MAHAVIRA TEMPLE

Mahavira Temple is an amazing stopover in the Thar Desert. It is one of the oldest Jain shrines in the country and is said to have been built during Mahavir's lifetime. In the middle of the sand dunes, outside the village, let yourself be led through the village lanes to the temple. If it is in the vicinity, the Brahmin priest of the temple will surely be happy to make you visit it.

The present building dates back to 783 and the period when the Gujara-Pratihara dominated the region. It is considered to be the cradle of the Oswal Jain community, a branch of the sect originating from Marwar. Therefore, the temple is an important place of pilgrimage for the Jains of the region, but also for the Hindus.

Even if it is not as good as the Jain temples of Mount Abu or Ranakpur, you will see beautiful sculptures on its pillars and domes. Mahavir was the last of the 24 tirthankar (holy man). He is considered the founder of the Jain community and is one of its most revered figures. His statue, which would be made of a mixture of sand and milk, is covered with gold leaves. His eyes would be pure diamonds.

The courtyard of the temple also contains other sculptures discovered on the site of Osyan. A statue of the Sun God (Surya) is said to date from the 6th century. Finally, notice this small niche in the outer facade of the Mahavir temple. It is dedicated to Bharu, another form of the divine mother, and is also invoked by couples wishing to have a child.