India 2012

Tuesday6November

New day and new room. We will stay here for two days.

Breakfast on the rooftop terrace in the company of a common myna, it's not its mood of the day but its Latin name! (acridotheres tristis)

To the west of our rooftop terrace, another palace-like hotel, the Jawahar Niwas Palace. To the north, overlooking the city, the cenotaphs of Bada Bagh.

This afternoon we cross to the other side of the fortifications, into the Jaisalmer citadel, to visit the Jain temples.

Different gates allow passage through the walls, including the Suraj Prol, the Sun Gate.

Above the gate, a small Ganesh brings good luck.

Many schools today to visit the citadel.

Present in most palaces, the peacock is the symbolic animal of India.

Magnificent view of Jaisalmer from the ramparts

Some period cannons pointed towards the city to protect  

We arrive at the temples. Of the five, two can be visited.

The entrance to one of the temples

Inside, the incredibly sculpted pillars form corridors surrounding different niches where statues to be venerated are displayed.

The upper floor is accessible to approach the main dome where stone dancers pose in absolute discretion.

Jainism is an ancient religion at least 5000 years old.

The five major rules of the Jain religion:

• be non-violent
• do not lie
• do not steal
• be chaste
• do not attach yourself to material things

Non-violence goes very far as it also includes violence towards all animals. For example, it is forbidden to eat roots because it is possible to kill insects by digging them up...  

Jainism also defines the universe as infinite, uncreated, and never ceasing to exist. In short, the Jain Universe is quite similar to the God of monotheistic religions...  

The dome and its dancers...

The dancers are not only up there but scattered all over the pillars.

In the niches, Tirthankaras with wide-open but serene eyes.

"Tirthankaras or Tirthakara are Jain masters who have been deified because they have attained liberation. Numbering 720 according to esoteric tradition, only the last 24 are venerated."
© Wikipedia

This temple is dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara.

Here we are on the upper floor. Here too, other pillars, other corridors, other niches.

Detail of the sculpted dome

A ceremony is taking place downstairs, with singing and offerings.

Other neighboring rooms are open to the outside from above

After the songs; contemplation can also be in order.

Detail of the bell that the faithful can ring to announce their presence.

In this other temple, the dome has nothing to envy its neighbor, especially since it is colored.

This lower room also has its dome of "dancers".

The Jain, anxious to follow the first precept of his religion, will wear a scarf over his mouth to avoid swallowing and killing an insect.

Cow front and back

In another room of the temple, restorations of Tirthankaras are taking place

Mirrors placed on the forehead

Like other tourists, my little comrades get their picture taken as soon as they leave the temple

We continue our journey through the citadel to find a small restaurant.

Often hung above doors to purify the premises, chilies with a small lime.

Touches of bright colors, the charming asset of Rajasthan.

Wind turbines are growing everywhere in India, just like at home. Here, in the background, are the cenotaphs of Bada Bagh.

We found our restaurant. On the terrace, stretched out on the carpets, it will be lunch-nap.... spicy, of course!

Zebu with royal horns!

Last look at the local colors and we continue with visits to the Rajmahal Palace and the city's havelis.