Introduction:
Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within
the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated
to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library
containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple
complex. The temples are open till 12 noon. There are also
Shiva and Ganesh temples within the fort, which also close
at 12 noon. Constructed in the style of the Dilwara temples,
the Jaisalmer Jain temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and
Sambhavnathji. The Ashtapadhi Jain temple is also worth visiting.
Other temples which may be currently closed to the non - Jains,
include the temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind
Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved
torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara
its apex. There is a voluptuous carving of an apsara balancing
a set of balls on her raised forearm.
There are seven Jain temples of which three are most important
and are dedicated to Rikhabdevji, Paraswanathji and Sambhavnathji,
the Jaisalmer Jain temples belong to the Swetambar Sect and
house some of the most beautiful stone sculptures. The Jaisalmer
Jain temples are open for public visits from early in the
morning to 12 in the afternoon. Apart from the Jain temples,
another important tourist attraction that you must try and
tour is the ancient library or the Gyan Bhandar that stores
a large number of historical texts related to the history
of the Jaisalmer Jain temples.
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