Jain Temples in Jaisalmer

Jain Temples in Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Overview

Situated in the Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples in Jaisalmer are a must-visit while you are in the city. The temples, though ancient, have a high religious significance and ancient knowledge attached to them. Built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture, these temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as 'Tirthankaras'. Being a significant pilgrimage spot, the Jain Temples are truly a treasure of the Jaisalmer city and a fun place to be at for all those tourists who are interested in history and religion. All the seven temples are connected to each other and are built using the same golden-yellow Jaisalmeri stone.

Each temple appears as a riddle to the visitors having its own tale to narrate. These temples dedicated to Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath, Chandraprabhu, and Parsvanath have the most exquisite carvings imprinted on them. One can enjoy the stunning sculptures around the walls which are protected by glass cupboards and pillars carved with Gods and celestial women.

If anyone is especially interested in finding the ancient remains and history of these temples, there is a place present just for that- the Gyan Bhandar. As the name suggests, the Gyan Bhandar is a very tiny and attractive library founded in 1500. Priceless old texts and manuscripts are present in the library. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer are a must-visit, especially if architecture and history interest you.

History Of Jain Temples

All the Jain temples are located within the Jaisalmer Fort but which one came to exist first in the fort is a fascinating story. History has it that traditionally two communities namely the Kshatriyas who were the kings and Brahmins who were the priests resided in the fortress. However, Muslim kings invaded the area during the 15th and 16th centuries from across the borders. They would loot these rich Jain temples and vandalise the idols. Witnessing this numerous times made the Brahmins reach out to the king who then allowed them to build the Jain temples using a handsome amount of money. Even today, only Kshatriyas and Brahmins live within the fort, but the temples survive on the huge donations that they receive from the Jains. These are great pilgrimage centres for the community.

Architecture Of Jaisalmer Jain Temple

There are seven Jain temples present within the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort all of which were constructed around the 15th and 16th centuries. The spires of the temple can be seen clearly and can be picked out easily from anywhere in the fort. All these temples are built using the golden-yellow sandstone and are dedicated to different Tirthankars.
The temples are all interconnected to each other confusing the visitor while differentiating one from the other. The most massive temples are the ones which are dedicated to Rishabhnath, Parsvanath, Sambhavnath, and Chandraprabhu and these are ones with the most beautiful carvings out of the lot. The entrance of the Parsvanath Temple is extraordinarily exquisite and unique in itself.

The Jain Temples

Parshvanath Temple
This is the most ancient, main and the most beautiful Jain temple. Animal, as well as human figures, are carved on the walls of the chamber along with a small dome and a water pot which consists of a lotus flower. Though the temple got ruined in 1152, it was reconstructed in 1615 by Seth Tharu Shah and all the additions of the temple were done in 1675 and 1687 respectively. Three other beautifully sculptured temples are present within the fort dedicated to Sambhavanathji, Rishabhdevji, and Ashthapadi.

Lodurva
Lodurva was once the capital of Rawal Jaisal, and it comprises of the ruins of the old township as of now. It is the original capital of Bhattis even before Jaisalmer Fort was constructed by Jaisal in 1156. Lodurva Town was built way before than Jaisalmer and was captured many times by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century and by Mohammad Ghori in the next century. It is a very significant place for the Jain pilgrimage. The temples present in Lodurva showcase excellent craftsmanship done on yellow stone. It is situated 16 km away from Jaisalmer and is an excellent place in case one wishes to see the ruins of the Jain temple and the Kalpataru which is a mythical tree fulfilling whatever wish one has.

Rishabhnath Temple
The Rishabhnath Temple is the second Jain Temple at Lodurva, and it is situated near the ruins of the Moomal palace near the gushing water of the Kak River. The temple was specially made by Seth Sachcha, and its construction got completed in 1479.

Shambhavanath Temple
Being the third most important Jain temple in Lodurva, the Shambhavnath Temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Shambhavnath. The temple has an octagonal pyramidal roof on the top along with a strengthening wall.

Best Time To Visit Jain Temples

The best time to visit the Jain Temples is between October and March since during this time there is no scorching heat in the city and the weather is quite pleasant and pretty much enjoyable.

Tips For Visiting Jain Temples

1. Inside the temple premises, one is not allowed to carry food, leather items and shoes.
2. The time restrictions are quite strict. After the closing time, nobody will be allowed to enter the temple under any circumstances.
3. No pets are allowed inside the temple.
4. Maintain silence and do not damage the temple property.