Jain Temples in the Forts

Jainism was religion of warriors until recent past. Many famous emperors, kings, queens, Generals and ministers were followers of Jainism. That is why we see beautiful Jain temples in many forts, especially in Western Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Here is a brief introduction to Jain temples in forts.

This just a small part of the information on Jain Temples in forts. I will try to add more information with photograph to this article.

-Mahavir Sanglikar

Hangal fort is situated about 75 Kilo Meters away from Hubli, in Karnataka state of India. There is a 12th Century Jain temple inside the fort. It belonged to Hoyasal Dynasty, one of the most important dynasties in Karnataka. Hoyasala dynasty was founded by a great Jain Acharya, Sudatta. Most of the kings from this dynasty were followers Jainism.

Belgaum in North Karnataka was capital of Ratt Kings. They were branch of Rashtrakoots. Like Rashtrakoots, Ratt also were staunch followers of Jainism. With the royal patronage, Belgaum became a center of Jain activities for many centuries.

Even today, Belgaum is a stronghold of Jainism.

Devgiri fort, which is situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is also know as Daulatabad fort. Devgiri was capital of Yadav dynasty. Jainism was their personal religion for early kings from this dynasty. Dridh Prahar, the founder of this dynasty was born into a Jain temple at Anjneri, near Nashik.

This is ruins of Jain temple at Devgiri fort. Now it is known as Bharat Mata Mandir

Ranthambore was a famous fort of Maharana Pratap. This is a Jain temple on this fort

Gwalior Fort is one of the most famous and big forts in India. It was built by Tomar Kings. There are many Jain cave temples with very large idols of Jain Teerthankars, in this fort. Here is a photograph of a Jain temple, and a Jain idols in a Cave inside this fort.

Chittor was capital of Mewar, the kingdom of the great king Maharana Pratap. Maharana Pratap was closely associated with Jainism, as this dynasty was follower of both Shaivism and Jainism. His prime minister, many other ministers and Generals too were follower of Jainism, as it was their own religion for many Rajputs.

There are several Jain temples inside the fort.