Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 69

The Jains through Time
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his life's objective, and it was this principle incomparable Jain temples and works of art. which Bhamashah adopted as his own. The Ranakpur temple in Marvad is
considered a masterpiece. Built in the To select only worthy recipients for dana, fifteenth century by Dhannashah and and make a distinction between vrati (one Ratnashah, in the reign of Maharana who takes vows), and avrati (one who does Kumbh, this building is made up of 1,441 not take vows), is to destroy the essence of pillars and 84 Jinalayas, or temples, crowned compassion. At present, a major section of with superbly crafted spires. Ferguson Jain society, not fully grasping the true considers the architecture of the temple meaning of the concept of dana, is engaged sublime, and says that nowhere in India have in building more and more temples when pillars in a temple been constructed so really a greater number of schools and exquisitely, producing, as they do, a divine hospitals is needed to prevent people falling impression on the mind. into further deprivation. I am not opposed to the construction of temples as such, but Unrivalled by any in India are the sculptures the basic amenities of life should take at the Vimalvasahi temple on Mt. Abu, built priority. The most important thing about a in the thirteenth century by civilised society is that its members help one Vimalmantrishwar. Whenever I see the another, and gurus can take the lead in ethereal beauty of the work of this place, it's reminding people of their real obligations. I as if the goddess of art has been reincarnated believe Bhamashah must have had a right here in this temple. Colonel Todd visionary guru who motivated him to make writes that besides the Taj Mahal, no other this inspired sacrifice for the common good. construction or monument in India bears
comparison with it. Ferguson adds that the Enduring Monuments of Jain Art in way in which the statuettes are fashioned, Rajasthan
though they are in marble, is like a tracery Rajasthan is the home of some of lace. He says that it is impossible to
Mario Gaman Sretani, Shri Manmal Jain Martand, p. 187 Thid, p 487