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Jain temple

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Jain temple

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The top ten amazing jain temples of india


A Jain temple is the place of worship for Jains, the followers of Jainism, Derasar is a word used for a Jain temple in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Basadi is a Jain shrine or temple. The word is generally used in South India, as well as in Maharashtra. Its historical use in North India is preserved in the names of the Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples of Mount Abu. The Sanskrit word is vasati, it implies an institution including residences of scholars attached to the shrine.

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Shravanabelagola jain temple in karnataka jainism religion india


Architecture

Jain temples are built with various architectural designs. Jain temples in North India are completely different from the Jain temples in South India, which in turn are quite different from Jain temples in West India. There are two type of Jain temples:

  • Shikar-bandhi Jain temple(one with the dome) and
  • Ghar Jain temple (Jain house temple without dome).
  • All shikar-bandhi Jain temples have many marble pillars which are carved beautifully with Demi god posture. There is always a main deity also known as mulnayak in each derasar. The main part of Jain temple is called "Gambhara" (Garbha Graha) in which there is the stone carved God idol. One is not supposed to enter the Gambhara without taking a bath and without wearing puja (worship) clothes.

    A Jain temple which is 100 years old is called a Tirtha.

    The main deity of a Jain temple is known as a mula nayak.

    A Manastambha (column of honor) is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples. It has four 'Moortis' i.e. stone figures of the main god of that temple. One facing each direction: North, East, South and West.

    Etiquette

    There are some guidelines to follow when one is visiting a Jain temple:

  • Before entering the temple, one should bathe and wear fresh washed clothes or some special puja (worship) clothes - while wearing these one must neither have eaten anything nor visited the washroom. However, drinking of water is permitted.
  • One should not take any footwear(including socks) inside the temple. Leather items like a belt, purse etc. are not allowed inside the temple premises.
  • One should not be chewing any edibles (food, gum, mints, etc.), and no edibles should be stuck in the mouth.
  • One should try to keep as silent as possible inside temple.
  • Mobile phones should not be used in the temple. One should keep them switched off.
  • Prevailing traditional customs should be followed regarding worshipping at the temple and touching an idol. They can vary depending on the region and the specific sect.

    References

    Jain temple Wikipedia