Sri Mahavirji Temple
Distance : 110km from Sawai
Madhopur
¤ Jain Temple Attraction
*This temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain
architecture - quite contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain
temples which were highly ornamented and richly carved.
*It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols
of Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches.
*The temple is a vast complex costructed with white sandstone, and
has cupolas of red sandstone along with the chhatris & spires
visible from all around.
*A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as
high as 32 feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira
have been consecrated.
*It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights
illuminate the entire complex. The best time to visit is March-April.
¤ Main Jain Pilgrimage Center
The town of Sri Mahavirji is one the most popular Jain pilgrimages in
India for here is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The
Shri Mahavirji temple on the banks of the river Gambhir was built in
white marble in honour of Mahavira, the 24th Jain saint.
The temple has a nice legend attached to it. The story goes that a
couple of centuries ago there was a cow which would leave home in the
morning and return in the evening. Nothing wrong with that, but when
it did come home its uddurs would be empty. To solve this mystery, the
cow’s owners son followed it one day and discovered that the
animal stopped at a particular stop and emptied itself of all the milk
it had. Intrigued, the cowherd began to dig at this spot and
discovered a statue of Mahavir.
¤ The Interiors
Perched on a raised white marble platform, the Mahavirji temple is an
amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture. While ancient
Jain temples were highly ornamated and richly carved, the Mahavirji
temple is contemporary in design. Like most Jain temples, this one too
is a complex of smaller temples. Inside the main temple are seated
idols of Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared nichés.
¤ The Deity
A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as
high as 32 feet, casting a noble eye on disciples below. Nearby is a
tall tower crowned with a balcony. But perhaps the most splendid
aspect of the temple is when night descends. Thousands of lights
illuminate the entire complex, making it seems like a festival of
lights in itself. The best time to visit Sri Mahavirji is during march
and April when a festival adds to its splendour. |
