Lecture v jain architecture

Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17

Jain Architecture


Jainism traditionally known as Jain dharma, is an ancient Indian

religion belonging to the śramaṇa tradition.

It prescribes ahimsa towards all living beings.

The three main teachings of Jainism are ahimsa(non-

violence), anekantavada (non-

absolutism), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Followers of Jainism take five main vows :ahimsa, satya (not

lying), asteya (non stealing), brahmacharya (chastity),

and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Self-discipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of Jainism.

JAINISM


The word "Jain" derives from the Sanskrit

word jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all

inner passions like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. is

called Jina.

Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four

teachers and revivers of the Jain path known as tirthankaras.

Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the

means to liberation.

Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism and

adopted many Jain principles in his life.


JAIN ARCHITECTURE

Jain Architecture is the off shoot of Hindu and Buddhist style.

In the initial years, many Jain temples were made adjoining the

Buddhist temples following the Buddhist rock cut style.

Initially these temples were mainly carved out of rock faces

The use of bricks was almost negligible.

The system of carving out temples from rock faces was

adopted.

However, in the later years Jain started building temple-cities

on hills based on the concept of mountains of immortality


An important aspect to be noted is that

• Hindu and Buddhist built temples.

• Jains built temple cities on hills.

The only variation in architecture specific to Jain temple is

frequently seen four faced or Chaumukh design.

Entry into these temples is also from four doors that face the

cardinal directions.


Jain temples have

numerous pillars having a

well designed structure,

forming squares.

The squares thus formed

create chambers, used as

small chapels and

contains the image of the

deity.

From these pillars, were richly carved brackets that emerges

at about two third of their height.


ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE

In these four faced temple, the image of Tirthankar faces back to

back to face for cardinal directions.


All the columns were

arranged in squares.

Whenever it was intended

to have a dome, pillars

were omitted, so as to

leave spaces in the form of

octagons.

The roof of these temples

have pointy domes.


EARLY JAIN PERIOD:ROCK CUT CAVES AT BADAMI, Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka

The Badami Cave Temples are composed of four caves, all

carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the

late 6th century.

The four caves are simple in style.

The entrance is a verandah with stone columns and

brackets, a distinctive feature of these caves, leading to a

columned mantapa and then to the small square shrine

(sanctum sanctorum) cut deep into the cave.

The temple caves represent different religious sects. The

fourth cave is the only Jain temple at Badami.


The cave enshrines a number of statues of the Jain

Tirthankaras in different postures. While Mahavira, the 24th

Tirthankara, is depicted in a sitting posture, Tirthankara

Parshwanatha is carved with a serpent at his feet.


INTERIOR LAYOUT OF TEMPLE

• The exits of Jain temples lead

into series of columned

chambers into central hall of

the temple.

• These columns, standing

around for no apparent

purpose, might make the place

seem like mindless labyrinth.

• But on closer study it becomes

evident that there is a style

and method in it.


JAIN ARCHITECTURE

Divided into sanctums and

surrounded by a range of

chapels and shrines, and the

maze of columns act as a

defense against plunderers.

The pointed spires above each

dome is different, yet it

signifies the position of a

chapel, hall or any other

chamber inside.


ADINATH TEMPLE RANAKPUR

Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, Rajasthan

The Adinath temple of Ranakpur is also named Dharma Vihara temple

after its builder.

It stands on a basement of 60m X 62m which holds it strongly.


• The Ranakpur temple is built in white marble and the main

chamber is supported by finely carved columns ,totaling ,1444 in

all.

• On top of flight of stairs at the central entrance, there is a

Balanaka (Entrance hall) which has a dome roof.

A large no. of columns are carved elaborately .

At a space that penetrates through two to three stories, various

heights of domes are placed, and their ceilings have sculptures

that are unbelievably intricate.


Light is abundantly coming inside through gaps between ceilings

and from courtyards, highlighting the intertwined spaces and

fine carvings all around.

The splendor space is so pure as the entire temple from the

floors to the ceilings is made of white marble.

Central main shrine is called Mula-Prasada,” Its interior is

Garbagriha” sanctum. Four "Ranga-mandapas“ (A), assembly hall in front of four

portals of the main shrine.

Each Ranga-mandapa connects with three storied "Meghanada-

mandapa"

B, high hall in front.


Having four "Mahadara-

prasada" (two faced shrine)

diagonally in four directions

of the main shrine, the

temple type is

"Panchayatana" (five

shrined type).

In addition to this, there are two "Bhadra-prasada" on

east and west sides, making the total composition much

more intricate


DILWARA JAIN TEMPLE


• The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD

and 1200 AD

• The famous Dilwara Jain temples are located about 2.5 km

away from Mount Abu.

• The Dilwara Jain temples were dedicated to the Jain

Tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated

manuscripts and treatises.

• Dilwara Jain Temple is one of the finest Jain temple known

world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous

marble stone carvings.

DILWARA JAIN TEMPLE


VIMALA VASHI TEMPLE

The first Jain temple of Dilwara, the

Vimala Vasahi was built in 1032 A D by

Vimala Shah.

It seems fairly basic temple from

outside.

But its interior showcases the

extraordinary work of human

craftsmanship at its best.


The Vimal Vashi temple was built in 1032 AD and is

dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath.

The temple was constructed under supervision of Vimal

Shah, minister of a local Rajput ruler, Raja Bim Deo.

• It stands in pillared courtyard surrounded by 58 cells or

kulikas, which contain small icons of the image in the main

shrine.

• In the main shrine is the gold-brass caste image of Adinath

placed in the Gudh Mandap.


The length of the temple is 98 feet and the width is 42 feet.

The main shrine and the front of the cells are surrounded by

elaborate columns.

The temple is carved out of white marble.

The ceiling is decorated with engraved designs of lotus-buds,

petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.


JAIN COLUMN

The column has a wide spreading base.

The shaft exhibits great variety of design.

They were square at base but were changed to circular section

crossed by lateral bands at regular interval. At the top is a capital usually a fluted vase-motif.

It supported wide square abacus.

The corners of the abacus were supported by figures of humans

& floral pattern.

Lecture v jain architecture

Education

Transcript of Lecture v jain architecture