Derasars Facts & Worksheets

The site of worship for Jains, or Jainists, is called a Derasar or Jain temple. Temples and monasteries are practically the only structures erected by Jain architects, and secular Jain structures often adopt the dominant architectural style of the century in which they were constructed.

See the fact file below for more information about Derasars, or you can download our 28-page Derasars worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

OVERVIEW

• The Jain temple architecture is often similar to Buddhist and Hindu temple architecture from earlier periods.
• All faiths often used the same builders and carvers, and regional and historical styles are typically comparable. 
• The fundamental design of a Hindu temple, as well as the majority of Jain temples, has been the modest garbhagriha or sanctuary for the primary murti or cult figures, over which the tall superstructure rises, followed by one or larger mandapa halls for over a thousand years.
• Māru-Gurjara architecture, also known as Solanki style, is a distinctive temple style that developed in Hindu and Jain temples about the year 1000 but has since grown immensely popular with Jains.
• It is found in Gujarat and Rajasthan (both of which have significant Jain populations). It is still in use today but in a somewhat modified form. In fact, in the past century, several Hindu temples saw a resurgence in popularity. 
• The style is observed in the collections of pilgrimage temples at Taranga, Girnar, Palitana, and Dilwara on Mount Abu.

HISTORY

•  In Gujarat and southern Rajasthan, a Jain temple is referred to as a derasar. Karnataka’s Basadi is a Jain temple or shrine. South India is where the term is most commonly used. 
• On Mount Abu, the Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples bear their names in remembrance of their past use in North India. 
• The Sanskrit term vasati denotes an establishment, including scholar homes connected to the temple.
• Temples come in two categories: Ghar Jain temples, which are private Jain home shrines, and Shikar-bandhi Jain temples, which are public devoted temple complexes often with a high superstructure, usually a north Indian shikhara towers above the shrine.
• Tirtha is a common name for a Jain temple that is a destination for pilgrims.
• The main image at a Jain temple is known as a mula nayak.
• A pillar called a manastambha(column of honor) is usually built in front of Jain temples. It has four “Moortis,” or stone representations of the temple’s principal deity, one each in the North, East, South, and West directions.

ARCHITECTURE

• Jain temples are constructed using a variety of architectural styles. The oldest examples of Jain buildings are from the Indian rock-cut architectural tradition, which was first practiced by Buddhists and then by Hindus at the end of the ancient era.
• Numerous rock-cut Jain temples and monasteries frequently coexist on the same site as other religious structures, as is the case at Udayagiri, Bava Ellora, Pyara, Badami, Aihole, and Kalugumalai. 
• As the early Buddhist temples give way to the later Hindu excavations, the Ellora Caves are a late site that houses temples of all three major religions.
• Jain temples are constructed using a variety of architectural styles. The oldest examples of Jain buildings are from the Indian rock-cut architectural tradition, which was first practiced by Buddhists and then by Hindus at the end of the ancient era.
• Numerous rock-cut Jain temples and monasteries frequently coexist on the same site as other religious structures, as is the case at Udayagiri, Bava Ellora, Pyara, Badami, and Aihole. Although the architectural aesthetics of the various religions are quite similar, Jains often choose to erect massive statues of one or more of the 24 tirthankaras outside their shrines. 
• Later, these statues evolved into enormous, naked figures standing in the kayotsarga meditation pose, which is comparable to standing at attention. Examples include the Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments and the Siddhachal Caves, which have a variety of solitary sculptures as well as groups of statues.
• These include the 12th-century Gomateshwara statue, the contemporary Statue of Vasupujya, and the tallest of them all, the Statue of Ahimsa, which is 108 feet (32.9 meters) tall.
• Jain temples are constructed using a variety of architectural styles. The oldest examples of Jain buildings are from the Indian rock-cut architectural tradition, which was first practiced by Buddhists and then by Hindus at the end of the ancient era. 
• Numerous rock-cut Jain temples and monasteries frequently coexist on the same site as other religious structures, as is the case at Udayagiri, Bava Ellora, Pyara, Badami, and Aihole. 
• In recent years, the usage of murti pictures within Jainism has generated controversy. Some minor sects reject them completely, while others are picky about which figures they let depictions of. The theological structures are far more basic in groups that primarily reject imagery.
• The majority of Jain temples in North India are built in the Nagara style, whereas the majority of those in South India are built in the Dravida style. 
• However, during the past century or so, the north Indian Mru-Gurjara or Solanki style has begun to make inroads in the south.
• For instance, like nearby Hindu temples, the Mel Sithamur Jain Math in Tamil Nadu includes a sizable gopuram tower.
• Jain temples are constructed using a variety of architectural styles. The oldest examples of Jain buildings are from the Indian rock-cut architectural tradition, which was first practiced by Buddhists and then by Hindus at the end of the ancient era.
• Numerous rock-cut Jain temples and monasteries frequently coexist on the same site as other religious structures, as is the case at Udayagiri, Bava Ellora, Pyara, Badami, Aihole, and Jain temple in Rajasthan Ranakpur.
• The external walls of the temples have been organized by an increasing number of projections and recesses, which accommodate finely carved figures in niches. This is a characteristic of the original Maru-Gurjara architecture. These are often positioned above the bottom bands of moldings in overlaid registers. The latter shows kirtimukha, elephants, and horse riders in long lines. 
• In larger temples, there are often two smaller side entrances with porches and multiple urushringa minor spirelets on the main shikhara tower. Almost no area of the surface is unadorned.
• Later, with Dilwara leading the way, the practice of encircling the primary temple with a curtain of devakulik shrines—each with a little spire—became a defining characteristic of the Jain temples of West India and is still used in certain contemporary temples today.
• These are often constructed on a very high platform and have simple outside walls, giving the exterior of bigger temples the appearance of a fortress with high walls. 
• Although several Jain temples were formerly destroyed by medieval Muslim troops, among others, often permanently, the entrance(s) are frequently up steep, broad steps and are not intended for practical defense.
• Large and elaborately carved rosettes on the ceilings of mandapas, exceedingly extravagant carving, especially on columns, and a distinctive type of “flying arch” between columns—all of which are entirely aesthetic and have no structural purpose—are all characteristics of the Mru-Gurjara style seen inside the temple. 
• The pure white marble used in Dilwara temples lightens the design and has become quite popular. 
• The majority of early temples in the style are in varied local tints of pink, buff, or brown sandstone.
• Large Buddhist or Hindu temples, as well as Muslim mosques, were usually erected with funding from a king before British India, although this was not always the case with Jain temples. 
• Instead, wealthy Jain families or individuals often provided funding. Jain temples typically fall into the small to medium size category due to this and the minority status of Jains in the population. 
• However, at pilgrimage sites, they congregate in large numbers; at Palitana, hundreds of worshippers pack into a few high-walled compounds known as tuks or tonks.
• Temple charity trusts, like the enormous Anandji Kalyanji Trust, established in the 17th century and currently caring for over 1,200 temples, play a significant role in supporting the construction and upkeep of temples.

PARTS OF JAIN TEMPLES

• The architecture of Jain temples is similar to that of many other South Asian religious structures. 
• Jain temples are typically simple to spot since they represent and uphold Jain religious practices and beliefs, despite this and the impact of regional and historical trends. 
• These distinctive qualities include having many shrines within a single temple as well as a number of independent, smaller temples or shrines arranged around the main structure.
• Three fundamental architectural components are used in the majority of Jain temples in India:

• Garbha-gha, image-chamber

• Hall-Mandapa

• porch.

• All Jain temples are raised on a platform, despite the fact that the quantity and relative proportions of these components vary amongst different temples. 
• As a result, a unique sacred area is created, and the temple is elevated above the surrounding landscape. High walls enclose the temple area, further separating the sacred site of the temple from everyday family concerns.

TEMPLE ETIQUETTE

• When visiting a Jain temple, the following rules should be observed:
• One should take a bath and dress in freshly laundered clothing or specific puja (worship) clothing before visiting the temple; while wearing them, one must not have eaten anything or used the restroom. Water consumption is permitted, though.
• Socks and other footwear are not permitted within the temple. Belts, purses, and other leather objects are not permitted inside the temple grounds.
• No consumables, including food, gum, mints, and other items, should be chewed or left in the mouth.
• In the temple, one should make every effort to maintain silence.
• Cell phones are not allowed within the shrine. It is best to keep them off.
• Regarding temple devotion and touching an idol, prevailing customary traditions should be observed. They might differ based on the area and the particular sect.

FAMOUS DERASAR TEMPLES

Palitana Jain Temples (Shatrunjaya Teerth):

• Location: Palitana, Gujarat, India
• Description: Palitana Jain Temples, located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills, are one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains. 
• This vast complex includes over 900 temples with stunning marble architecture and intricate carvings. 
• Devotees climb more than 3,800 steps to reach the summit, making it one of the largest temple complexes in the world. 
• The temples are dedicated to various Tirthankaras and showcase the rich artistic and spiritual heritage found in Jainism.

Ranakpur Jain Temple:

• Location: Ranakpur, Rajasthan, India
• Description: The Ranakpur Jain Temple is a masterpiece of Jain architecture, renowned for its mesmerizing white marble structure and 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars. 
• The beautiful ornamentation work on marble at the temple is devoted to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, and depicts several mythical and historical subjects. 
• The breathtaking interiors and the serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for Jain devotees and tourists alike.

Dilwara Temples:

• Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India
• Description: The Dilwara Temples are an exceptional example of Jain craftsmanship, known for their delicate marble carvings and stunning architecture. 
• These five temples, named Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami, were built between the 11th and 13th centuries and include elaborate flower designs, human figures, and heavenly nymphs in marble. 
• The timeless beauty and spiritual ambiance of the Dilwara Temples attract millions of visitors each year.

Derasars Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Derasars across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Derasars. The site of worship for Jains, or Jainists, is called a Derasar or Jain temple. Temples and monasteries are practically the only structures erected by Jain architects, and secular Jain structures often adopt the dominant architectural style of the century in which they were constructed.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Derasars Facts
2. Derasar Questions
3. More Than Words
4. Famous Temples
5. The Main Features
6. Piece it Together
7. Festive Collage 
8. Virtual Tour
9. My Favorite Part 
10. Let’s Demonstrate
11. Mini Temple

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Derasar?

A Derasar, also known as a Jain temple, is a place of worship for followers of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion. It serves as a sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and religious gatherings.

What is the significance of a Derasar in Jainism?

Derasars hold great spiritual significance for Jains. They are considered sacred spaces where followers can engage in spiritual practices, study Jain scriptures, and seek guidance from religious leaders. Derasars are also centers for community activities, cultural events, and charitable work.

How is a Derasar different from other types of temples?

Derasars differ from temples associated with other religions in terms of architectural style, religious practices, and symbolism. Jain temples often have distinct features such as intricate marble carvings, domes, and spires. Jainism emphasizes non-violence and non-possessiveness, so Jain temples may avoid using materials like wood or animal products in their construction.

What are some common rituals performed in a Derasar?

Rituals in a Derasar might include the recitation of prayers, meditation, and listening to sermons. Jains often perform rituals to honor Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) and seek blessings for peace and well-being. Devotees might also participate in activities like performing acts of charity, fasting, and observing religious festivals.

How do Jains view Derasars in terms of spiritual growth?

Derasars are considered essential for spiritual growth in Jainism. They provide a space for followers to detach from the material world, deepen their understanding of Jain teachings, and practice self-discipline. Visiting a derasar is seen as a way to cultivate spiritual virtues and progress toward liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

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