Jain Temples of Jaisalmer are a cluster of temples dating back to the 12th and 15th century. The temples, dedicated to two Jain Tirthankars (hermits) – Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji – are popular pilgrimage destinations. As is characteristic of any structure in Jaisalmer, these temples too, are built of yellow sandstone. The Dilwara style of architecture is borrowed from the famous Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu, a hill station popular among tourists and pilgrims. The walls of the ancient temples are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings. One can sit quietly within the complex and feel at peace. One can also visit the Gyan Bhandar Library. Students of comparative archaeology, or anyone else looking for knowledge, will delight in browsing through some of the rare manuscripts preserved here.
The Jain temples in Jaisalmer are located within the Jaisalmer Fort premises. Its location also proves to be attractive to the tourists as most of the tourists get to visit both the attractions. These temples date back to the 12th century. The temples are dedicated to Rikhadev and Sambavnath, the 1st and the 3rd Jain tirthtankar. There are seven Jain temples in total. They are built and overlooked by the followers of the Swetambar Sect. Among these temples, the biggest one is the The Paraswanath Temple and is most attractive.
At a distance of 2 km from Jaisalmer Railway Station, the Jain Temples are one of the oldest temples in Jaisalmer which are situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort complex. These Jain temples are the most important religious attractions in Jaisalmer. To taste the real flavour of the city, tourists can simply take an auto rickshaw.
To avoid the scorching heat in the city, the best time to visit Jaisalmer is in between October and March.
