Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Jain Temples of India
Considered to be the most pious site for the followers of Jain religion, the Jain temples are referred to as Derasar in Rajasthan as well as all other parts of India. However, such monuments across Maharashtra and in the southern parts of India are referred to as a Basadi. In a more sophisticated and authentic usage, we can see the use of the word Vasati like when referred to as Vimala Vasahi or Luna Vasahi that are places of Jain working in Mount Abu. Vasati in the religious language of Sanskrit can be translated to an organization that comprises the homes of the holy men who are aligned to the temple.
However, it is common to note that all over India, in common, the Jain Mandir is the term that can be in reference to all the places of Jain worship. Built centuries ago, the nation is full of such magnificent examples of Jain architecture and worship. There are many of these structures that are seen globally as well.
Architecture
There are free flow patterns with no particular style seen in the Jain Mandirs. For example, it would be interesting to note that these structures in the northern parts of India and those in the southern or western regions are all completely different. The similarities seen include the fabulous marble columns that have forms of Demi gods, the primary statue of the God, referred to as the Mulnayak in every temple. The sanctum sanctorum, commonly called the Gambhara, is home to the idol of the prime deity made of stone. This is the main deity and therefore called Mulnayak and the buildings all have the main Manastambha which is a column that is built at the entrance of all of these Jain places of worship.
Rules and Etiquettes
For visiting Jain temples, here are a few dos and don’ts:
- The pilgrims are supposed to have washed themselves and maintain cleanliness in body as well as clothes and must not have used the rest room in the same set of clothes. They are preferred to be on empty stomach though they can consume water.
- Since leather is from animal skin, wallets, belts and other leather made articles are prohibited inside the Mandir.
- Pilgrims should be on barefoot in the temple.
- The feet should be washed with water prior to entering the temple.
- Prior to reaching the primary place of worship or the Gambhara, the pilgrims have to change into fresh clothes that are exclusively meant for prayers.
- A small piece of cloth has to be tied around the areas of the mouth closing off the nose prior to placing the hand on the statues.
- The mouth should be very clean and chewing or eating any food items is strictly prohibited when inside the temple.
- In case, the pilgrims are compelled to eat some kind of food in the premises of the temple, they have to either complete it or leave the remains in the temple itself. They cannot take it out of the temple limits.
- In case, pilgrims have wounds and blood is oozing out, they have to refrain from entering the temple.
- Maintenance of silence in the Mandir is mandatory.
- Pilgrims should turn off the cell phones before entering into the temple and refrain from using them.
- Prayer should be the only motive and bad thoughts and feelings should be left outside.
Photo Gallery