Most of us know Jaisalmer to be a land of desert and forts. But do you know that Jaisalmer has some spectacular temples as well? The temples are very well-known spiritual sites for Hindus and Jains. These temples were built over 600 years ago, and some are even older than these. The temples are known for their incredible architecture and carvings. You will find temples in many places in Jaisalmer. You can visit these temples in our Jaisalmer Desert tour packages. Some of the major temples you can visit in Jaisalmer are shown below.
Temples in Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is so huge that there are so many temples within its structure. These temples are very popular places to visit in Jaisalmer Fort. Our Jaisalmer holiday package has an itinerary where you can visit these temples.
Chandraprabhu Temple
This temple was built in memory of Chandraprabhuji, the eighth Jain tirthankara. According to historians and archeologists, it was the first temple that was built in Jaisalmer Fort. Records indicate that it was built in 1509. Like the other temples in Jaisalmer, this temple was also built of yellow sandstone. The arched gates, sculpted pillars, and carved dome are the hallmarks of this temple. The beautiful figures of Jain gods and goddesses will captivate you.
Rishabhadeva Temple
This temple is also in Jaisalmer Fort. Rishabhdev was the first Jain tirthankara to whom this temple is dedicated. His marble idol is in the central dome of the temple. Beautiful carvings, sculptures, and architecture are what make this temple a must-visit. The walls have sculpted idols of elephants, beasts, apsaras, gods, and goddesses.
Parasnath Temple
The temple is one of the several temples you can visit in Jaisalmer Fort in the Jaisalmer travel packages. This Jain Tirthankara, Parasnath, or Parsvanath, was the 23rd one. You will see arched gates which are beautifully sculpted. The carvings on the pillars are also wonderful. The mandap hall has pillars, a dome, and carved doorways. Sandstone was used to construct this temple.
Shitalnath Temple
This is a unique temple you can visit in Jaisalmer Fort. The unique thing about this temple is that the idol of Shitalnath is made of precious stones and metals. Shitalnath was the 8th Jain tirthankara to whom this temple is built. You can view sculpted pillars and walls that have engravings of gods, apsaras, deities, and other celestial beings of the Jain religion. The gates of this temple will lead you to the Sambhavnath Temple.
Sambhavnath Temple
In Jain mythology, Sambhavnath was the number 3 tirthankara. This Sambhavnath Temple is also inside Jaisalmer Fort, and you can visit this temple in the Delhi to Jaisalmer tour package. You will see the beautiful idol of Sambhavnath that is decorated. The walls and dome of the temple have engraved idols of various gods, goddesses, celestial deities, and apsaras. There is a gate inside the temple that will lead you to a library called Gyan Bhandar.
Shantinath Temple
You can visit the Shantinath Temple in Jaisalmer Fort in the Jaisalmer tour packages. The Jain god, Shantinath, was the sixteenth (16) Jain tirthankara. You will be amazed to view the sculpted walls, pillars, domes, and idols. Even the outer structure of this temple will overwhelm you with its structure.
Kunthunath Temple
This is the temple of Kunthunath, the seventeenth (17) tirthankara of the Jain religion. Like other temples in Jaisalmer Fort, Kunthunath Temple also has sculpted pillars, carved idols, domes, and walls with idols of apsaras and other Jain gods. The temple was built in 1536.
Temples outside Jaisalmer Fort
Lodhurva Jain Temple
On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, the Lodhurva Jain Temple has an architecture that you will marvel at. You can visit this temple in our Jaisalmer family tour packages. The landscape around Lodhurva Temple is desert dunes. This temple was in the ancient capital city of Lodhurva, which is just 5 km from Jaisalmer. The temple is one of the outstanding examples of Jain architecture and excellent carvings.
Amar Sagar Jain Temple
The Amar Sagar Jain Temple is located near Jaisalmer, 7 km away. Here, there is a water reservoir called Amar Sagar. The temple has incredible carvings and architecture. This temple is in devotion to the Jain tirthankara Parsvanath. Spectacular carvings, domes, arched gates, and beautiful sculptures are the main things that make this temple so famous.
Tanot Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Tanot Mata, and she is the chief deity of the temple. The temple is located very far, 120 km from Jaisalmer. You will have to drive to reach the temple. The temple is deeply linked to the Indo-Pak wars. You can visit this temple on the Jaipur to Jaisalmer tour package. Legends say that the temple has miraculous powers and defused many bombs that were shot at the Indian army. The bombs are still put in the museum near the temple premises.
Ramdevra Temple
You can visit Ramdevra Temple during a day visit from Jaisalmer. Ramdev Pir was a 14th-century saint and a divine incarnation of Lord Krishna. The divine powers of this saint were so effective that even Muslims became his followers. The temple has a well that has healing water properties. A famous fair is held in the temple, and thousands visit it.
Overview
In addition to the desert landscape and majestic forts, Jaisalmer boasts some of the finest Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan, many of which are over six centuries old and have gained fame for their intricate and artistic carvings in golden sandstone. Inside Jaisalmer Fort, there is a complex of exquisitely crafted Jain temples like the old Chandraprabhu Temple 1509, the Rishabhadeva Temple that houses a marble idol, the mandap of the Parasnath Temple, the stone-adorned Shitalnath Temple that leads to the Sambhavnath Temple and Gyan Bhandar library, and the Shantinath and Kunthunath Temples with magnificently sculpted walls and domes. Outside the fort, parks include the Lodhurva Jain Temple with sand dunes surrounding it, the Amar Sagar Jai Temple set beside the tranquil reservoir, the Tanot Mata Temple instrumental in alleged miracles during Indo-Pak wars, and the Ramdevra Temple, dedicated to the 14th-century saint Ramdev Pir, worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. Featured in a number of Jaisalmer Full Day Sightseeing, these temples offer a beautiful blend of spiritual charm and architectural beauty.
