Jain Temples situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. You will find these temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style.
Chandraprabhu temple is dedicated to the eighth tirthankar and is the first temple to be entered. It was built in 1509 and features fine sculpture in the mandapa, the intensely sculpted pillars of which form a series of toranas. To the right of Chandraprabhu is the tranquil Rishabdev temple, with fine sculptures around the walls, protected by glass cabinets and pillars beautifully sculpted with apsaras and gods.
Behind Chandraprabhu temple is Parsvanath temple and is dedicated to Jain tirthankar Sri Parsvanath. A door to the south leads to small Shitalnath, dedicated to the 10th tirthankar, whose image is composed of eight precious metals. A door in the northern wall leads to the enchanting, dim chamber of Sambhavanth. Kunthanath Temple is the most famous of seven temples in the fort complex. The Kunthanath temple is almost a replica of the temple in Hastinapur, which is the birthplace of Lord Kunthanath. The architecture and intricate carvings of the temple is the main draw here.
The 16th century Shantinath temple is one of seven Jain temples within the Golden Fort. It was built in 1536 AD and is dedicated to Sri Shantinath. The beautiful idol of the saint has been majestically carved. The temple is known for its architecture and religious significance. This complex also has a Gyan Bhandar Library which is the best place to get rare manuscripts in India. Travellers can take a rickshaw or shared auto rickshaw inside the fort for visiting these temples.
