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JAIN TEMPLES OF JAISALMER
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pyramidal fashion with open balconies on all sides. It is also fabricated with myriad lively and roaring lions along with mini pyramids arranged diagonally. In the gudhamandap there are twenty four images.8
The temple of Chandraprabhu stands in front and on the right side of Parsvanath temple. It is the only threestoreyed temple in the complex of the five Jain temples of the fort. It is more or less similar to that of Ranakpur temple. The rangmandap of this temple is formed by eight decorative pillars. Amorous couples on the struts and images of Parsvanath and yakshas adore the ceiling of the rangmandap which has a lotus pendant. The four sides of the sabhamandap are decorated with lattices. On the second and third storeys of the temple the image of Chandraprabhu is installed. Several images of Ganesh in different poses can also be seen here. The parapet wall of the temple is formed by a row of miniature sikars. In a room on the third floor of the temple a large number of Jain images are stored'.
The temple of Rishabhdeo was built in 1479 A.D. by a family of Jains. Unlike the other four temples of the fort. the ceiling of the rangmandap of this temple is devoid of any sculptural work. But the mandovara is adorned with lovely female figures. The roof is bell-shaped. The balcony on the east side is decorated with a pyramidal roof exhibiting an exuberance of the spiritual lions. The main speciality of the temple is the carving of Hindu gods and goddesses on its pillars. The images of RadhaKrishna, Krishna playing his flute, Genesha, Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati, Indra and Vishnu are depicted on the pillars.
In two underground cellars of the temple of Sambhavnath a large collection of manuscripts and miniatures are preserved. Under the direction of
Jain Education International
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