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controversy this is the most superb of all the temples in India and there is not an edifice besides the Taj Mahal, that can approach it." There are one Digambara and five Svetambara Jaina temples. Out of the five one was constructed by Vimala Saha, a merchant and banker of Gujaratha, at a cost of eighteen crores and fiftythree lacs of rupees in A. D. 1031. Another was constructed by Vastupala and Tejapāla, the brother ministers of King Viradhavala of Gujaratha, in A. D. 1231 at the cost of twelve crores and fiftythree lacs of rupees. These are built of white marble and are very widely known for delicacy of carving, beauty of details and magnificent ornamentation.224
(6) Sravanabelagola:
Śravanabelagola is the ancient and beautiful Tirthakshetra of Digambara Jainas and its importance can be gauged from the fact that it is known as "Jainabadri " or "Jaina Kasi " 225 It is situated in the Hassan District of Karnatak State. It comprises two hills, namely, Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri, and a white pond in between. As Śramanas or Jaina ascetics used to live in large numbers, the place was named as Śravanabelagola-or white pond of the Śramanas. The Emperor Chandragupta Maurya came here along with his preceptor Bhadrabahu, stayed here for many years as an ascetic and breathed his last according to the Jaina fashion, namely that of Sallekhana.226 On the Chandragiri mountain there are caves for the residence of ascetics and fourteen large temples. The foot-prints of Bhadrabahu Svāmi are kept in one of the caves. On the Vindhyagiri mountain there are in all ten temples and the exquisitely beautiful statue of Gommatesvara. In the words of Fergusson, " Nothing grandeur or more imposing exists anywhere out of Egypt and even there, no known statue surpasses it in height or excels it in the perfection of art it exhibits. "227 Thousands of Jaina pilgrims assemble here at the time of the grand festival of the bathing of the statue.228 The importance of Sravanabelagola is further enhanced by the existence of several ancient inscriptions of great historical value.229
From the above description it is evident that as Jainism attaches more value for going on a pilgrimage, various Tirthakshetras have been built and maintained by the Jainas. It is enjoined on every Jaina, whether a householder or an ascetic, to visit a Tirtha
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