 For a religion as austere as Jainism, the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple is quite a contrast. Richly ornamented with elaborate detail, the temple is arguably one of the most stunning in the city. Located on the verdant Ridge Road in Malabar Hill, the temple is carved in speckled white marble that counterparts the white garmented Jain monks and nuns, who renounce all material pleasures when they take the five great vows. Some of them don white cloth masks, so that no living creatures are killed even by the intake of breath.
Jainism does not believe in the concept of a creator-god who manages the universe; rather, it affirms that the universe and the laws of nature have no beginning and no end. Yet, Jains bow in respect to the 24 tirthankaras or apostles (of which Mahavir was the last) and idols can be seen in their temples.
The Malabar Hill Jain Temple was built in 1903 and the shrine is dedicated to the first tirthankara of Jainism, Adinath. The marble doorway with the mammoth elephant structures on either side gives a distinct sense of spiritual space. The intricate lattice and inlay work is absorbing to the eye as fragrant scents of oils, woods and herbs permeate the olfactory senses. The walls are adorned with tableaux depicting several events in the lives of the tirthankaras, in resplendent hues that juxtapose the purity of the marble. There are two glass enclosed miniatures of other temples in a separate section.
A marble flight of stairs leads to a top level where there are gorgeous paintings of Shatrunjay Hill (a city of Jain temples), Palitana in Saurashtra. Here, one will find a shrine of black marble, dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd tirthankara. The highlight of the temple is the magnificent dome, where celestial personifications of the different planets in Hindu mythology are painted in all colours of the rainbow.
The Malabar Hill Jain Temple is open seven days of the week and welcomes all. Like a sacred scripture, it is filled with information about the philosophy and history of this ancient religion.
Address:
Ridge Road, Walkeshwar
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