PARSHVANATH BAGHVAN TEMPLE

On the outskirts of the village, at the edge of the fields, stands this magnificent 900 year old Jain temple which is completely ignored by the traditional tourist circuits. Dedicated to the 23rd tirthankar (holy man of Jainism) Parshvanath, the temple belongs to the Shvetambar Murtipoojak Jain sect. Not a millimeter of the white marble used in the construction of this temple is free of carving. Every pillar, lintel, wall, ceiling and roof are finely decorated with floral and animal motifs. Recent renovation work has uncovered some very ancient idols of great archaeological value. Some of them are kept in an underground chamber. If you liked Ranakpur, you can only be seduced by this temple that you will have for only you.

The temple is usually locked. You have to find the janitor who looks after another Jain temple located in the heart of the village. The Maharviswami temple, of lesser interest, contains some of the idols found on the site of the Parshvanath temple, including an interesting marble panel showing the different tirthankars. For a hundred rupees, the guard will take you to the temple and give you a tour. He speaks almost no English.

As in any Jain temple, you must take off your shoes and leave all leather articles outside. Photos of the idols are forbidden and the temple is visited from the left by turning around the central sanctuary.