lecture v jain architecture
TRANSCRIPT
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE
In these four faced temple, the image of Tirthankar faces back to
back to face for cardinal directions.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
• 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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
• 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
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.
Ar. Hena Tiwari/Asstt. Prof./ GCAD 2016-17
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.