book :

It is an inherent quality of any religion to try and dominate others, take over their places of
worship. From Kabba to Angkor wat, the dominant faith has taken over the religious places
of worship of others.

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 Architecture of Jain temples

The Jain Temple architecture is a style that emerged as a part of Jainism,

an ancient Indian religion emphasising non-violence and respect for all
living things. Their basic yet graceful design and emphasis on symmetry
and proportion characterise Jain temples. Many these temples were
initially constructed alongside Buddhist temples in the rock-cut style.
Based on the idea of immortality mountains, Jains began building temple
cities on hills; being closer to the heavens would facilitate a deeper
connection with the divine.

Types of Jain Temple

There are 2 main types :

1. Shikar-bandhi Jain temple: These are the more traditional, larger
Jain temples that have a shikhar (dome-like structure) on top. Many
levels and large, elaborate entrance halls (mandapas) with intricate
carving and sculptures are found in these temples an image of a
Tirthankara is often seen in the center shrine of this temple, which
also serves as a gathering place for devotees.

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 Temple
Oshwal Centre_©Vrdah
1. Ghar Jain temple: They are more compact, intimate temples
designed to serve as personal shrines within a household. These
temples lack a dome and are often less detailed than Shikar-bandhi
temples. Despite their smaller size, Ghar temples are used for
everyday prayers and rituals.

Elements of Temple Architecture

The ideal plan of a Jain temple can differ depending on regional and
historical factors. There are various key elements found in the
architecture of temples.

1. Entrance: The entrance of the Jain temple is typically a large and

elaborately decorated portal that serves as the gateway to the
temple complex, adorned with carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions that
depict religious themes and symbols.
2. Mandapa: The mandapa is a pillared hall or portico that leads to the main
shrine. It serves as a gathering place for devotees and may be open on one
or more sides.
3. Garbhagriha: The garbhagriha is the innermost sanctuary of the temple,
where the main idol or image of the deity is present. It is usually a small
room with a single entrance.
4. Shikhar: The Shikhar is the ornate spire or dome rising above the
garbhagriha, decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
5. Chaumukha or Panchmukhi: Some temples have a central shrine with
four entrances, known as a chaumukha temple, while others have five
entrances, known as a panchmukhi temple. These entrances represent the
four or five directions of the universe.
6. Manastambha: The manastambha is a tall, columnar pillar often located
near the temple’s entrance. It is decorated with carvings and serves as a
symbol of Jainism’s emphasis on non-violence.

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Ideal plan of temple_©ArchiMonarch

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 Manastambha_©Vijay J
Sheth

The Jain Temple architecture is characterised by intricate carvings,

sculptures, and murals that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Jainism.
The temples are designed to create a sense of serenity and contemplation
and to help devotees connect with their inner selves and the divine.

Key Features

The Jain Temple architecture is a unique and beautiful Indian architecture

with a distinct style and design. Some of the key features of Jain temple
architecture include:
Symmetry: Jain temple architecture is known for its symmetrical layout.
The main shrine is usually located in the centre of the temple and
surrounded by smaller shrines or chambers on all sides.

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Symmetry in plan_©ArchiMonarch

Intricate carvings: Jain temple architecture is famous for its intricate

carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Jain mythology and
history. The carvings are usually made of stone or marble and are highly
detailed and ornate.
Pillars: Jain temples feature tall, ornate pillars beautified with intricate
carvings and sculptures. These pillars are important structural elements,
supporting the roof’s weight and other temple parts.

Pillars at the Mirpur Temple_©Nihir Shah23

Domed roofs: Many Jain temples have domed roofs planned to symbolise
the universe and the path to enlightenment. The roofs are enriched with
intricate carvings and paintings that depict Jain cosmology.

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 Domed roof of
Kumbharia temple _©Kshitij Charania

Ornate doorways: The entrance to a Jain temple is usually marked by an

ornate doorway decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The
doorway is designed to be a symbolic gateway to the spiritual realm.
Marble flooring: Many Jain temples feature beautiful marble flooring
decorated with intricate patterns and designs. The marble is excellent and
helps create a peaceful and serene atmosphere inside the temple.

Historic Temple

1000 Pillar Jain Temple

Saavira Kambada Temple is a 15th-century Jain temple noted for its 1000
pillars in Moodabidri, Karnataka, India. It took 31 years to complete and
was renovated in 1962.

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Savira Kambada Basadi_©Nerenki Parshwanath

No two pillars in this temple are the same, which gives them their
individuality. A thousand pillars are decorated with beautiful rock
carvings; pillars are symmetrical and carved to resemble an octagonal
wooden log with one bearing an inscription.

Carving of
pillar_©Nymishanandini

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1000 pillar Jain temple comprises three distinct floors, in which the top
two storeys are carved in wood and the lowest in stone. The temple
complex has seven mandaps supported by beautifully carved pillars. From
mythical creatures to Mother Nature inspirations- the pillars’ engraving
appears to tell various tales and is a stunning representation of classical
art and culture.

Sa
vira Kambada Basadi-back side_©Nerenki Parshwanath

The wooden panels inside this Jain temple have carvings of Tirthankaras
flanked by elephants, guardian deities and female attendants
holding flowers. Many bronze Jain idols in decorated frames are placed in
the—Interior of the garbhagriha, with the 8 ft idol of Chandranatha Swami
made of panchayats. The architecture of this Jain temple leaves visitors in
awe.
References:
 Archi-Monarch. (2021). * Archi-Monarch *. [online] Available at: https://archi-
monarch.com/jain-temple-architecture/.
 Wikipedia Contributors (2019). [online] Wikipedia. Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_temple.
 Mudde, R. (2020). Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodabidri. [online]
Karnataka.com. Available at:
https://www.karnataka.com/mangalore/saavira-kambada-basadi-moodbidri/
[Accessed 24 Mar. 2023].
Karnataka Tourism. (n.d.). Thousand Pillars Temple – Saavira Kambada Basadi.
[online] Available at: https://karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/thousand-pillars-
temple/ [Accessed 24 Mar.

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