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PART V STORIES AFTER BHAGAWÄN MAHÄVIR
The brothers decided to build a temple on Mt. Abu. It is known as the Lunig Vasahi Temple. Tirthankar Neminäth Bhagawan's samavasaran has also been carved in this temple. Tejpal had also dedicated two Gokhläs (niches) for two women, one to commemorate his wife and the other to commemorate his brother's wife (sister-in-law). These niches are called "Derani-Jethäni nä Gokhläs" (The wives of two brothers are known as Deräni-Jethäni. Deräni is the younger brother's wife and jethäni is the older brother's wife). They constructed many more temples of which only the Delwädä temple and the Neminäth Temple of Mount Girnär exist today. However, the Lunig Vasahi Temple of Mount Abu is similar to that of the Vimalshä Temple. Fifty-two deva kulikäs (subsidiary shrines) have also been constructed on an elevated platform around the central temple, each with the statue of a Tirthankar. Elephants were used to carry the marble to Mount Abu for the construction of the temples. A place called Hasti Shälä is also built within the temple complex to commemorate the contribution of elephants.
Moral: The contribution made by Vimalshä, Vastupäl, and Tejpal to the architecture of Jain temples is very inspiring. Their dedication to their religion, and their perseverance and honesty are praiseworthy. Their contribution to Jain architecture is part of our great heritage.
35 - Questions: 1. Who built the two temples on Mount Abu?? 2. How were the sculptors paid? 3. In whose memory was Hasti Shälä built? Why?
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JAIN STORY BOOK
