20171020 - 20171022 - Jain Temples in Ranakpur & Mount Abu
Chaumukha Mandir in Ranakpur - pillars are densely carved with floral motifs and figures in niches. No two pillars are identical in their ornamentation. I picked Ranakpur and Mount Abu mainly because of their Jain temples. The Chaumukha Mandir (Four Faces)in Ranakpur, and the Vimali Vasahi and Luna Vasahi in Mount Abu are recognized as Jain masterpieces worldwide. Jainism, founded in the 6th century BC, is based on a doctrine of nonviolence towards all living beings. Jains are strict vegetarians. Jains believe in 24 tirthankaras or enlightened crossing-makers, who guide others in their journey from one life to the next. Jainism attracted many followers among the wealthy traders and merchants of Western India, who were also politically powerful as financiers. As acts of devotion and penance, they financed the building of some of these elaborately carved temples. ceilings of concentric tiers symbolize the Jain view of the universe as a serie...