https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Ajmer_Jain_templeAjmer Jain temple - Revision history2026-07-31T12:07:37ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Ajmer_Jain_temple&diff=423961&oldid=prevAjay Kumar at 08:03, 31 August 20232023-08-31T08:03:42Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Temple in Rajasthan, India}}<br />
{{EngvarB|date=March 2014}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}<br />
{{Infobox religious building<br />
| native_name = Soniji Ki Nasiyan<br />
| religious_affiliation = [[Jainism]]<br />
| image = Nasiyan_Jain_Temple.jpg<br />
| image_size = 300px<br />
| alt = Ajmer Jain Temple<br />
| caption = Ajmer Jain Temple<br />
| map_type = India Rajasthan<br />
| map_caption = Location within Rajasthan<br />
| coordinates = {{coord|26.45|74.64|region:IN|display=inline,title}}<br />
| location = [[Ajmer]], [[Rajasthan]]<br />
| deity = [[Rishabhanatha]]<br />
| sect = [[Digambara]]<br />
| festivals = [[Mahavir Jayanti]]<br />
| established = 1864–1895<br />
| creator = Seth Moolchand Soni<br />
}}<br />
{{Jainism}}<br />
The '''Ajmer Jain temple''', also known as '''Soniji Ki Nasiyan''', is a [[Jain temple]] known for its architecture. It was built in the late nineteenth century. The main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari "City of Gold", has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting several figures in the [[Jainism|Jain religion]]. This golden chamber of the temple uses 1000&nbsp;kg of gold to carve out a depiction of [[Ayodhya]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/JM-RIT-jain-temple-gold-ajmer-5653991-PHO.html|title=This Temple In Rajasthan Has A Golden Chamber heavy quantity Of Gold Was Used To Carve Out Depictions Of Ayodhya. It's Truly Mesmerizing!|publisher=Daily Bhaskar|date=Jul 24, 2017|access-date=Jul 29, 2017}}</ref><br />
<br />
Kurt Titze, in his book, "Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence" (1998, p.&nbsp;143), writes on Soniji Ki Nasiyan:{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=143}}<br />
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{{quotation|"Ajmer's main attraction is - for the Jainas - the prominently situated Nasiayan Digambara Temple, or rather the two-storied Svarana Nagara Hall behind the temple, better known as the Museum. Both the temple and the museum were built and are still owned by the Soni family of Ajmer. The temple, dedicated to Rishabha or Adinatha in 1865, was constructed of red sandstone in a matter of a few years, but it took twenty-five years, from 1870 to 1895, to fashion - by artisans at Jaipur - the thousands of individual parts required to assemble a three-dimensional replica of the story of Rishabha in accordance with an old manuscript by [[Acharya]] [[Jinasena]].<br />
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The thought to have such a three-dimensional model for educational purposes occurred to Seth Moolchand Soni, who was born in 1830, only after the completion of the temple. His death in 1891 prevented him from seeing his ambitious work in its finished state.<br />
<br />
In many Jaina temples one sees painted or figurative representations of the 'five auspicious events' (pancha-kalyanak) in the life of every Tirthankara: conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and salvation (moksha or nirvana). The one at Ajmer, now over a hundred years old, is by far the largest and most artistic plastic representation of that much-loved mythological narrative. A specially designed hall of 24.3 m by 12.2 m had to be built to display it effectively. It is open to visitors of all religions every day all the year round for a very small entry fee."}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[Image:Ayodhya Nagri.jpg|Depiction of ''[[Ayodhya]]''|280px|left|thumb]]<br />
Greatly revered by the [[Digambar]] sect of the Jains, the Nasiyan temple is dedicated to [[Rishabhdev]], first of the 24 [[tirthankara]] by Rai Bahadur Seth Moolchand and Nemichand Soni. It is situated on Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer, the heart of Rajasthan state in India. The foundation of this magnificent Jain temple was laid on 10 October 1864 and the image of Rishabhdev (Adinath), was installed in the Sanctum Sanctorum on 26 May 1865.{{Sfn|Rough Guides|2016|p=269}} This work was carried out under the able guidance of the great scholar Pandit Sadasukhdasji of Jaipur.{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=143}}<br />
<br />
The name of the temple is Siddhkoot Chaityalaya. It is also known as 'Red Temple' as it is built of red sandstone or 'Nasiyan of Seth Moolchand Soni' signifying the founder’s name.{{sfn|Boda|1994|p=23}} After the Svarna Nagri was added to the temple in 1895 A.D. it popularly began to be called as 'Sone ka Mandir' or 'Soni Mandir' emphasizing the golden structure as well as the family name. The halls of this temple are adorned with fascinating series of large, gilt wooden figures and delicate paintings that display scenes from Jain scriptures.{{sfn|RTDC}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
[[File:Main Vedi - Lord Rishabhdev.jpg|thumb|Main vedi|200px]]<br />
[[File:At a height of 82 feet, this is the highest Jain Manasthambha in the world.jpg|Manasthamba|thumb|150px]]<br />
<br />
The entrance gate of the temple is made of red sandstone brought from Karauli. In front of the gateway is the marble staircase, leading to the main temple, which is embellished with the images of the Tirthankars.{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=143}} The columns inside the temple are noted for their unique design.{{sfn|Tillotson|1865|p=77}} The mulnayak of the temple is a large white marble idol of Rishabhanatha. The [[Abhiṣeka]] of deity is organised daily with water, milk etc.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=23}} The temple features a massive gateway with a three way pointed high rise arches with an elaborate [[Jharokha]]s.{{sfn|IGNCA|p=1}}<br />
<br />
;Vedi’s<br />
<br />
The central image is of Rishabhdev seated in the "[[Samavasarana]]" - in which He imparts true knowledge to the suffering humanity, so that they get liberated from the entanglements of life and death. In the year 2005, the 3 Vedi's were renovated and all the idols of Tirthankaras were re-installed amidst religious rituals and ceremonies. In this portion only Jains are allowed to perform their religious rituals.<br />
<br />
;Shantinath statue<br />
54 feet Shantinatha statue is being built here. This statue will be the largest Shantinath statue in the world.{{sfn|Tiwari|2018}}<br />
<br />
;Manastambha<br />
<br />
On entering this historical temple one gets the view of the beautifully and artistically designed 82 feet high Manastambha. <br />
R. B. Seth Tikamchand Soni laid the foundation and R. B. Seth Sir Bhagchand Soni built this Manastambha. He, along with his sons Prabhachand, Nirmalchand & Sushilchand consecrated and installed the images of the Jain Tirthankars in it. A big function was held for ten days in June 1953, where along with the members of the Soni family, thousands of others participated.{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=143}}<br />
<br />
;Library<br />
<br />
In the year 1974, in the auspicious presence of 108 [[Acharya Vidyasagar]], a big library was established by R.B. Seth Sir Bhagchand Soni. The library houses rare Jain scriptures which are extensively used for research by scholars.<br />
<br />
;Visitors<br />
<br />
The temple is being visited by many tourists annually. Distinguished Visitors include India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indra Gandhi, Morarji Desai & Rajiv Gandhi, Commander-in-Chief General K.M.Kariappa. Pre-independence the Viceroy and Vicereine of India Lord & Lady Irwin and Lady Willingdon also visited.<br />
<br />
==Svarna Nagri==<br />
It came to R.B. Seth Moolchand Soni’s mind that 5 Kalyanakas of Lord Rishabhdev could be displayed in models. Accordingly, the work started in Jaipur and it took 25 years to complete these replicas of Ayodhya and [[Mount Sumeru]]. The whole structure, covered with gold leaf, is made according to the descriptions contained in [[Adi Purana]] written by Shri Jina Sen Acharya.{{sfn|Amit|2019}}<br />
<br />
On completion, the models were displayed in Museum Hall in Jaipur. A big fair was celebrated for ten days in 1895 A.D which was attended by Maharaja Madhosinghji of Jaipur. The models were thereafter installed in the building behind the main Temple. This Hall is richly painted in variegated colours, and the walls and ceiling are covered with glass mosaic work.{{sfn|Bondurant|2005|p=88}}<br />
<br />
;Garbha Kalyanak (Conception)<br />
[[Image:Sixteen Symbolic Dreams.jpg|Depiction of Sixteen Dreams|thumb]]<br />
The great soul of the Lord is emulated and glorified by the celestials even six months before He comes into his mother’s womb. Saudharma [[Indra]], the Lord of the celestials, ordered Kubera to rain down priceless jewels in the palace of his father [[Maharaj Nabhiraj]], thus announcing the coming of the Saviour of the World. The golden city of [[Ayodhya]] was constructed by the celestials according to the wishes of Indra.<br />
After six months, the mother [[Marudevi]] saw sixteen symbolic dreams, signifying that she was going to be the mother of The Tirthankar.{{sfn|Amit|2019}}<br />
<br />
;Janma Kalyanak (Birth)<br />
[[Image:Procession of Celestials.jpg|Depiction of Procession of Celestials|thumb]]<br />
When Lord Rishabhdev was born in the royal palace in the center of Ayodhya, the thrones of Indras vibrated indicating the birth of the Divine Child. The celestials marched towards the city with great majesty. Indra, after completing three rounds of the city took the new born Tirthankar on the '[[Airavata]] (Elephant) to [[Mount Meru|Mt. Sumeru]]. On this golden mountain lies Panduk Shila upon which the Tirthankar was seated for [[abhiṣeka|Mahabhisheka]].{{sfn|Rough Guides|2016|p=269}}{{sfn|Abram|2003|p=186}} <br />
<br />
;Tap Kalyanak (Renunciation)<br />
[[Image:Lord Rishabhdev in meditation.jpg|Rishabhanatha in meditation|thumb]]<br />
As Rishabhdev became engrossed in worldly affairs, Indra appeared before Him with Apsara Nilanjana. She danced before Him and suddenly disappeared, discarding her mortal coil. This reminded Rishabhdev of the transient nature of the World and He decided to renounce it.{{sfn|Amit|2019}}<br />
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Installing in his place his eldest son Bharat, He left the palace followed by 4000 other kings. Indra followed by the other celestials, took Rishabhdev in procession to the Triveni, the confluence of the [[Ganga]], [[Yamuna]] and [[Sarasvati River|Sarasvati]] at Prayag ([[Allahabad]]) where under the shade of the Akshayavat (sacred [[banyan|banyan tree]]) Rishabhdev gave up the world, including his clothes and gave himself to contemplation. He pulled out his hair (Kesh Lonch) by his own hands depicting his extreme detachment to all worldly and bodily comforts.<br />
Lord Rishabhdev took his first meal after one year of austerities and penance. Raja Shreyans, the king of Gajapura (now [[Hastinapur]]),{{sfn|Shah|2004|p=18}} had the good fortune of being the first person to offer him a meal in the form of sugarcane Juice on the 3rd day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha. This occasion is celebrated even today as [[Akshaya Tritiya]].{{sfn|Shah|2004|p=214}} There is a model of the city of Hastinapur with golden chariots and statues. The structure is also known as ''Siddhkoot Chaityalaya''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Panchkalyan Jain Temple in Ajmer opens doors to public after 140 years |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/panchkalyan-jain-temple-in-ajmer-opens-doors-to-public-after-140-years-16282981.htm |work=[[CNBC TV18]] |date=28 March 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ajmer: Panchkalyan Jain Temple with 'Hastinapur model' made of gold to open after 140 years {{!}} TOI Original - Times of India Videos |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/ajmer-panchkalyan-jain-temple-with-hastinapur-model-made-of-gold-to-open-after-140-years/videoshow/99031537.cms?from=mdr |access-date=28 March 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
;Keval Jnan Kalyanak (Omniscience)<br />
[[Image:Lord Risbabhdev moving over golden lotus after attaining Omniscience.jpg|Rishabhanatha moving over golden lotus after attaining Omniscience|thumb]]<br />
After 1000 years of austerities and penance, Lord Rishabhdev attained Keval Jnan (Omniscience) at [[Mount Kailash]].{{sfn|Amit|2019}} Indra arranged a beautiful place of congregation known as "Samavasarana" where the Lord preached the doctrine of non-attachment to the world. Celestials, humans, and even birds & animals gathered around the lord.{{Sfn|Titze|Bruhn|1998|p=143}} Tirthankars attain the power of walking in sky after attaining Omniscience. 225 Golden lotuses are placed beneath the Lord's feet during his travel by Indra.<br />
<br />
;Moksha Kalyanak<br />
<br />
On [[Mount Kailash]] where Lord Rishabhdev attained Salvation or Nirvana, his eldest son Bharat, the first [[Chakravartin]](emperor of [[Bharata Chakravartin|Bharat]] Kshetra), constructed seventy two magnificent golden temples.{{sfn|Amit|2019}}<br />
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==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Main temple entrance.jpg|Entrance of the temple<br />
Image:Mount Sumeru.jpg|Depiction of Mount Sumeru<br />
Image:Celestial Air Ships.jpg|Depiction of Celestial Air Ship<br />
Image:Lord's mother with new born baby.jpg|Depiction of newborn Rishabhanatha with her mother<br />
Image:Baby Tirthankara on Airawat Elephant.jpg|Depiction of Baby Rishabhanatha on Airawat Elephant<br />
Image:Dance_of_Apsara_Nilanjana.jpg|Dance of Apsara Nilanjana<br />
Image:Lord Rishabhdev performing 'Kesh Lonch".jpg|Rishabhanatha performing "Kesh Lonch"<br />
Image:Shreyans, the king of Hastinapur offering Sugarcane juice to Lord Rishabhdev.jpg|Shreyans, the king of Hastinapur offering Sugarcane juice to Rishabhanatha<br />
Image:Lord Risbabhdev in Samosharan on Mount Kailash.jpg|Rishabhanatha in Samosharan on Mount Kailash<br />
Image:Jain museum-ajmir.jpg|Jain Museum, Ajmer<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Portal|Religion}}<br />
*[[Panch Kalyanaka]]<br />
*[[Nareli Jain Temple]]<br />
*[[Jainism in Rajasthan]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
=== Sources ===<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
=== Citation ===<br />
==== Book ====<br />
* {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAMik_6LbwUC|title=The Rough Guide to India|first1=David|last1=Abram|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=9781843530893|date=2003|access-date=Jul 29, 2017}}<br />
* {{citation |last=Boda |first=Sharon La |title=International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania | volume=5 | series=International Dictionary of Historic Places |url={{Google books|JqHPpNaZfNwC|page=23|plainurl=yes}} |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |date=1994 |isbn=978-18-849-6404-6 }}<br />
* {{citation |last=Bondurant |first=Joan Valérie |title=Sketches of India: With Forty Photographic Illustrations |url={{Google books|b5cF63jx-k4C|page=88|plainurl=yes}} |publisher=Imago Press |date=2005 |isbn=978-09-725-3034-7 }}<br />
* {{citation |last1=Jain |first1=Jyotindra | last2=Fischer | first2=Eberhard | author1-link=Jyotindra Jain | author2-link=Eberhard Fischer (art historian) |title=Jaina Iconography | volume=12 |url={{Google books|gFZ7vQ2jwlEC|page=23|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |date=1978 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers|BRILL]] |isbn=9789004052598 }} <br />
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |url={{Google books|qLNQKGcDIhsC|plainurl=yes}} |volume=1 |date=2004 |orig-year=First published in 1998 |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |isbn=81-208-1938-1 }}<br />
* {{citation |last=Tillotson |first=John |title=Picturesque Scenery in India |url={{Google books|WeNoAAAAcAAJ|pg=PP77|plainurl=yes}} |date=1865 |publisher=Allman }} <br />
* {{Cite book|url={{Google books|aL_kDAAAQBAJ|pg=PT269|plainurl=yes}} |title=The Rough Guide to India |publisher=[[Rough Guides]] | location=United Kingdom |date=2016|access-date=Jul 29, 2017|isbn=978-02-412-9539-7 | ref={{sfnref|Rough Guides|2016}} }}<br />
* {{cite book |first1=Kurt |last1=Titze |first2=Klaus |last2=Bruhn |title=Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-violence |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=loQkEIf8z5wC |year=1998 |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |isbn=978-81-208-1534-6 }}<br />
<br />
==== Web ====<br />
* {{cite news |author=Amit |date=20 June 2019 |title=The golden city of Ayodhya is in Ajmer, it took 25 years to build|url=https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/ajmer-soni-ji-ki-nasiya-ajmer-having-ayodhya-nagri-of-gold-4863450/ |work=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |access-date=13 June 2021 | language=hi }} <br />
* {{cite news |last=Tiwari |first=Rakim |date=16 June 2018 |title=54 feet statue will be installed in Ajmer |url=https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/54-feet-jain-statue-will-established-in-ajmer-2255459/ |work=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |access-date=9 August 2018 }} <br />
* {{cite web | author=RTDC |url=http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/ajmer|title=AJMER, SONIJI KI NASIYAN|publisher=[[Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation]]|access-date=Jul 29, 2017 }} <br />
* {{Cite web | author=IGNCA | url=https://ignca.gov.in/asi_reports/RJAJR_047.pdf | website=[[Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts]] | title=Gateway (Soni Ji Ki Nasiya) }}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
* {{commonscatinline|Ajmer Jain temple}}<br />
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{{Jain temples}}<br />
{{Jainism Topics}}<br />
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[[Category:Jain temples in Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Ajmer]]<br />
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ajmer]]<br />
[[Category:19th-century Jain temples]]</div>Ajay Kumar