Jain Pilgrimage

Author(s): Lalitprabhsagar
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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SUMMIT OF THE SHANTINATH TEMPLE, built in the Chinese style
Jaisalmer is world famous for its specialised art. This is that centre of art where finest engravings are seen not only in the temples but also on the mansions belonging to citizens. Not only this, the houses of even the common citizens are ornamented with art. On seeing the city it becomes apparent that the residents of this place had heartfelt love for art. The arches and the domes of the temples of this place are the finest examples of art. At the same time ceilings and balconies of the houses of rich people and traders are excellent examples of very fine perforations and engravings.
Not only from the viewpoint of art, but also as a museum of the oldest books, Jaisalmer has been much talked about. Among the libraries here, even the manuscripts penned on palm leaves hundreds thousands years ago, are available, besides the Jain scriptures written in letters of gold. These libraries also contain a unique collection of the ancient style paintings. The library at Jaisalmer is considered to be one of the most excellent libraries in the world.
Although the population of Jaisalmer is not so large today, but references indicate that once there were the houses of 2,700 elite Jains here. The saints and the poets have highly praised the glory of Jaisalmer pilgrimage in their writings.
Jaisalmer pilgrimage was constructed in the 13th century. The idol of the master of the pilgrimage, Lord Parshwanath, measures 105 cm., the consecration whereof was solemnised by the auspicious hands of Acharya Shree Jinkushal Suri. Mention has been found that Shree Jinpati Suri had caused the consecration to be done here in samvat 1263. As per the instruction of Acharya Shri Jinraj Suri, the renovation and salvation work on the temple began in samvat 1459. In 1473 samvat, Shree Jaisingh Narsingh Ranak got it reconsecrated by Acharya Shree Jinvardhan Suri.
On the fortress, there are, besides this temple, seven more temples, and there are five temples in the city which were built in the sixteenth-seventeenth century.
This temple built in Jaisalmer, in view of fine engraving, is an example of lively architectural creation conforming to the universalization and multidimensional sentiment of the Jains. The pillars, the arches and the gateway of this place are miracles in themselves. The
The crown of the gateway which is a lively testimony of art in stone
WENN MBAO
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An ancient image of SHANTINATH
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