Information of Adinath Temple, Jamnagar, Gujarat (History, Mythology, Architecture)

Similar to other sacred places in Gujarat, Adinath Temple also is regarded as a key attraction among devotees. It is a popular sacred place for Jains, situated in Jamnagar. Adinath Temple is dedicated to guru Adinath, who was regarded as the first Jain Thirthankara. The temple has elegant decorations and frescos on the ceilings, walls and other parts, which provides an enjoyable view to the devotees. Apart from religious significance, Adinath Temple is a great place of tourist destination.

Adinath Temple Religious Significance

Guru Adinath, who is also known as Rishabha is the founder of Jainism. Among 24 Tirthankaras of Jain religion, Adinath was the first one. He was the first one to taught Jain wisdoms to people. Legend states that Adinath belonged to Ikshvaku family of Puranic literature. It was a fabled family founded by Ikshvaku. Two great Hindu epics named Ramayana and Mahabharata have various references regarding this dynasty. It is being stated that Ikshvaku dynasty ruled from Kosala territory, where their capital was Ayodhya. This dynasty was also termed as the solar family. It comprises 22 Jain Tirthankaras and out of them, guru Adinath was one of the supreme sages.

According to Jain belief, Adinath had various incarnations. For example in the form of Dhanna, he delivered and extended his services to the refrainers of god. His other incarnation is Jivanand, where he had taken care of many ill devotees. He was also believed to born as emperor Vajranabh, where he served poor and isolated people. Owing to his unprecedented religious activities comprising intense studies, reparation and meditation, he earned the title of Tirthankara. His devout functions lead to his birth as lord Rishabha. In Adinath Temple, each year the birthday of lord Rishabha is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ashadh month of Hindi calendar.

Adinath Temple Mythology

Adinath Temple has unimpeachable spiritual significance among the Jain faction. The main reason for creating this temple was to spread the word regarding Jain religion to the entire world. According to Jain mythology, Adinath Temple was the place where guru Adinath accomplished enlightenment. Furthermore, he also teaches about Jainism to people from Adinath Temple.

In a different story it has been stated that the mother of lord Rishabh named Marudeva had seen 14 different dreams when she carried him. In every dream, she had seen an Ox in the beginning stage. Due to this reason, there was a symbol of Ox in one thigh of lord Rishabh.

Adinath Temple Gujarat Architectural Significance

The structure of Adinath Temple demonstrates certain scenes which replicate the life stories of various Tirthankaras other than guru Adinath. Numerous colours have been used in these structures and among them blue, orange, green, yellow and pink are hazy and unclear. The scenes of Adinath Temple also replicate mixed flowers, various domestic materials and multiple divinities of Jain religion.

The remarkable design along with the paintings on the rooftop, walls and columns of Adinath Temple makes the devotees spell bound. The floor area of the temple is created from marble and is designed with specific Jain architectural style with black, red, yellow and white colours. Adinath Temple possesses a big vault. The exterior of the vault is designed with mosaics of gold as well as other diverse colours. Adinath Temple even possesses a ceiling which is embroidered with varioussizes and shapes of glasses. Such decorations are also observed above the gateways of the temple. These architectural designs adds beauty to the appearance of Adinath Temple.