VARDHAMAN MAHAVIR JAIN TEMPLE

This Shri Vardhaman Swami Jain Mandir belongs to the Shwetambar Murtipujak sect of Jainism. Lord Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara (propagator of dharma) in Jainism, who revived and reorganised the religion. Lord Mahavira was born into a royal Kshatriya Jain family in present-day Bihar. He abandoned all worldly possessions at the age of about 30 and left home in pursuit of spiritual awakening, becoming an ascetic. He practised intense meditation and severe austerities for 12 years, after which he is believed to have attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He preached for 30 years and is believed by Jains to have attained moksha (salvation).

Mahavira believed that the observance of the vows of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment) are necessary for spiritual liberation. He is usually depicted in a sitting or standing meditative posture, with the symbol of a lion beneath him.

Shwetambar is one of the two main branches of Jainism. It means ‘white-clad’ and refers to its ascetics' practice of wearing white robes. Shwetambar Jain communities are currently found mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the coastal regions of Maharashtra. The Murtipujak (Deravasi) order of the Shwetambar Jains keeps idols of the Tirthankaras in their temples and worships them.