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Jainism in Mathura
site,47 and that his name is recorded in an old and almost effaced inscription on a slab that is still preserved under the altar.48
F.S. Growse, the collector of Mathura district, was not impressed by the architecture of the Jaina temple at Chaurasi, Mathura. Writing about 125 years ago, he described it as 'as bare and unimpressive place of worship as any Methodist meeting-house'.49 F.S. Growse wrote about the Jaina temple at Chaurasi, Mathura thus:
After ascending a flight of steps and entering the gate, the visitor finds himself in a square paved and cloistered courtyard with the temple opposite to him. It is a very plain solid building, arranged in three aisles, with the altar under a small dome in the centre aisle, one bay short of the end, so as to allow of a processional at the back. There are no windows, and the interior is lighted only by the three small doors in the front, one in each aisle, which is a traditional feature in Jaini architecture. What with the want of light, the lowness of the vault, and the extreme heaviness of the piers, the general effect is more that of a crypt than of a building so well raised above the ground as this really is.50
The site has undergone a sea change. The Jaina temple at Chaurasi now stands in the midst of a vast and beautiful complex characterised by a large garden, dharmaśālās, a canteen, a store, an office, etc.51 The dharmaśālās in this complex have about forty rooms, most of which have due amenities. The dharmasala of the temple is sorrounded by a large and beautiful garden measuring about 6.5 acres. This garden is full of trees and flowers of many varieties. Three tube-wells meet the irrigational requirements of this garden.
47. MDM, p. 12; DGM, 1911, p. 82; Introductory Booklet, p. 1.
48.
Ibid.; ibid., p. 82.
Ibid., p. 13.
49.
50. Ibid., p. 12.
51.
Introductory Booklet, pp. 1-6.
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