Sanghiji Jain Temple, Sanganer

Sanghiji, formally Shri Digamber Jain Atishya Kshetra Mandir, is an old Jain temple of red stone in Sanganer, 16 km from Jaipur, and a major place of Jain pilgrimage. Its principal image is of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, which is believed to be 4,000 years old. An inscription dated V.S. 1011 on one of the toranas records that the final phase of building was finished in the 10th century.

The temple follows the Nagara style with an ornate two-storey arched gateway. Its flying arches, carved pillars, bracket figures and lotus ceilings show the Maru-Gurjara manner, and the white marble carving of the smaller shrine is compared with the Dilwara temples at Mount Abu. In the central shrine stands Parshwanath under seven serpent hoods, framed by carved lotuses and creepers and by elephants tipping water from pitchers held in their trunks. Below lies a small underground temple said to be guarded by yakshas; its seven lower floors stay closed to visitors. A dharamshala with a bhojanalaya serves pilgrims.