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Mirpur is a fortified town famous for its four Jain temples, which were established by Jain traders. It lies in the Sirohi District of Rajasthan, well known for its breathtaking palaces, majestic forts and stunning Jain temple
Around the tenth century, Jain architects in the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of India developed a distinctive architectural plan for Jain temples. This style is characterized by a main temple, consisting of a room called the Garbha Griha, where the idol of the main deity is seated. The temple is often built on a platform, with a flight of stairs being the only way to enter. A porch, supported by elaborately carved pillars, covers the entrance to the temple. A prominent roof called the shikhara is situated at the top of the Garbha Griha and dominates the surrounding area. Of the numerous temples constructed following this style, the group of four in Mirpur are especially known for their exquisite workmanship and picturesque locations.
Parshwanath Temple, one of these four temples, is considered to be the oldest marble monument in the state of Rajasthan. There is an inscription stating that this temple was built by King Samprata.The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, the twenty third Jain Tirthankara. The ancient Jain statue of Lord Parshwanath is seated in Padmasana qn a large marble platform. The white colored figure is beautifully modeled with fmely carved hands and feet. This sculpture illustrates Parshwanath's triumph over Karnatha, his arch enemy, in considerable detail. In this sculpture, Dharnnendra raises a multitude of cobra hoods to provide shelter for Lord Parshwanath from the relentless storm set into motion by Kamatha. This temple is definitely the most architecturally significant of the four. The indescribable artistry of this temple is famous throughout the world and is considered by many to be unmatched. It is said that the artistry displayed on the summit here surpasses even that of the temples of Mt. Abu. The artistic designs on the pillars, gumbaj, domes and the torans clearly set this temple's age to above one thousand years. The carving of elephants in the temple seem to be the best work of art of the times of Pallava. The comers and sides of the plinth of this temple even stand on sculpted elephants. The figures of yaksha, gandharvas, gods and goddesses all around are intricately carved. The ever-peaceful atmosphere of this lonely place is very beautiful. The natural beauty of the scenery during sun-set in front of the temple is spectacular. The ancient art of this temple served as a model for the later Dilwara and Ranakpur temples. -------------------------------------------------------
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