Jain Temple Architecture
Jain temples are built with various architectural designs. Jain temples in North India are completely different from the Jain temples in South India, which in turn are quite different from Jain temples in West India. There are two type of Jain temples:
- Shikar-bandhi Jain temple(one with the dome) and
- Ghar Jain temple (Home Temple without dome).
All shikar-bandhi Jain temples have many marble pillars which are carved beautifully with Demi god posture. There is always a main deity also known as mulnayak in each derasar. The main part of Jain temple is called "Gambhara" (Garbha Graha) in which there is the stone carved God idol. One is not supposed to enter the Gambhara without taking a bath and without wearing puja (worship) clothes.
A Jain temple which is 100 years old is called a Tirtha.
The main deity of a Jain temple is known as a mula nayak.
A Manastambha (column of honor) is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples.
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