Jain Temples are in a lot of numbers in Gujarat. These magnificent buildings of wood and stone are decorated with pastel coloured shutters and wooden balconies. There are two significant Jain temples in the area of Jamnagar and these are Shantinath temple and Adinath temple.
Different Jain Temples
The Shantinath temple and Adinath temples were built between 1574 and 1622 and hold spiritual with historical significance. Following are the different Jain Temples:
Adinath Mandir: Adinath Mandir is also known as Jamnagar Tirth. Shri Anand Sheith laid the foundation of this temple around 1633 AD. Adinath, earlier called Rishabhanatha, is said to be the first Jain Tirthanker. Chronicle of Adinath is presented inside the temple in the form of multi-coloured and beautiful paintings. Lively colours such as pink, orange, yellow and green have been used to brighten up people, flowers, Gods and substances displayed in all frames of story. There are 52 small temples built around the primary structure.
Shantinath Jain Derasar: It was built to attract a large number of Jains. This famous caved temple is situated near Bedi Gate in Jamnagar. The mandap is decorated with golden inlay and various chambers, visitors get a glimpse of elaborately patterned marble flooring and mirror ceilings. It is a place of pilgrimage of 16th Jain Tirthankhara.
Vardhman Shah Jain Derasar: It was constructed during the rule of Jam Jasaji in 1612 and it was completed in 1620. This derasar is dedicated to Tirthankhar Adinath. There are multi – coloured murals inside the temple. The temple has a main shrine with 52 small shrines.
Raisi Shah Jain Temple: It is made of carved marble columns with a supporting mandap. There are a number of other Jain Temples such as Shankheswar Parshwanath Jain Derasar in Patel Colony, Mahavir Swami Jain Derasar in Park Colony and the Digamber Jain Derasar near Khambhalia Naka on Arya Samaj Road.
Visiting Information of Jain Temples
There are many state and private buses from many Gujarati cities like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, Dwarka, Bhuj which will take people to Jamnagar. There are daily trains through Western Railways directly connecting Ahmedabad with Jamnagar. There are also weekly trains to Jamnagar from main cities of India. Jamnagar Airport is about 8 kilometres from the city and has regular flights to connect to the other parts of India.