Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Srimahavirji
Jain Temple Attraction
This temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture - quite
contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain temples which were highly
ornamented and richly carved.
It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols of Jain
saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches.
The temple is a vast complex costructed with white sandstone, and has cupolas
of red sandstone along with the chhatris & spires visible from all around.
A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as high as 32
feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira have been consecrated.
It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights illuminate the
entire complex. The best time to visit is March-April.
Main Jain Pilgrimage Center
The town of Sri Mahavirji is one the most popular Jain pilgrimages in India for
here is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The Shri Mahavirji temple
on the banks of the river Gambhir was built in white marble in honour of
Mahavira, the 24
th Jain saint. The temple has a nice legend attached
to it. The story goes that a couple of centuries ago there was a cow which would
leave home in the morning and return in the evening. Nothing wrong with that,
but when it did come home its uddurs would be empty. To solve this mystery, the
cow's owners son followed it one day and discovered that the animal stopped at a
particular stop and emptied itself of all the milk it had. Intrigued, the
cowherd began to dig at this spot and discovered a statue of Mahavir.
The Interiors
Perched on a raised white marble platform, the Mahavirji temple is an
amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture. While ancient Jain temples
were highly ornamated and richly carved, the Mahavirji temple is contemporary in
design. Like most Jain temples, this one too is a complex of smaller temples.
Inside the main temple are seated idols of Jain saints, placed within delicately
carved pillared nichés.
The Deity
A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as high as 32
feet, casting a noble eye on disciples below. Nearby is a tall tower crowned
with a balcony. But perhaps the most splendid aspect of the temple is when night
descends. Thousands of lights illuminate the entire complex, making it seems
like a festival of lights in itself.
