Saturday, April 02, 2016

Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Simhapuri, Sarnath

Sri Digambar Jain Temple at Sarnath is of historical significance. It is at this place, which is also called Simhapuri, 11th Tirthankara of Jainism, Shreyansnath was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Yes, Lord Ram of Ramayana was also born in Ikshvaku dynasty.
Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Simhapuri, Sarnath
Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Simhapuri, Sarnath
Till we reached Saranth, I was assuming it to be a Buddhist site. But after seeing the Jain Temple, I thought it must be a Jain pilgrimage center too. But the temple was constructed in the 19th century in 1824. Jain Temples are always abode of peace, symbolic of the non-violent religion. In fact, Thousand Pillar Jain temple in Moodabidri near Mangalore is one of my favorite places to unwind. Just sitting in the temple corridor relaxes the mind!

Statue of Shreyansnath, Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Sarnath
Statue of Shreyansnath, Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Sarnath
Walls of the Jain Temple in Saranth are filled with paintings of episodes from the life of Tirthankaras. Interestingly, doors of the temple are painted in gold. Ornate designs in the enclosure to the statue of Shreyansnath are beautiful. After spending few minutes in the temple, we proceeded towards the Dhamek Stupa, which is just behind the temple.
Inside Jain Temple, Sarnath
Inside Jain Temple, Sarnath
Paintings on the walls of Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Sarnath
Paintings on the walls of Jain Temple, Sarnath
Sri Digambar Jain Temple nestled in the nature at Sarnath
Jain Temple nestled in the nature at Sarnath

4 comments:

  1. Interesting to know Shreyansnath was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty...There is a theory that Buddha is also from Ikshvaku dynasty...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. According to Wiki, it seems right - Buddha was from Ikshvaku Dynasty - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikshvaku_dynasty

      Delete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails