Jainism, a peaceful religion, promotes non-violence towards all living beings. Its main goal is to cleanse the mind and body from negative karma in order to achieve liberation and inner peace.
In India alone, there are approximately 4.2 million Jain followers, and worldwide, there are an estimated 6 to 12 million. Jain temples, known as Derasar or Mandir, are constructed using marble stone, as exemplified by the impressive list of Jain temples found in India.
7. Khajuraho Jain Temples
Khajuraho village in India is a well-known tourist spot. People visit it primarily because of the Hindu and Jain temples, which are famous for their erotic sculptures. These temples took around 200 years to build, starting from 950 AD to 1150 AD.
When the Chandella dynasty ruled the area, Khajuraho had a thriving Jain community. The Jains resided mainly on the east side of the village, where some Jain temples have managed to survive to this day. Among them, two large temples are still well-preserved.
6. Palitana
Palitana is a significant destination for Jains who go on pilgrimages. The temples in Palitana are highly revered in the Jain religion. Located on Mount Shatrunjaya, these temples are intricately carved out of marble and hold immense religious importance.
They were constructed by many generations of Jains for almost nine centuries, starting from the 11th century. To reach the top, one has to climb 3,572 steps, which takes about two hours.
5. Dilwara Temples
The Dilwara temples, situated near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, are well-known worldwide for their magnificent marble constructions. They are adorned with incredibly intricate carvings on their ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels.
There are a total of five Jain temples in this area, and each one has its own distinct characteristics and is named after the nearby village. The Chalukya dynasty built all these temples between the 11th and 13th centuries.
4. Gomateshwara Temple
The city of Shravanabelagola has a huge statue called Gomateshwara, which is located on a hill. Gomateshwara was the second son of Lord Adinatha and considered an enlightened human.
This monolithic stone statue is incredibly tall, measuring 17.38 meters (58 ft), and is one of the largest in the world. It was built in 983 AD by Chavundaraya, who was a minister in the Ganga Kingdom.
Every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka festival takes place, during which the statue is cleansed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron, and gold coins.
3. Lal Mandir
The Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is a well-known Jain temple in Delhi that is situated across from the Red Fort. It is the oldest Jain temple in the city, originally constructed in 1526.
Over the years, the temple has been renovated and expanded, with significant modifications in the early 19th century. This striking temple, made of red sandstone, is also referred to as Lal Mandir.
2. Sonagiri
Sonagiri is a charming town located on a hill in central India, also known as the golden peak. It is home to several pristine Jain temples, which are spread across the town.
Visitors, whether they are pilgrims or tourists, must ascend the hilltop by climbing 300 steps without wearing any footwear.
Once reaching the summit, travelers are rewarded with a breathtaking sight of numerous white temples and chhatris in every direction they turn their gaze.
1. Ranakpur Temple
The Jain Temple in Ranakpur is a beautiful structure dedicated to Adinatha. It stands tall on a hillside, giving it a majestic appearance. Inside the temple, you will find more than 1444 marble pillars, each one unique and intricately carved.
These pillars symbolize the Tirthankara’s victory over the four directions and represent the entire universe. Although the exact date of construction is debated, experts believe that the temple was likely built between the late 14th and mid-15th centuries.
