Jain temples
Jain temples
Svetambara Jain images are always decorated ©
There are some beautiful Jain temples in India, although the majority of Jain temples are much plainer structures.
Jain temples contain images of tirthankaras; either in seated meditation, or standing. A seated image or images is usually the focus of a temple interior. Jains make offerings to the images as part of their worship.
Jain temples range from the immense and elaborate to the very plainest of worship rooms.
The two largest Jain sects decorate their temples in different ways.
Digambara Jain temples have tirthankara statues that are undecorated and unpainted.
In Svetambara Jain temples the images are always decorated - with painted or glass eyes and sometimes ornaments of gold, silver, and jewels on the forehead. Further decoration is common.
Digambara Jain tirthankara statues are undecorated and unpainted ©
Svetambara Jains decorate images richly for festivals using flowers, paints, and jewels, and make decorative offerings of flowers, leaves, sandalwood, saffron, camphor, gold or silver leaf, pearls, precious stones or costume jewellery.
These offerings are renewed daily as a gesture of devotion.