World Renowned: Jain Pilgrimages: Reverence and Art

This book compiles the art of Jain centers of pilgrimage. Although there are hundreds of Jain pilgrimages we have included only those which are popularly established as centers of faith and devotion and those which are internationally discussed as examples of art and sculpture. Some pilgrimages do not excel in art and sculpture, but are centres of devotion, such as Shankheshwar and Nakoda. Some are unique examples of art and sculpture and tourists come to India specially to see them, such as Delwara-Abu, Ranakpur and Jaisalmer. Delwara has no parallel in sculptural art throughout the world. It is the crowning glory of Indian sculpture. Palitana is a pilgrimage that is called the city of temples. For Jains, Palitana has the same stature of piety that Haridwar has for Hindus. In Jaisalmer and Osian, one can behold arts of remote antiquity. At Shravanbelgola, stands one of the wonders of the world – the monolithic and beautiful standing statue of Bhagavan Bahubali. In this book we have presented a total of sixteen pilgrimages. Our main purpose was to magnify the sculptural aspect of these centres. We have tried to capture and display with the help of photographs the intricate and fine carvings made by stone artisans. Our intimate disciple, Shri Mahendra Bhansali has employed all his skill as a photographer. His commendable talent as a photographer is evident in the results.