An Unknown History: Adhinath Temple, Khajauraho

Abstract

Khajuraho's Jain temples The Jain Community of Khajuraho was India's wealthiest community. One of the best collections of Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, as well as more than a dozen Hindu temples, are part of the Jain tradition here. The route comes to an end in front of a complex of Jain temples to the south of Khajuraho hamlet. The ruins of the Ghantai Temple can be found on the approach to the Jain complex, on the southern end of the hamlet and scarcely visible from the road. All that is left are pillars, some of which have bells (thus the name Ghanti) dangling from chains etched in stone. The Parshvanath and Adinath temples, both from the Middle Ages, and the Shantinath Temple, a more contemporary structure built from the ruins of older temples, are the three principal Jain temples. In the area of the Ghantai temple, Cunningham located the lone Buddhist statue in Khajuraho. The Jain temple complex has lately been developed, including shops and a small museum showcasing Jain images saved from the area. Khajuraho is one of India's most important Jain sites as a result of these factors. Ghantai Temple is another temple that may be found nearby. It is a Jain community as well.