Sri Mahavirji Temple

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 24^th 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.