Bhandasar Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

Bhandasar Jain Temple- Rajasthan Old Bikaner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001

Deity

Sumatinatha

Introduction

• Location: The Bhandasar Jain Temple is situated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and is renowned for its exquisite wall paintings and intricate artwork.
• Cultural Heritage: This temple is one of the 27 beautiful Jain temples in Bikaner and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and tallest Jain temples in the region.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Construction: The temple was constructed in the 12th century by Bhandasa Oswal, a prominent Jain merchant.
• Dedication: It is specifically dedicated to Sumatinatha, the fifth Tirthankara in Jain tradition.
• Legend of Construction: According to local legend, an impressive 40,000 kilograms of ghee was used in the construction of this temple instead of water for the mortar, which adds to its unique historical narrative.
• Architectural Features:
  • The temple consists of three storeys and showcases stunning leaf paintings, frescoes, and ornamented mirror work.
  • Constructed primarily from red sandstone, the temple features intricate yellow-stone carvings on the walls and pillars of the sanctum and mandapa.
  • The walls depict scenes from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, enhancing its religious significance.
  • The temple layout includes the garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (vestibule), mahamandapa (main hall), and ardhamandapa (entrance hall).
  • The sanctum is designed in the pancharatha (five rathas) style and topped with a shikhara that includes karna-amalakas and amalakas at the pinnacle.

Special Features

• Artistic Decor: The temple is adorned with beautiful mirror work, frescoes, and leaf paintings, showcasing the artistic skills of the era.
• Panoramic View: Visitors can climb to the topmost floor of the temple, where they are rewarded with stunning views of the Bikaner skyline.
• Unique Material: The legend regarding the use of ghee instead of water in the mortar has led locals to believe that the ghee seeps through the walls on hot days, adding to the temple’s mystique and charm.

Festivals

• Mahavir Jayanti: This festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is observed with great fervor at the Bhandasar Jain Temple, attracting numerous devotees.

Century/Period/Age

12th century.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Bikaner

Nearest Railway Station

Bikaner Station

Nearest Airport

Jodhpur

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