Jain Temples

Lonely Planet review

Within the fort walls is a mazelike, interconnecting complex of seven beautiful yellow sandstone Jain temples , dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. Opening times have a habit of changing, so check with the caretakers. The intricate carving rivals that in Ranakpur or Mt Abu, and has an extraordinary quality because of the soft, warm stone. Chandraprabhu is the first temple you come to, dedicated to the eighth tirthankar, whose symbol is the moon.

Around the upper gallery are 108 marble images of Parasnath, the 22nd tirthankar. To the right of this temple is Rikhabdev Temple. Behind Chandraprabhu is Parasnath Temple, which you enter through a beautifully carved torana (gateway); it has a beautiful, brightly painted ceiling.

A door to the south leads to the small Shitalnath Temple, dedicated to the 10th tirthankar, with an eight-metal image. A door in the north wall leads to the beautiful Sambhavanth Temple - in the front courtyard, Jain priests grind sandalwood for devotional use. Steps lead down to the Gyan Bhandar, a fascinating, tiny library of ancient manuscripts, founded in 1500. The remaining two temples are Shantinath, and Kunthunath, below it, both built in 1536, and with plenty of sensual carving.