Jain Temple

Jain Temple in Jaipur

The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this. In this temple the Principal Deity the Lord Adinath (Rishabh Dev), the first tirthankar are supposed to be 4000 years old.

History of Jain Temple

The ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple of Sanganer has fine carvings that are comparable to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu that are built in many phases. Last phase of this spectacular temple was completed in 10th century A.D., according to inscription of V.S. 1011 in one of the pylons (Toranas). It has sky-high 'shikharas' (spires) and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine with skyhigh eight Shikharas (Pinnacles). This temple is seven storied.

Architecture of Jain Temple

The whole of the temple is made of red stone with attractive images carved. The sight of the architecture of main gate reminds the architecture of famous Delwara Temples of Mount Abu. In the midst of of underground portion, there is located an ancient small temple guarded by the Yaksha (Devas) it is said that only a Balyati ascetic digamber saint can only enter in it and able to bring out the Idols of this underground temple for a limited period, which is declared and decided previously. The idols thus brought out for viewing (Darshan) of devotees, must be placed back with in auspicious signs.

The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.

Sanganer - Centre For Crafts and Hand-Printed Textiles

The town is most famous for its hand paper and mostly screen-printed fabric. The fabric is popular for small floral designs. A wide variety of material for apparels, furnishing and curtaining is available. Some of the traditional designs were produced in the patronage of the royal family. It is a beautiful sight to see brightly colour fabric drying out in the sun near the river.

Sawai Jai Singh II set up a paper business in Sanganer on the outskirts of Jaipur. It is said that in the 16th century, the ruler of Amber, Raja Man Singh, brought Kagzis to Sanganer (situated on the bank of Saraswati River, where abundant clear water was available). The town emerged as one of the biggest paper making centres in northern India. In between, however the industry did get a setback, but after independence, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) included the handmade paper in its agenda for promotion of crafts.

It is famous for Kagazi mohulla (handmade paper) and blocks printing and is the world's largest centre of hand-made paper. Sanganer is blessed with water and open spaces, essential for papermaking. From here the Kagzis enjoyed patronage of the royal court of Sawai Man Singh and his successors. Today there are about 10 hand-made paper industries in Sanganer, all owned by Kagzis. Of these the largest is Salim Kagzi's Handmade Paper and Board Industries. All Sanganer paper makers are the largest producers of hand-made paper in the world. The airport of Jaipur is also located in Sanganer.

Location of Jain Temple

The ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple of Sanganer is 16 km from Jaipur. Sanganer town situated 13-14 km south of the Jaipur City on National Highway No. 12, Kota - Jaipur Road. Shri Digamber Jain temple Sanghiji is a jewel of town.

Other Jain Temples

Shri Dig. Jain Virodaya Temple, where Principal Deity are Shri 1008 Lord Shantinath 16th Tirthankar, at Shikarpura Road, Jain Nasian, Sanganer, Jaipur.

How to reach

By Rail- Sanganer Railway Station is the nearest.