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Shri Mahavirji Temple
 This Digember Jain piligram centre is 90 Kms by rail from sawai Madhopur
on the Delhi-Mumbai Broad gauge route. The main temple is in side in
inclouser known as katla. Accourdinfg to a legend, status of Shri
Mahavirji, the 24th Jain tirthankar, was unearthed by a cowherd a few
hundred years back. The place, in due course of time, become a pilgrim
centre and attracts Jains far and wide.
The temple of Shri Mahawirji combines the modem & ancient style of
architecture. It is raised on hung platfrom and is built mostly of white
sandstone. The main Chattries are visiable from a distance and are built
of red sandstone. The walls of the temple are illustrated with carvings
of religious scenes.
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This temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture -
quite contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain temples which were
highly ornamented and richly carved.
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It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols of
Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches.
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The temple is a vast complex costructed with white sandstone, and has
cupolas of red sandstone along with the chhatris & spires visible from
all around.
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A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as high
as 32 feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira have
been consecrated.
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It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights illuminate
the entire complex. The best time to visit is March-April.
Main Jain Pilgrimage Center
The town of Sri Mahavirji is one the most popular Jain pilgrimages in India
for here is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The Shri
Mahavirji temple on the banks of the river Gambhir was built in white
marble in honour of Mahavira, the 24th Jain saint. The temple has a nice
legend attached to it.
The Interiors
Perched on a raised white marble platform, the Mahavirji temple is an
amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture. While ancient Jain
temples were highly ornamated and richly carved, the Mahavirji temple is
contemporary in design. Like most Jain temples, this one too is a
complex of smaller temples. Inside the main temple are seated idols of
Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared nichés.
The Deity
A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain fordmakers, stands as high
as 32 feet, casting a noble eye on disciples below. Nearby is a tall
tower crowned with a balcony. But perhaps the most splendid aspect of
the temple is when night descends. Thousands of lights illuminate the
entire complex, making it seems like a festival of lights in itself. The
best time to visit Sri Mahavirji is during march and April when a
festival adds to its splendour.
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