JAIN TEMPLES HISTORY

There are some places in India where Hindus and Jains seem to have gotten along better than in the city of Khajuraho. The two groups apparently lived here side by side since at least the 9th century. During the 10th century, a new regional power raise in Central India, the Chandela. The Chandela emerged in the vicinity of Khajuraho, and it became one of the major cities of the kingdom. The Chandela kingdom survived in one ruler form or another for the better part of the next four hundred years, during this time they develop Khajuraho as a major urban and religious center. From the 10th through the 12th centuries Chandels sponsored the construction of dozens of major temples in the city, including both religion Jain and Hindu shrines.

The main Jain temples includes the Parshvanath Temple around 954 AD, the Ghantai Temple around 960 AD, and the Adinath Temple around 1027 AD. As many as eighty other temples of both religions were also constructed in Khajuraho at this time. Khajuraho was a major Jain center throughout the period of Chandela rule. After the Muslim conquest of the region in the 13th century, many of Khajuraho's temples were destroyed, while others were neglected and ultimately abandoned over time. They were rediscovered by British explorers in the 19th century. Most of those that survived have since been restored. One new temple, the Shantinath Temple, was constructed from the ruins of other temples during the colonial era.

ART & SCULPTURE

The Jain temple complex was recently developed, with shops and a small museum displaying Jain images salvaged from the vicinity. A gateway leads into the enclosed complex, to one side of which is the Dharamshala, the hostel for visiting devotees. To the left is a temple that is in worship, called the shantinath. This temple is an assemblage of the fragments, pillars and images from older temples and is built around a courtyard. In the central niche is the tall (4.5 metre) image of Adhinath. The path leads to another enclosure within which are two interesting temples. The main temples of the Jain group of temples in khajuraho are: The Parshavnath Temple, Shantinath Temple and Adinath Temple. There are 31 (Thirty one) Jain Temples in total. But from architectural point of view the Parsvanath, the Adinath and the Shantinath temples are relatively more important and noteworthy. These temples are unique examples of religious harmony and spirit of accommodation. Atishay (Miracle), The Shantinath Temple is famous for its 14 feet high standing idol, the 16th jain tirthankara. According to an inscription on it, it is installed in Vikrama-Samvat 1085 (1028 AD). This idol is full of miracle. Shri 1008 Lord Shantinath temple is the main temple with 4 ft. high colossus in the standing posture, the highest idol of all idols (deity images) of Khajuraho. This temple contains a large number of remarkably gracious images of Tirthankaras. This temple also contains a picture-gallery, which exhibits photos of prominent Jain monuments of India as a whole, in a chronological manner. Shantinath Temple is a modern composite structure that incorporates sections of several temples. It has several shrines. The main section has a 12 feet tall idol of Lord Shantinath with an inscription of Sam. 1085. The Parsvanath temple is famous in the world as it contains some of the most excellent sculptures of Khajuraho e.g. figures of Lakshmi- Narain, Balram-Reoti, eight Dikpalas (i.e. Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kuber and Isan), Ambika, Kamdev-Rati, Ram-Sita along with Hanuman. This temple is also privileged to possess the best art pieces of Sura-Sundaris (Divine Nymphs) in various attractive postures.

LOCATION

Shri DigamberAtishayKshetra, Khajuraho is located at Village Khajuraho, Taluka Rajnagar, District Chatarpur (M. P.). Khajuraho is 60 km from Mahoba, 152 km from Satna and 13 km from Jhansi. Road from Satna to Khajuraho, passes through rivers and valleys, full of very beautiful natural scenario. Khajuraho has been recognized by UNESCO as a place of world heritage on account of its magnificent temples. The temples of Khajuraho are generally divided into three groups: Western, Eastern and Northern. The Eastern group is mainly consisting of Jain temples. Many Jain inscriptions from the Chandella period can be seen at Khajuraho

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Khajuraho can be visited anytime between the months of July to March. The city of Madhya Pradesh is a treasure house of ancient cave temples. The best time to explore these prized beauties is the pleasant months. Summers in the city are warm days. Heated weather does not let you enjoy the sights. Monsoon in the city are a pleasant time. Moderate rains are available for few days in the season. The lovely months of October to February are the best time as crowds from all over the world visit. The Khajuraho Dance Festival held every year in February is the best time to plan your trip. At the marvelous backdrop enjoy the rare classical dances of the country.

Adinath Temple

INTRODUCTION

Temples, is a significant example of the Jain settlement in Khajuraho. This ancient shrine is dedicated to the first Jain TirthankarAdinath - the founder of Jainism. Although exterior walls of this temple also carved with Hindu Deities. This temple is also a part of precious Khajuraho Eastern Group of Temples. What catches the fancy of visitors are the beautiful carvings of Yakshis (female mythical beings and partner of Yakshas), on the entire structure. Moreover, the exterior of this temple showcases three bands of sculptures of graceful sura-sundaris that look truly amazing. The temple is partly in ruins with its former glory intact in the picturesque and mesmerizing carvings and statues. It is smaller to the most temples in the complex, only the entrance of the temple has been renovated. The modern entrance chamber is made of lime-plastered masonry with arched doorways. Take a walk down the memory lane with this temple reminiscent of the glorious by gone era. It is believed that the origin of this temple dates back to the late 11th century.

HISTORY

Khajuraho history is very interesting due to relation with Moon God with Chandela Rulers. They are the successor of Moon. These all temples are built by Chandela Rulers. Adinath Temple is situated on the north of the Parsvanath Temple and is one of the important temples of the Jain group of temples in Khajuraho. It is believed that this temple was constructed in the 11th century and was dedicated to Adinath, a Jain saint. This temple was constructed by the rulers of Chandel Dynasty during 950-1150 A.D. It was probably constructed slightly later than the Vaman Temple. With the passage of time, only the sanctum and corridor roofs of temple have survived. The mandapa and porch of the temple was damaged; however, the present entrance is replaced by modern entrance chambers. The arched doorways situated at the entrance are similar to that of the original ones.

ART & SCULPTURE

The plan and design of Adinath Jain temple is similar to the Vaman Temple. There are only a few differences between the two temples. For example, the top row of the outer wall of the Adinatha temple depicts a flying Vidhyadhara, while that of the Vamana temple shows diamond-shaped decorations. The curvilinear tower of the Adinatha temple is of better proportions than that of the Vamana temple. This, combined with a somewhat more evolved sculptural style, proves that the Adinatha temple was constructed after the Vamana temple. They represent the culmination of the central Indian style of architecture and the sensuous sculptures that decorate them are among the masterpieces of Indian art. The Adinatha temple belongs to the late 11th century of the Chandella period. The sanctuary is covered by a tower with vertical bands decorated with arch-like motifs. The outer walls have three bands of sculptures depicting deities and celestial beings. This view shows the temple with the later brick-built porch.

LOCATION

Adinath Temple shares same location of Parshavnath Temples. This temple is also in Jain Complex. It is located in the south east of Khajuraho City of Chatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. Khajuraho is a city of temples. It is very famous for Khajuraho art & Sculpture. These temples are in Nagar Style architecture and considered among popular places to visit in Khajuraho. The temples are divided in three groups- Western, Eastern and Northern group of temples. These all groups are part of Khajuraho tourism.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Check the best time to visit Adinath temple in Khajuraho. Months of summers are hot and dry with temperatures shooting up to a sweltering 45 degree Celsius during the day. This season receives the minimum amount of tourist activity and is the off-season in this place. So the season of winter or after Monsoon is good for visit Khajuraho. October to march is the best season for the Khajuraho sightseeing. Khajuraho temples are very nice place to visit. Adinatha Temple is located in Khajuraho. The Khajuraho Dance Festival held every year in February is the best time to plan your trip. At the marvelous backdrop enjoy the rare classical dances of the country.

VISITOR TIMINGS

Khajuraho temples are open for visitors, from sunrise to sunset, in all seven days of a week. Usually tourists visit them in between 8:00 Hrs to 17:30 Hrs. Same is the visitor timing for Adinath temple. Visitors are required to take entrance ticket from ticket counter, located near entrance gate of Western Group of temples and retain the ticket to visit other temples also.

Ghantai Temple

INTRODUCTION

The famous Ghantai temple situated at Khajuraho district ChatarpurMadhyapradesh.This temple was built around 10 century AD by Chandel kings of Khajuraho. This temple is situated outside the boundary wall of Jain temples. Ghantai Temple is known for the fascinating frieze that depicts the dream of Mahavira's Mother. This Temple is one of the important Khajuraho temples located among the eastern group of temples at Khajuraho. The frieze depicts the 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira's mother and a multi armed Jain goddess who rides on a winged Garuda. Located at the north of the Parsvanath temple this is one of the simplest and most modestly constructed Adinath Temple. The group comprises the Parsvanath, Adinatha and Santinatha temples, besides numerous modern shrines. Some of the latter are stand on the ruins of older ones, while most of them are lately built of old material and display old images. The Ghantai temple is locally so called on account of the chain-and-bell (ghanta) motifs, prominently carved on its tall conspicuous pillars, which are among the finest ones of medieval India, remarkable for their stately form, bold ornamentation and classical dignity.

HISTORY

Here we have discussed about history of Ghantai temple in Khajuraho. History of Khajuraho is similar to the history of Khajuraho temples and Chandela dynasty, credited about this magical Khajuraho Art and Sculpture. This is famous Ghantai temple situated at Khajuraho district Chatarpur, Madhyapradesh. This temple was built around 995 CE by Chandel kings of Khajuraho. It is similar to Parshavnath Temple with much large scale which presents that it was constructed after Parshvanath Temple. This temple is situated in eastern group of Temples in Khajuraho. This temple is situated outside the boundary wall of Jain temples. This temple is very remarkable for its art and craft. Initially this temple came into light after survey of Alexander Cunninghum. He concluded about this temple as a dilapidated Buddhist shrine. In 1876-77 a Joint survey by Alexander Cunningham and Ferguson was done for this temple and finally they both concluded this as a Digambar Jain temple of 10 century AD. This name Ghantai was given to this temple in ancient time due to its Pillar where marvelously carved bells and chains are visible. These pillars are considered under the most beautiful pillars of central India. Now a day's only Ardha mandapa and maha mandapa are remaining in this temple. We can just assume about splendour of this temple. It was bigger than Parshawanatha temple situated at Khajuraho. This temple was dedicated to lord Rishabh as Chakreshwari is seen in this temple along with nine planets and Gomukhyaksh. It is classified as a monument of National Importance from Archaeological survey of India. It is a part of Khajuraho Group of Monuments of UNESCO world Heritage site.

DESIGN, ART & SCULPTURE

Design of this temple is similar to the Parshavnath Temple though it is just twice of the Parshvanath temple. Ghantai temple is called so on account of the chain-and-bell (ghanta) motifs, significantly carved on its tall conspicuous pillars. This temple faces the east. Wall of this temple collapsed and it is on the ruin. Pillars of the entrance porch and Mahamandap are survived only. Pillars of the porch feature a chain and bell motifs, after this the temple is known as Ghantai temple. The door lintel of mandapa features Adinatha's Yakhshini attendant Chakreshwari with eight arms and sitting on the winged Garuna. A large sculpture, now located at the Khajuraho museum, was found at the Ghantai temple ruins. This sculpture features figures of 52 Jinas, including a central figure of Rishabhnatha standing in Kayotsarga pose. The sculpture also features Sarvanbhuti on its left side and a four-armed Chakreshvari on its right side.

LOCATION

Ghantai temple is situated at Khajuraho in Chattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh. It is located between old village and Jain closer and to the south east of Khajuraho Village. On the way to the Jian complex, at the southern edge of the village and barely visible from the road are the ruins of the Ghantai Temple.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Khajuraho can be visited anytime between the months of July to March. The city of Madhya Pradesh is a house of ancient temples. The best time to explore these amazing temples is the pleasant months. Summers in the city are hot and humid. Hot weather does not let you enjoy the Khajuraho sightseeing. Monsoon in the city are a pleasant time. Moderate rains are available for few days in the season. The lovely months of October to February are the best time as crowds from all over the world visit. The Khajuraho Dance Festival held every year in February is the best time to plan your trip. At the marvelous backdrop enjoy the rare classical dances of the country.

VISITOR TIMING

Visitor timing of Ghantai temple is from sunrise to sunset. It can't be visited after sunset. It is open for visitors in all days of a week. Just retain the entrance ticket, purchased from ticket counter at entrance of Western Group of temples complex. This ticket will entitles us for entrance into temples complex. While entering inside the temple, remove your shoes on steps, in respect of holy place. Their is not fixed dress code for visiting these temples but still we recommend to any kind of obscene dress as this will hurt the feeling & sentiments of local people & devotees. Usually tourists visit this temple from 8:00 Hrs to 17:30 hrs.

Parsawanatha Jain Temple

INTRODUCTION

It is the largest of the Jaina temples, 69 feet long and 35 feet wide. It is believed to be a shrine of Parsawanatha, the 22nd Jain Tirthankara. The temple has a naked male figure on the left side of the door and a naked female figure on the right side, with three seated female figures over the centre. Above the entrance is a ten-armed Jaina Goddess holding various arms and weapons riding on a garuda. Two other goddesses, riding respectively on a goose and a peacock, are carved at the ends of the lintel. Inside the temple, is a small seated figure of Parsawanatha giving the temple its name. On the jambs of the door are three short records of pilgrims in characters of the tenth or eleventh century, which is the most probable date of the origin of the temple.

Shantinath Temple

INTRODUCTION

Shantinatha Temple is a Jain temple counted as a World Heritage Site along the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The temple is presided by Shantinatha; however, it has idols of other Jain tirthankaras as well, including a colossal statue of Adinatha. Although the present-day temple structure features modern renovations, the nucleus of the temple is quite old.[4] It features an oblong enclosure of shrine cells depicting the older sculptures.[5] The temple has a courtyard. Two sides of the structure incorporate Chandella period structures. The temple and the images installed thus span 10 centuries.

The present structure is a quadrangle, as many Jain temples of the nineteenth century are, with an open courtyard in the middle. The older stone structure and elements are clearly seen embedded in the 19th century masonry structure.

Shrine 1 in the center contains the ancient Shantinath image which is flanked by smaller images of all the 24 tirthankara. The doorway includes the conventional images of goddess Ganga and Yamuna, and there is notable image of the guardian deity Kshetrapala. The 18 shrines house numerous 11/12th century and 19th/20th century images. Some of the ancient images were brought here from ruined Jain temples in Fatehpur (near Hatta in damohdist) and Bilahri in Katni district. One of the wings of the quadrangle serves as a gallery displaying historical photographs and prints from early 2oth century.