Jain Temples in Jaisalmer situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. You will find these temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style.
These temples are built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture. The style got its name from the famous ‘Dilwara Temples’ situated on Mount Abu, a famous Hill station and pilgrimage destination in Rajasthan. The Jain temples in the Jaisalmer Fort are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as ‘Tirthankars’. Like all other structures in Jaisalmer, these temples are craved of yellow sandstones. The beautifully carves decorations on the wall will give you divine peace. The Astapadhi Temples that are situated in the same complex are a must visit too.
The temple complex is open through out the morning till 12noon, for the visitors. So try to get up a bit early or you might miss this splendor. The campus also contain Gyan Bhandar library. Well if you are a student of comparative archeology or otherwise, the library will prove to be a good place to prowl as it contains some of the rare manuscripts available in India.
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 Jaisalmer Attractions.
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 Jaisalmer Tour Packages.
Best Time to Visit Jain Temples Jaisalmer
The best time to visit the Jain temples in Jaisalmer Fort is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The scorching summer months are best avoided as the heat can be unbearable.
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.
Overall, reaching the Jain Temples in Jaisalmer Fort is not a difficult task. Whether you choose to travel by air, railways, or roadways, there are several options available to reach this beautiful city. Once you reach the city, don’t forget to visit the Jain temples located inside the Jaisalmer fort to experience the rich history and culture of the region.
