India’s Top 5 Jain Temples

Mahavir Jayanti, the most important event in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavir, the last Tirthankara or spiritual leader, who revitalised the Jain Order. In 2016, Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 20 and will be celebrated with fervour by devotees both at home and in temples, with ceremonial baths (called Abhishek), meditations, prayers and offerings. There are numerous Jain temples in India and the world; here are 5 of the most famous ones in India.

#1. Dilwara Temples: Aravali Ranges, Rajasthan

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The magnificently carved Dilwara Temples are believed to have been built around the 12^th century. They have intricate and striking carvings in marble that are still very well preserved. Located in the Aravali Ranges in Rajasthan, each of the five temples were built in honour of a different Tirthankara, and include images of Jain saints, beautifully detailed pillars and even a hall with 360 miniature idols of Jain Tirthankaras. This temple complex is considered by many as one of the most beautiful Jain temples in the world. 

#2. Khajuraho Temples: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

While this World Heritage Site has gained prominence for its provocative statues that adorn many of its temples, it also has a number of Jain temples that were built over a thousand years ago. The Jain temples are located in the eastern section of the town, and are a good example of medieval Indian Architecture. While Khajuraho is a small town, it has many different temple sites to see and all are very well maintained, so it is worthwhile taking a few days to explore them properly. 

#3. Palitana Temples: Shatrunjaya Hills, Gujarat

One of the most sacred Jain temple complexes, Palitana, has over 3,000 brilliantly carved temples located in the Shatrunjaya Hills in the Gujarat District of Bhavnagar. Built over generations from the 11^th century, this is a revered pilgrimage site. With over 3,800 stone steps, the climb is not easy, but that does not deter thousands of devotees from going there every year.

#4. Gomateshwara Temple: Karnataka

Located in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, this Jain Temple has a massive black granite statue of Gomateshwara, the first Tirthankara, which stands 18 metres tall. Every 12 years, pilgrims flock to this mountain for Mahamastakabhisheka, an important Jain Festival, where the statue is bathed and anointed with milk, saffron paste and dusted with powders of turmeric, sandalwood and vermillion.

#5. Ranakpur Temple: Aravali Ranges, Rajasthan

The elaborate Ranakpur Temple was built in the 14^th and 15^th centuries in the Aravali Ranges. It arises from the hill in three levels, which are supported by no less than 1,444 carved marble pillars. All the detailed carvings in this beautiful temple are unique, including one single marble rock that has the heads of 108 snakes and a tangle of tails. Considered to be a brilliant example of devotion and workmanship, this temple is certainly worth making the visit to from nearby Udaipur.

Explore the beauty of India’s Top 5 Jain Temples. MakeMyTrip offers convenient flights, trains and buses to locations around India including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.