In Ranakpur north of Udaipur,
the Adinath Jain Temple, built over 50 years in
the 15th century, is a major Jain pilgrimage
site -- the largest Jain temple in India covering nearly 4500 square
yards, 85 temples, and nearly 1,500 intricately-carved marble pillars.
All visitors are prohibited from taking any all leather products --
belts, shoes, wallets, camera straps, etc.-- in a Jain temple.
Where do the Jains predominate? Map of Jainism.
In the home of a high-caste Jain merchant family in a small town, water containers are stored in an
altar-like alcove and water is always poured into cups with a dipper -- touching
water would make it impure and not drinkable. On the walls
hang photos of famous Jain priests -- notice their sitting position,
often in the nude, and their mouth covering.
Ceremonially and symbolically, Jains will "sweep" in front of themselves
to not step on any living creature. In a small village
Jain temple, a typical Jain icon is displayed on the altar. Jains are
commonly members of the merchant classes in West India and not
agriculturists because the tools of farmers destroy many forms of life. In
South India, some Jains are agriculturalists! All Jains are strict vegetarians.