Welcome to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, a city in Rajasthan, India, is home to several magnificent Jain temples that showcase the rich heritage and religious significance of Jainism. These temples, known for their intricate architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, attract visitors from around the world. Here is a brief overview of the Jain temple in Jaisalmer. Located within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cluster of seven Jain temples collectively known as the Jain Temples in Jaisalmer Fort. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, these temples are dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism. The temples are renowned for their golden sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, and detailed sculptures.

Among the seven temples, the Parsvanath Temple stands out as the most prominent and artistically significant. It is dedicated to Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, and features a magnificent spire that rises high above the fort. The temple's inner sanctum houses an idol of Lord Parsvanath, beautifully adorned with jewels and precious metals. Each temple within the complex has its unique architectural style and design elements. The walls and pillars of these temples are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Jain mythology, celestial beings, and intricate geometrical patterns. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly remarkable.

Apart from the Jain Temples in Jaisalmer Fort, there are other notable Jain temples in the city. Lodurva Jain Temple, located about 15 kilometers from Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. It is believed to have been built in the 16th century and is a popular pilgrimage site during the Jain festival of Paryushan. Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, situated in the heart of Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu, the 8th Tirthankara. This temple stands out for its unique architecture and beautiful sculptures. It is a place of tranquility and spirituality, offering visitors a serene ambiance for reflection and prayer.

Shantinath Jain Temple, located near the SBI Bank in Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and features intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. Visiting the Jain temples in Jaisalmer provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the architectural brilliance, religious devotion, and cultural heritage of Jainism. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also offer a glimpse into the rich history and artistic traditions of the region.

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.

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.

How to Reach Jain Temples
Jaisalmer is well-connected to major cities in India by road, rail, and air.
By Air: Jaisalmer Airport, also known as Maharaja Agrasen Airport, is just 5 to 6 km away from the city centre. The airport is connected to nearby cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a cab rental in Jaisalmer or take a bus to the Jaisalmer fort. As a matter of fact, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the fort from the airport.
International travellers can get down at Jodhpur airport and hire a taxi or bus to reach the temples.
By Rail: Jaisalmer railway station is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. The Jaisalmer Fort can be reached by taxi or bus once you arrive at the railway station. The train station is approximately 15 minutes away from the fort.
By Road: Jaisalmer is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan and other nearby states via roadways. Jaisalmer can be reached by bus or taxi from cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The Jaisalmer fort can be reached by taxi or bus once you arrive in Jaisalmer. The bus stand is approximately ten minutes away from the fort.