Jaisalmer fort Jain temples

In the center of the Jaisalmer fort, there are 8 Jain temples. The oldest temple dates back to 1473. The Jain religion originated together with Buddhism in the 6. century before Christ by Mahavira, but has more similarities to Hinduism.

One of the main principles of Jainisms is the absolute non-violence.  There are Jains who swep the floor before their feet to not step on any insects while walking, or wear a mouth cap to not swallow insects by accident. For this reason agricultural or military business is not allowed for Jains. A lot of them are academics or merchants and belong to the wealthiest part of the indian population   

The temple pillars, worshiping place, ceilings and walls are full of carved statues. Besides the main statues are about 8000 tirthankers (religous heads). They are not only simple art, they also have meanings which are very deep. The smallest statue is only the size of a rice corn

 

 The statues convey a message about happiness, love, sex, prosperity, motherland, solace and dedication, but also aspects of daily life

There are also a lot of statues of nude women. The simple logic behind it is that religious wealth, sex and salvation are all part of the human life. Absence of sex will make a person feel restless and incomplete.

 

The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different (Gandhi)