Architecture

An offshoot of Hinduism and Buddhism Architecture is Jain Architecture. Having styles similar to these two, Jain architecture stands out with its aspects significant just to itself. Just like Hindu temple architecture, Jain temples consist of  Garbhagriha (womb chamber) for the main Murti, over which the high superstructure rises, then one or more larger Mandapa halls. With these basics, Jain temple architecture has emerged. 

Earlier, the Jains placed the Murti of one or more of the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teacher of the Dharma) in the open air rather than inside the shrine. These statues later began to be very large, normally standing nude figures in the Kayotsarga position. Gopachal rock cut Jain monuments and the Siddhachal Caves (Madhya Pradesh), Gomateshwara Statue (Karnataka), Statue of Vasupujya (Bihar), Statue of Ahimsa (Maharashtra) are the examples. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two states concentrated with Jain Architecture as these states have a strong presence of Jain believers . The style is seen in the groups of pilgrimage temples at Dilwara on Mount Abu, Taranga, Girnar and Palitana. 

Majorly investments made by individuals or private groups catering to smaller populations, Jain temples are at the small or middle end of the range of sizes, yet at pilgrimage sites they may cluster in large groups where several hundreds at Palitana, tightly packed within several high-walled compounds called Tuks or Tonks come together.  Temple charitable trusts, such as Anandji Kalyanji Trust founded in the 17th century and now maintains 1,200 temples, and plays a very important role in funding temple building and maintenance.

Temple architecture is an important aspect of the heritage of Indian Architecture which cannot be ignored when one discusses Indian Art. Does your post lock down plan include going to your holy place to offer thanks to the supreme being? We would  love to know about it!