Mahaveer Swami Temple is a famous Jain pilgrimage site. This temple is situated in Hindaun Block in Karauli district in Rajasthan. It has a long historical story of its existence. Mahaveer Swami Temple is a small and simple structure constructed in 1582 A.D. The temple is dedicated to 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer, with nine other images in this temple. The temple is best known for the paintings done on its upper walls by the artists of Sirohi in 1764 A.D.
The temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture. While ancient Jain temples were highly ornamented and richly carved, the Mahaveer temple is contemporary in design. Like most Jain temples, this temple too is a complex of smaller temples. Inside the main temple houses idols of Jain saints that are placed within delicately carved pillared niches.
Architecture of Mahaveer Swami Temple
The exterior and interior walls of the Mahaveer Swami Temple are richly decorated with beautiful carvings and golden paintings. 16 mythological scenes are carved beautifully on the outer walls of temple. The sculpture of temple shows an exquisite beauty of execution and a high degree of skill.
A huge statue of Lord Shantinath, one of the Jain ford makers, stands as high as 32 feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira have been consecrated. A bluish crystal idol of Lord Shantinath and a silver coated carved fort of Ashtapadji are the other notable attractions. Considered as a highly revered temple for the Jains, Mahaveer Swami Temple has the presiding deity in the form of Lord Mahaveer A marble recreated model of Pavapuri, the place where Mahaveer attained nirvana can be witnessed on the terrace.
A remarkable feature of Mahaveer Swami Temple is, there is complete absence of electric bulbs or any form electricity, and the whole inner chamber is lighted up with lamps burning in coconut oil. Devotees come for "darshan" (visit) on the first day of the bright half of the month of Kartik (March-April) and on the first day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad (mid-September to mid-October), considered propitious.
Festivals at Mahaveer Swami Temple
An annual fair is organized in the temple premise during Mahavir Jayanti which attracts Jains and people from many other communities and religions in a great number. The fair takes place for 5 days which starts 2 days prior to Mahavir Jayanti and end 2 days post Mahavir Jayanti. The fair ends with a splendid and colorful Rath Yatra. Many Jain saints or monks deliver religious speeches during this fair.
