Nasiyan (Red) Temple is a famous Jain temple belonging to the Digambara sect which is also referred to as `Soniji Ki Nasiyan`, or Ajmer Jain Temple, constructed during the latter part of the 19th century. It is located in the city of Ajmer, Rajasthan. The spacious temple hall is beautifully embellished with silver, gold -work, precious stones and glass mosaic, besides gigantic gold-plated wooden figures, which portray Jain legendary tales. The Jain temple is double-storeyed and is situated close to the main temple and the main temple chambers is termed as `City of Gold` or Svarna Nagari. Nasiyan Red Temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabdev, who was the very first of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, and it was built by Nemichand Soni and Rai Bahadur Seth Moolchand.
History of Nasiyan Temple
The temple is present in the heart of Rajasthan, particularly on Prithvi Raj Marg, and the foundations of this structure were established on 10th October, 1864. On 26th May, 1865, the idol of Lord Rishabhdev was placed on the sanctum sanctorum of Nasiyan Red Temple and the construction task of this pilgrimage spot was initiated under the supervision of Pandit Sadasukhdasji of Jaipur, who was a respected scholar.
`Siddhkoot Chaityalaya` is yet another name of this holy temple and since it is composed of red sandstone, it is of ten referred to as `Red Temple` or Nasiyan (Red) Temple. Some people also address the temple as `Nasiyan of Seth Moolchand Soni` named in the honour of its founder. The grand Svarna Nagari had been added to Soniji ki Nasiyan during 1895 AD, and therefore it is also called `Soni Mandir` or `Sone ka Mandir`, signifying the glittering golden interiors of the temple and also the family name.
Main Temple of Nasiyan Temple
Red sandstone imported from Karauli has been employed to create the entrance gate of the temple. A marble staircase will lead visitors to the main temple chambers which is adorned with the magnificent images of the Jain Tirthankaras.
Vedi`s of Nasiyan Temple
On the centre of the Vedi is existent an image of Lord Rishabdev, seated in the posture of `Samavasharana`, which implies his communication of true knowledge to humanity though which it can eliminate suffering, thereby attaining freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The three Vedis were modified during 2005 and the idols of all the Tirthankaras were re-established, accompanied by certain rituals. At this area, only Jains are permitted to practise their sacred rituals and ceremonies.
Manastambha of Nasiyan Temple
The Manastambha of this temple measures 82 feet in height and is a fine specimen of artistic grandeur and it was created by R.B. Seth Sir Bhagchand Soni. The images of Jain Tirthankaras were consecrated and established by him as well as his sons Sushilchand, Nirmalchand and Prabhachand.
Library of Nasiyan Temple
R.B. Seth Bhagchand Soni had installed the temple library during 1974, in the presence of Acharya Vidhyasagarji Maharaj. Jain scriptures exist in the libraries which were utilized by scholars.
Svarna Nagari of Nasiyan Temple
R. B. Seth Moolchand Soni had decided the five Kalyanakas of Lord Rishabdev should be exhibited in the form of models and it took as much as 25 years to finish the erection of these replicas of Mount Sumeru and Ayodhya. The construction had commenced in Jaipur. The entire structure is enveloped with gold leaf, as per the descriptions of the Adi Purana composed by Shri Jina Sen Acharya. These models are displayed in Jaipur`s Museum Hall and a large fair was observed for a period of 10 days during 1895 AD. H.H. Maharaja Madhosinghji of Jaipur was present in the fair and thereafter the models were exhibited in the building which is present behind the Red Temple. Vibrant colours adorn the interior walls of the Hall.