Tourist Attraction -Jain temples of Jaisalmer

Location: Inside the Jaisalmer Fort

How to reach: Cycle or Auto rickshaw

Attractions: Dilwara style paintings & architecture

Timings: 09:00 AM To 12:00 Noon

The Jaisalmer Fort sprawls over miles of golden desert to form an imposing structure, and within this massive fort are found the sacred Jain temples. An important pilgrimage destination for Jain followers and highly revered by people from all religions, these Jain temples stands as a testimony to cities glorious past, religious fervor and splendorous architectural skills.

These historical temples were constructed between 12th to 15th centuries and are dedicated to prominent Jain Tirthankaras (Hermits). Regarded as spiritual heaven, the complex includes seven temples out of which three shrines dedicated to Rikhabdev Ji, Paraswanath Ji and Sambhavnath Ji constitute the most important ones. Paraswanath Ji temple is regarded as the most stunning and magnanimous. It houses a statue of Lord Mahavira carved in emerald that is known for its divine ambience and aura of peace. The Ashtapadhi temples are equally famous and a must see for everyone visiting the complex.

Overall, the architecture exhibits the best of Dilwara style of design and its walls exhibit rich carvings of animal and human figures. The use of yellow sandstone to construct most of Jaisalmer’s historical monuments is more than common and Jain temples are no different. A series of alleys and corridors connects the temples with each other. A divine peace flows through the temple complex and the overall ambience is blissful. The temples are managed by the Swetambar Sect.

Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha are also located within the fort, not too far away from the Jain temples. The Gyan Bhandar Library caters to the literary minded, as its book shelf is stacked with some of the rarest manuscripts-mostly dedicated to preserving the historical texts related to the temples. Visitors may spend hours marveling at the beautiful carvings and inscriptions on the temple walls, the artistic lotus embellished in stone and several other stone sculptures.