From: "ATUL N. CHOTAI" <kasumbo@yahoo.co.in>
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:46:46 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: Ranakpur Temples
To: Amit Vaghela <amit_vaghela16@yahoo.com>
Ranakpur Temples
Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and
superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major
pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town
in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies at a distance
of 95 kms in the north of Udaipur city. The temple is easily accessible
from the city of Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in
the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and
most important temples of the Jain cult.
The temple is said to have
been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana
Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. Ranakpur got its name after
the name of the Rajput Monarch and likewise the temples. The temple
complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the
Aravalli Range. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are certainly creditable
for their splendid architecture. This temple is wholly constructed in
light colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000
sq feet. There are
more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple.
The temple is a masterpiece of
architecture and boasts of not less than four additional shrines. It
has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns.
The upper and lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have
deities' sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed
to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in
various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is
surprising to know that no two columns have the similar design.
Apart from this, another
stunning act about these columns is that they change their color from
golden to pale blue after every hour during the day. In the mandap
(prayer hall), the two big bells of 108 kg
each produce a harmonious sound on the movement. Chaumukha temple is
formed like a Nalinigulm Vimana (heavenly aircraft) and provides this
whole structure a celestial appearance. Conceivably, it is due to the
intricacy of the structure that the temple took approximately 65 years
to complete.
In the complex, there are
several temples including Chaumukha
temple, Parsavanath temple, Amba Mata Temple and Surya Temple. Amongst
all of them, Chaumukha Temple is the most important and as the term
Chaumukha suggests, this temple is four-faced. Chaumukha temple is
dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first 'Tirthankara' of the Jains.
The Temple structure is highly compound having four different doorways
to get into the chambers. These chambers ultimately take you to the main
hall where the image of Adinath is positioned.
The four faced image also
symbolizes the Tirthankara's quest for the four directions and
ultimately the cosmos. The image is surrounded by many small shrines and
domes. One more range of cells with separate roofs encircles these
shrines and domes all over again. The five spires elevate above the
walls and around 20 cupolas rise from roof of the pillared hall. Each
spire houses a shrine and the largest shrine is the important one that
addresses the central altar. The temple ceilings are festooned with
foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns.
The Temple of Parsavanath is
another attraction that is worth visiting. Built in the mid 15th
century, the temple is renowned for its engraved windows embellished
with Jain figures. Parsavanath Temple is also known as Patriyon Ka
Mandir. In close proximity to this temple, you can trace two other
temples dedicated to Neminath (22nd saint) and Surya Narayan (Sun God)
respectively. Here, Surya Narayan Temple has innumerable wall
projections with circular structure. The sight of Lord Surya driven in
his chariot of seven horses is truly pleasing.
The dating of this
temple is controversial but it is largely considered to be anywhere
between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Inspired by a dream of a
celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned
it, under the patronage of Rana kumbha, then ruler of Mewar.
The architect who oversaw the project is said to have been named
Deepaka. There is an inscription on a pillar near the main shrine
stating that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect, constructed the temple at
the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain
The origins of Jainism can be traced back to
the Indus River valley civilization of 3000 B.C. Jains believe that
there were 24 great teachers the last of whom was Lord Mahavira who
lived during 6th century B.C. These twenty-four teachers are called
Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge while living (Moksha)
and preached it to the people. Thus, there is not one all-powerful
supreme being that controls all. Jains believe in reincarnation. Their
souls, which are believed
to be a unique substance in the universe, take different living forms
in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This cycle has been going on
forever, the universe has no beginning or end, it has always been and
always will be. The ultimate goal is to get rid of one's karma on their
soul so that they may end this cycle. Once this goal is reached their
soul has attained all knowledge and it rests in the heavens forever
(Nirvana). Karma theory is about actions and the results they bring to
the soul's path. It is the simply the law of cause and effect with
respect to the soul.
E.G. One's actions for today will effect what will happen to them in
this or their future lives. The way to get rid of one's karma is to
follow certain rules of doing good somewhat similar to the ten
commandments. These include the principles of:
Ahimsa - To protect all life (non-violence) Satya - To speak truth
Asteya - To not steal Brahmacharya - To not commit adultery Aparigraha
- To limit one's possessions
Jains uphold these principles by practicing
vegetarianism, non-violence in thought, deed, and action. Jains perform
their sacred rituals at the temple or Derasar. Some of these rituals
are:
Puja - Concentrating on one's soul through
intense prayer sometimes in the presence of sculptures of the teachers
to serve as an example of how to attain Moksha.
Samayik - Forty-eight minute ritual that asks for forgiveness for
one's sins Namokar
Mantra - A short prayer that can be said at any time that shows
obeisance to the perfect souls that have achieved Nirvana.
The biggest event in the Jain calendar is the
holy week (8-10 days) of Paryushan where Jains reflect upon their
actions throughout the past year. The week takes place in August or
September and is concluded by a three hour prayer called Pratikraman.
Namokar Mantra: Elixir ItselfNamo
Arihantanam I bow in reverence to Arihants Namo Siddhanam I bow in
reverence to Siddhas Namo Ayariyanam I bow in reverence to Acharyas Namo
Uvajjhayanam I bow in reverence to Upadhyayas Namo Loye Savva Sahunam I
bow in reverence to all Sadhus
Eso Panch Namoyaro
This five-fold salutation
Savva Pavappanasano Destroys all sins Mangalanam Cha
Savvesim And amongst all auspicious things
Padhamam Havai Mangalam Is the most auspicious one
The
ultimate power of a Mantra uttered in words and meter depends on the one
who recites it, his feelings at the time and the place where it is
recites. However, the Namokar Mantra while it controls our behaviour
pattern and destroys our sins (Karmanashak), upon being recited
increases our inner spiritual strength. It releases us from crisis, and
it
generates our well-being. Jain scriptures tell of its endless magical
manifestation: A dog who was about to die, heard the Mantra recited by
Jeevandhar and became a handsome Yaksha. A pair of serpents heard the
Mantra recited by Parshva Kumar and metamorphosed into Darnendra and
Padmavati. A bull while in physical agony, heard the Mantra recited by
Seth Padmaruchi and in his next life became Prince Vrishabhdhvaj - the
same prince was known as Sugriva later on. The nobleman Dhananjai's son
dying from snakebite heard the Mantra and regained life. Anjan the thief
running from sure death learnt this Mantra and became a learned man. Aj
while dying patiently heard the Mantra recited by Charudutt and reached
heaven. There are endless legends about the power of this Mantra. The
one who recites this sure Mantra with real faith, scales the heights of
the everlasting pits of hell. In this context it would be well to recall
Suhom Chakravarti's
fate.May
we all learn from the teachings and beliefs of Jainism and make our
souls pure and sacred so that it is ready to become one with God.
Palitana Temple...!!
Palitana is the greatest and
biggest pilgrimage
center and sacred place of Jains. The Shwetambar Jain community
believes that the hill of Palitana (Siddhachal) is eternal. Rshabhadev
(Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara, came here several times and
preached. Billions of monks and nuns have attained Nirvana (Salvation)
from this hill from times immemorial.
It is also believed that
hundred millions monks leaded by Dravida
andVarikhilla attained here Nirvana on the auspicious day of Kartika
Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Kartika according to Indian lunar
calendar) and fifty millions leaded by Nami and Vinami on Chaitri
Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Chaitra according to Indian lunar
calendar).
Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It is located 50
km southwest of Bhavnagar city .
The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place
(tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple
Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya
hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on
top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva).
On the top the Shatrunjai
Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by generations of Jains over a
period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The temples are
managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the Kasturbai Lalbhai group.
From the foot of the hill to
the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate
climbing.The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th century CE
during the time of Jain minister Vastupal.
The temples are exquisitely
carved in
marble, veritable prayers in stone. To an observer, these appear to be
ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Created by master craftsmen,
the most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri
Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan
it is simpler than the Choumukh.
Other notable temples are
those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. Kumarpal Solanki, a
great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple. The temple has a
fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with special
permission.
The temples date from 11th to the 20th century
On one special day (Fagun Sud
13),
which usually falls in February/March of every year (According to Hindu
Calender, it is 13th Day of Sud Cycle in the month of Falgun) there is a
huge crowd of thousands of people visiting its place as it is said that
on this particular day, millions of Jain followers attained salvation
from this Hill. Also the pilgrim on that day is almost 3 times as
compared to any other day which is also called as "6 Gaon" which is
approximately
15-18 Kilometers of walk and climbing of Hilly terrain.
Every devout Jain aspires to
climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because
of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway
hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those
unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a
bargain.The code for
the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain
faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way.They can,
however, drink water and water posts are provided all along the route
Moti Shah Toonk (Temple) at the top of Siddhachal hills
The descent must begin before
it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during
the night. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya.
While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The
childless women seek the Pir's blessings to be blessed with children.
They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the shrine is strewn with
such cradles.
Facts about Palitana : Shetrunjay Temples: Steps: 3364
Height: 2000 ft; 7.5 miles Pratima (Idols): 27007 Jinmandir: 3507
A recently concluded count reveals that there are a total of more than
27,000 idols of jain god on this mountain alone
No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the
temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods
There are 900 temples big and
small on the two summits. The sculptures that adorn the marble temples
present a feast to the eyes. You need not be a Jain to admire the
spectacle. Generations of Jain all over the country have contributed
their mite to make Shatrunjay Hill what it is today.
Samavasharana temple in Palitana valley
It is said all the Jain
Tirthankars, excepting Neminath, had attained nirvan on Shatrunjay
Hill. This fact adds to the veneration the devout have for the place.
The place is therefore called Siddhakshetra where one attains moksh.The
mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar who is also
known as Adinath.
Carving in lime in Neminath Temple, Shatrunjay Hills, Palitana
The main temple at the top
contains his idol in padmasan. He belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty of
Ayodhya. So Rama was his ancestor. Adinath visited the Shatrunjay Hill
93 times.
Every shrine has idols of Tirthankars adorned with jeweled eyes.
Jain sacred symbol Hrimkara with 24 Tirthankaras
Jain sacred symbol Omkara with Pancha Parameshthi
Tirthankar Sumatinath, Mulanayaka, Sancha Sumatinath Temple,
Talheti, Palitana.
Sri Adinath Rshabh Deva, Mulanayak, Agam mandir, Palitana Talheti
May Lord Rishabhadeva in Palitana make our lives as blissful as this temple.
--
KKUMARJOSHI
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