Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 47

Photo: James Maturin-Baird
Chandraprabhu Statue, Jaisalmer
Photo: Robert Rodin
Ranakpur Temple
SPACES
are supported by 1,444 pillars, each with a distinct design. Along the corridor are carved images of the 24 Tirtahankaras. The temple has four small shrines with 420 columns supporting the 80 spires.
Facing the main temple are two other temples, one dedicated to Parsvanath and the other to Neminath. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the Adinath Temple every year to offer their prayers. The campus of the Ranakpur temple is also known as Adinath Vihar.
SHRI KUMBHARIAJI, RAJASTHAN
This grand temple was built by Vimala Shah around 1050 AD. The main temple, the Vimala Vasahi, or Vimala Shah Temple, is flanked by four lesser temples, each with a unique design and distinct identity. The idols here are on a grand scale. The ceilings covered with fine craftsmanship, require close scrutiny to understand and appreciate the various events connected with the lives of the saints depicted there. This holy temple complex is situated 28 kilometres away from the famous shrines of Mount Abu.
ART & LITERATURE 45
Photo: James Maturin-Baird
The Jain temples of Kumbharia lie among the Aravalli Hills, on the gentle slope of a shallow river valley. There are six temples here, all located very close to each other. In its plan and design, the Parsvanath Temple comes midway between the Mahavir Temple and the Shantinath Temple. Neminath is the presiding deity seated in the padmasana (lotus) pose.
SHRI JAISALMER TIRTHA, RAJASTHAN
When Rana Jaisal founded the city of Jaisalmer and built the fort there, he also brought the statue of Chintamani from Londrawa to be placed in the temple within the fort. This statue has a pearl veneer, which gives it a special sheen. The around 6,600 statues. The main temples inside the fort are cluster of temples here is known as a mini-Palitana and houses dedicated to Parsvanath, Adinath, Shantinath, Sambhavanath and Mahavir. Inside the main temple is a very famous Bhairava statue. The yellow Jaisalmer stone and the fine craftsmanship in these temples give them a special aura.