Jain temple unearthed in Gujarat:
June 7, 2013: The excavation at the site in Umta village near Vadnagar in north Gujarat has unfolded a 100 ft by 100 ft temple housing Hindu and Jain gods, Khajuraho-like apsaras, idols of Jain gurus or tirthankars and finely carved pillars, dating back to between 11th and 13th centuries. Interestingly, the excavation is being carried out by the villagers and leaders of the Digambar and Shwetambar Jain sects after the Gujarat State Archaeology Department refused to undertake it. More temples are believed to be buried in what appears to be a massive complex. According to M.V. Joshi, superintendent archaeologist with the GSAD, there is every likelihood of smaller temples lying buried under the partially excavated mound because in the Jain tradition temples were built in groups of 24, 52 or 72. The temple is believed to have been buried under lime to protect it from invaders. Among the buried figures that have been extricated are the twin idols of tirthankars Parshavanath and Supaarshavanath, carved from a single marble stone. The idols have a cobra over their heads signifying Jain God Dharnenda, the lord of Paataal (the nether world). According to Digambar Jain Muni Nirbhaysagarji, the idol is rare because the two Jain tirthankars, though born in the same city, Kashi (present day Varanasi), are rarely depicted together.
Source: India Today
