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The mind is transformed by the presence of an image. In a Jain temple, the spirit is automatically filled with a sentiment of renunciation. The sight of a Tirthankara inspires a feeling of peace. Jain Temple, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan |
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There are innumerable other idols than the Tirthankaras in the temples. Very often the figures are carved preferably in alabaster or in any translucent stone in order to highlight the transparency of a body cleansed of all earthly matter, thus, no longer a part of this world. The statues represent the victory of the transcendental principle over the power of the flesh. Jain Temple, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan |
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The Dilwara temple complex at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, is one of the most important shrines of the Jains. The forenoon is reserved for the temple service and pilgrims. Unlike Hindu architecture, the Jain shrines are never shrouded in mystical semi-darkness since the focus is on the brigthness and clarity of the soul and on knowledge. |
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The Tirthankaras, the holiest of the holies, are always represented in the posture of meditation with hands in the lap and fingers interlaced. Different hand positions as in the case of Buddhism, are not possible. As such the differing Tirthankaras cannot be distinguished one from the other. The differing signs of each of the Tirthankaras, a lion or bull etc., serve to distinguish them. It is not allowed to take pictures of the idol in the main sanctuary, as this one, but it is possible to buy one from the temple guardians. Vimala Vasahi Temple, The Dilwara Temple Complex, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan |
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The images of the liberated one, the Tirthankara, pervaded by an absolute spiritual calmness which symbolises the successful renunciation of the world. The fixed stare achieved through the use of inlaid stones or silver for the eyes emphasises the aloofness and isolation of the figure. In addition to the seated yoga posture, the Tirthankaras are also represented in the rigid, erect and immobile posture of “dismissing the body”. Unlike the Hindu gods and goddesses, the Tirthankaras is isolated and indifferent to human existence. The ambulatory houses fifty-two subsidiary shrines, each with the statue of a Tirthankara. The holy figure of fifty-two symbolises the four eternal Tirthankaras and the twenty-four belonging to the past and present aeons. Besides these, some larger cells have been added. One of these contains the huge black sculpture of Adinath. Vimala Vasahi Temple, the Ambulatory,The Dilwara Temple Complex, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan |
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Hinduisation of Jainism, was the only possibility of survival, has led to the representation of many Hindu deities. Here is the image of Goddess Chakrasuri, the esoteric consort of Vishnu. Vimala Shah Temple, The Dilwara Temple Complex, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan |
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General view of the Adinath Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan. Every year, thousands of pilgrims throng the Jain temples of Mt. Abu and Ranakpur. The belief that pilgrimages serve the purpose of washing away one’s sins. |
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The statue of Marudevi, Adinath’s mother, in the northern meghanada mandapa ( main sanctum ), riding elephant through the decorated pillars. The Adinath Temple of Ranakpur |
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Sculptures on the southern side of the sanctum-sanctorum of the same temple. The Jains also worship not only their Tirthankaras but they pray to the goddesses of the doctrine and spirits, who have already helped the Tirthankaras. |
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There is a regular temple service which is conducted by the pujari. Pujaris are not priests. They are merely responsible for the upkeep of the temple and its idols. The duties of a pujari begin around 6:30 in the morning: the temple and the idols are washed, then vasa powder ( a mixture of sandalwood, saffron, camphor, musk and amber ) is applied to the Tirthankaras.  Through enlightenment, tirthakaras had discovered the nature of the universe, which is known as the loka. Much effort was devoted by Jain monks to understanding the loka, and cosmography became an elaborate branch of scholarly knowledge. The loka has three main sections. At the bottom are the eight hells, each of which is successively more unpleasant. At the top is a series of heavens of increasing brightness, above the highest of which is the home of the liberated souls. In the middle is “the Middle World”, a narrow band where concentric continents and oceans are located, with cosmic Mount Meru in the centre.
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