Nagaur, a city in Rajasthan, India, is known for its historical and cultural significance. It is home to the Nagaur Fort, one of the finest examples of Rajput-Mughal architecture, which witnessed many battles and sieges in the past centuries. But apart from the fort, there is another attraction in Nagaur that deserves attention. It is the Jain Glass Temple, a stunning Jain temple that is made entirely of glass and mirrors. Visit during One Day Nagaur Local Sightseeing By P
The temple is located behind the Kamla Tower, near the Oswal Bhavan in Nagaur. The temple is a popular shrine of the Jain community, as well as a marvel of art and craftsmanship. In this article, we will explore the overview, location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQ’s and conclusion of this temple.
Overview of Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple, also known as Shri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Mandir or Shri Mahaveer Swami Jain Mandir, is a Jain temple that is dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (enlightened being) of Jainism. The temple was built in the 20th century by the Oswal Jain community of Nagaur. The temple is unique and remarkable for its glass and mirror work, which covers every inch of its walls, ceilings, pillars, doors and windows.
The temple has exquisite carvings and paintings of various Jain Tirthankaras, deities and scriptures. The temple also has a large idol of Mahavira made of white marble, which is adorned with jewels and flowers. The temple has a dome-shaped roof with a lotus motif and a spire on top. The temple has a serene and spiritual atmosphere, where devotees come to worship and meditate.
Location of Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple is located at Khas Bazar, General Ganj in Nagaur city, which is about 135 km north-west of Jaipur city in Rajasthan state. Nagaur city is one of the oldest cities in India and has a rich history and culture. It is also known as “the cattle capital of India” for its famous cattle fair that attracts thousands of traders and tourists every year.
Timing/Entry Fees Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple is open for visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple, but donations are accepted at various places inside the temple. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the temple.
How to Reach Jain Glass Temple
The nearest airport to Jain Glass Temple is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 250 km away from Nagaur city. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nagaur city. The nearest railway station to Jain Glass Temple is Nagaur Railway Station, which is about 3 km away from the temple. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. There are also regular buses available from Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and other cities to Nagaur city. Alternatively, one can also drive to Nagaur city by taking the National Highway 65 or 89.
Things to Do/Must See Jain Glass Temple
Apart from visiting the Jain Glass Temple, there are many other things to do and see in Nagaur city. Some of them are:
- Visit the Nagaur Fort, which is one of the finest examples of Rajput-Mughal architecture, which witnessed many battles and sieges in the past centuries. The fort covers an area of 36 acres and has high walls, spacious courtyards, beautiful gardens, elegant palaces, colorful fountains, magnificent temples and a museum.
- Visit the Amar Singh Cenotaph, which is a memorial of a brave Rajput king who fought against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The cenotaph is made of white marble and has intricate carvings and paintings. The cenotaph has a statue of Amar Singh Rathore on horseback with his sword raised in his right hand.
- Visit the Tarkeen Dargah, which is a shrine of a Sufi saint named Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, who was a disciple of the famous Sufi master Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. The shrine is one of the most revered and visited shrines in Rajasthan, where devotees come to seek blessings and miracles.
- Visit the Ladnun Jain Temple, which is a temple of the Digambara sect of Jainism. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient Jain temples in Rajasthan, which has exquisite carvings and paintings.
- Visit the Nagaur Cattle Fair, which is held in January-February every year. It is one of the largest and most colorful cattle fairs in India, where thousands of camels, horses, cows, bulls and other animals are traded and exhibited. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
Significance of Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is a stunning Jain temple that is made entirely of glass and mirrors. The temple is unique and remarkable for its glass and mirror work, which covers every inch of its walls, ceilings, pillars, doors and windows. The temple has exquisite carvings and paintings of various Jain Tirthankaras, deities and scriptures.
- It is a popular shrine of the Jain community, as well as a marvel of art and craftsmanship. The temple was built by the Oswal Jain community of Nagaur, who are known for their wealth and philanthropy. The temple showcases their devotion and dedication to their faith and culture.
- It is also a place of peace and tranquility, where devotees come to worship and meditate. The temple is dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, who taught the principles of non-violence, truth, compassion and detachment. The temple has a serene and spiritual atmosphere, where devotees can experience the essence of Jainism.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Jain Glass Temple made of glass and mirrors?
A: Jain Glass Temple is made of glass and mirrors because it symbolizes the purity and clarity of the soul, which is the goal of Jainism. Glass and mirrors also reflect light, which represents the enlightenment and wisdom of Mahavira.
Q: What are the main attractions of Jain Glass Temple?
A: The main attractions of Jain Glass Temple are:
The large idol of Mahavira made of white marble, which is adorned with jewels and flowers.
The exquisite carvings and paintings of various Jain Tirthankaras, deities and scriptures on the walls, ceilings, pillars, doors and windows.
The dome-shaped roof with a lotus motif and a spire on top.
The glass chandeliers and lamps that illuminate the temple.
The water tank and fountain that add to the beauty of the temple.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Jain Glass Temple?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Jain Glass Temple are:
One has to remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the temple.
One has to refrain from smoking, drinking or eating inside the temple.
One has to follow the instructions of the staff and security personnel.
Conclusion
The Jain Glass Temple is a stunning Jain temple that is made entirely of glass and mirrors. It is a popular shrine of the Jain community, as well as a marvel of art and craftsmanship. It is also a place of peace and tranquility, where devotees come to worship and meditate. Visiting the Jain Glass Temple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed by anyone who wants to explore the essence of Jainism.
