Holy places range from impressive temple-cities drawing thousands of pilgrims to isolated spots and small family shrines at home. The complexities of the past are remembered and reworked by lively communities of contemporary Jains both in India and beyond. Jain thinking has been influential in areas such as peaceful protest and environmental concern.
This common temple design has three core building elements in a straight line
Jains can travel to a holy site either physically or mentally, using a paṭa
The huge statue of Bāhubali draws thousands of pilgrims
Trade boomed and Gujarati monks visited the royal court
Groups of closely clustered temples and shrines form holy ‘cities’
Both minority religions in India, Jains and Muslims have had varied relations
High points are often sacred, partly because of their links to Jinas
Perhaps the best-known temple-city, with nearly a thousand temples
Varied yet distinctively Jain, temples are the heart of the community
Muslims damaged idols and temples for commercial and political reasons
Initially simple shelters for holy objects, they are found all over India
Used throughout Jain history, cave temples are often important pilgrimage sites
