All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places

Author(s): B C Nagraj
Publisher: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore

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157. KONARK: (80 kms from Puri)
The great Konark temple is called as Black Pagoda in contrast to the white temple of Puri. This famous pagoda, one of the marvels of India, was built by Narasinga Deva I, who ruled Orissa in the 13th Century A.D. in honour of Surya, the Sun God. The monument must have been of colossal size. The magnificient porch, the only portion of the ruined shrine now standing is so immense as to form a land mark for miles around.
Exquisite carvings and monumental statutory characterise the Black Pagoda. Life size lions and elephants, figures and thrones, scenes of battle and the chase, all carved with great imagination and skill, testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art, sculpture and engineering.
This has been named as "World Heritage Monument".
MAHARASHTRA :
To the east of the Ghats stretches the vast triangular plateau drained by the rivers Godavari, Bhima and Krishna. The state is the foremost in industrial development, textile manufacturing being the most important industry. India's first atomic energy establishment is located in Trombay. Mumbai, the capital is a big industrial centre and chief centre of Indian film Industry.
The dynasties like Shalivahan, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and the Yadavas who ruled over Maharashtra were great patrons of art and culture and creative arts bloomed here. Ajantha, Ellora, Elephanta are the testimony for this. Chatrapati Shivaji is a man of genius and administrative acumen. Peshwas followed him.
Maharashtra is famous for many jain temples. There are many nirvana kshetras like Gajapantha, Mangi Tungi, Kuntalagiri and has many Athishaya Kshetras.
158. MUMBAI: (Capital City of Maharshtra, 1408 kms from Delhi)
This is a metropolis and the economic capital of India. It has beautiful harbour studded with hilly islands and palm-fringed shore rising gradually to the peaks of mountain ranges form a fine water front for Mumbai, the "Gateway of India". Mumbai retains its oriental charm and character in spite of its cosmopolitan character. Besides being the chief import and export emporium of India, Mumbai is also a great industrial centre.
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