Sanghiji (Shri Digamber Jain Atishay Kshetra Mandir)

Sanghiji (Shri Digamber Jain Atishay Kshetra Mandir)

Shri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Temple, Sanghiji is an ancient Jain temple made of red stone in Sanganer, Rajasthan. 

The ancient Shri Digambar Jain Temple of Sanganer is 16 km from Jaipur.

History

This temple is a major Jain pilgrimage center. The idol of the main deity of this temple, the first Tirthankara Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), is a 4000-year-old gem. The final phase of this temple was completed in the 10th century BC, as evidenced by an inscription of 1011 set in one of the arches.

About the temple

The underground portion houses an ancient small temple which is guarded by Yakshas, ??the spirits of nature. This sacred temple has seven underground floors which are kept closed due to old religious beliefs and visitors are not allowed to visit them. It is said that only a Balyaati ascetic Digambara saint can enter it and bring out the idols of this underground temple for a limited period, which is announced and decided in advance.

The temple also has a dharamshala equipped with all the modern facilities including Bhojanalaya (a restaurant).

Architecture

The Jain temple follows Nagara architecture. The temple has a highly ornate arched entrance. The temple has a double-storeyed entrance, with a Nagara-style arched shikhara on the first floor.

The temple has soaring shikharas and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine with eight soaring shikharas. The Sanghiji Temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu and Jain architecture. The larger temple was built in the 10th century from marble and sandstone and the smaller temple is rich with ornate carvings; the use of white marble is similar to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu.

Decorative features such as flying arches, bracket motifs, carved pillars and lotus ceilings are characteristic of Maru-Gurjara architecture.

History

Map ( Click on the photo, the map will open )