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RITUALS
D08 - Jain Temples & Pilgrimage Places
Tirtha: Mount Girnär is located on the northern fringe of the Gir forest in Saurashtra. History: Mount Girnär is a pious place due to the dikshä, keval-inän and Moksha Kalyänak of 22nd Tirthankar Shri Neminäth Bhagawän. Young prince Nemikumär became disheartened with the cruel customs of his time when he saw hundreds of fenced-in animals condemned to be slaughtered as food for the guests at his wedding. Sensing his involvement in these unjust things, he renounced all his belongings, became a monk and went to Mt. Girnär in search of ways to relieve misery of all living beings. Following the footsteps of Neminäth, the bride to-be Räjul or Räjimati also renounced and after long penance, attained Keval-Jnän here. Many other sages have attained nirvana here. So, since ancient times many temples have been built here. References about Girnär in the first Agam Achäränga sutra, suggest antiquity of this Tirtha. Several Jain literature also mention periodic remodeling of these temples. Works of art and sculpture: Mount Girnär is a gigantic five peaked rock formation of volcanic origin rising to a height of 1, 117 meters above sea level. Five peaks crowned by sixteen beautifully sculptured temples form one of the most impressively situated group of Jain temples in India. The first Tunk (peak), 4, 400 steps from the base of the hill consist of black granite temple of Bhagawan Neminäth built in 1128 AD. It has exquisite carvings on its pillars, and is decorated outside with unusual colored mosaic. The second Tunk has Goddess Ambikä temple. Third and fourth Tunk has Foot-idols of Muni Shämb Kumar and Pradhyuman Kumar who attained Nirvana here. The fifth Tunk, which has 10,000 steps from the base, has foot-idol of Bhagawan Neminäth. Some other pious places to visit are a cave of Räjul, temple of Rathanemi, younger brother of Neminäth, and Sahasävan. Paying homage to both the Shvetämbar and Digambar temples amidst the lush
greenery of the mountain must be done at least once in a life time. 04 Summary The architecture, sculptures, and carvings of the Jain temple are splendid. They are majestic and thousands in number. They are noteworthy for their cleanliness and sacred atmosphere. The focus is on the image of the Tirthankar, in a seated or standing position, in deep meditation, with a tranquil and solemn expression. The Shvetämbars frequently adorn the image with the jewels, but a Digambar shrine it is left unadorned. One should undertake a pilgrimage to various Jain Tirthas in India in order to derive a feeling of peace and contentment in his or her lifetime.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015
