7 amazing Jain temples in India

Jainism is a religion that prescribes pacifism and a path of non-violence towards all living beings. The purpose of life according to Jainism is to undo the negative effects of karma through mental and physical purification. This process leads to liberation accompanied by a great natural inner peace.

There are as many as 4.2 million Jain followers in India and about 6 to 12 million worldwide. A Jain temple is called Derasar or Mandir depending on where in India it is located. They are usually built from marble stone as demonstrated by this list of amazing Jain temples in India.

1. Lal Mandir

Located just opposite the massive Red Fort, the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and best known Jain temple in Delhi. Originally built in 1526, the temple has undergone many alterations and additions in the past and was enlarged in the early 19th century. The imposing red sandstone temple is also known as Lal Mandir.

2. Sonagiri

The small town of Sonagiri (literally, the golden peak) is situated on a hill in central India. Several spotless white Jain temples are scattered around Sonagiri. Both pilgrims and tourists are required to climb the 300 steps to the top bare-footed. Once at the top, travelers can marvel at the view of countless white temples and chhatris whichever way you look.

3. Khajuraho Jain Temples

The village of Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It’s numerous Hindu and Jain temples are famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. During the Chandella rule, Khajuraho was home to a large and flourishing Jain community. The Jains apparently lived on the east side of town and a number of Jain temples have survived in this part of Khajuraho. Two of the large temples still stand in a good state of preservation.

4. Gomateshwara Temple

The monolithic statue of Gomateshwara stands on a hill in the city of Shravanabelagola. Gomateshwara was the second son of Lord Adinatha, the first of the 24 Tirthankara (enlightened human). The 17.38 meter (58 ft) high monolithic stone statue is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. It was created around 983 AD by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Kingdom. Once in 12 years the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held and the statue of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.

5. Dilwara Temples

Located near Mount Abu (Rajasthan’s only hill station), the Dilwara temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply amazing. There are 5 Jain temples here, each with its own unique identity and named after the small village in which it is located. All the temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries.

6. Palitana

The city of Palitana is a major pilgrimage center for Jains. The temples of Palitana are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place in Jainism. There are hundreds of Jain temples located on the sacred Mount Shatrunjaya, exquisitely carved in marble. They were built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The top is reached by climbing 3,572 steps, a heavy 2 hour accent.

Read more: Top amazing cities you should visit in India

7. Ranakpur Temple

Dedicated to Adinatha, the Jain Temple in Ranakpur rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The temple is supported by over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos. The dating of this temple is controversial but it was probably built between the late 14th and mid-15th centuries.

Source touropia

Small tips to prepare before visiting China

As a foreigner, you won’t be expected to know all the rules, but in order to be as prepared as you can before your trip (and impress some locals along the way!) read over these four rules of etiquette in China and we promise you won’t go wrong.

1. Gift-giving: Don’t go empty-handed

Chinese people love gifts. Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese society and you should expect to have a gift with you whenever thanking someone for their hospitality.

DO: Bring small items from your home country that you can give to your tour guide, schools you might visit, or dinner hosts. Foreign candies or souvenirs are always appreciated.

DON’T: If you receive a gift, try to avoid opening it in front of your gift-giver. Unless they insist, thank them and put it away.

2. Eating: Honour your host

Eating is at the center of Chinese culture, and you are certain to have several delicious meals during your trip.

DO: Everything about eating involves honoring your host. As the host will pay for the meal (don’t expect any bill-splitting in China), show your respect by waiting for them to start eating and leaving food on the serving dishes for them to finish.

DON’T: Most Chinese restaurants will not have forks and knives, so you will get quite good at using chopsticks during your trip. When you are done using them, make sure not to stick them into your bowl of rice, as this symbolizes death. Rest them on the table during your meal and on your bowl when you are finished eating.

3. Conversation: Personal, not political

If you really want to immerse yourself in local life, you can’t shy away from conversations with strangers. But be careful because the dialogue might go a little differently than you might expect.

DO: Expect to be asked lots of personal questions that you might not be used to receiving in your home country. People will not hesitate to ask about your age, income, or why you are not married yet. It’s ok not to answer questions you are uncomfortable with, but don’t get offended if someone asks why you are an unmarried adult over 25!

DON’T: Avoid touchy subjects about Chinese politics. Chinese people will get offended if you appear to say anything negative about China and will take it as a personal affront. Try to steer clear of discussing North Korea, Taiwan, or the South China Sea.

4. Religious sites: Read the rules

China is less strict than other Asian countries about their temple etiquette, but there are still some behaviors to avoid. Whether you are visiting a Confucius temple like Qufu Temple in Shandong province or strolling through a Buddhist temple like Lama Temple in Beijing, it is best to err on the side of caution.

DO: Try to see what other people are doing. For instance, not every temple requires you to take off your shoes, but if you see a pile by the door, you should copy the crowd.

DON’T: Take photos inside any buildings. You can take them outside in the courtyards.

See more: How do Chinese people greet each other?

Source: Internet

5 traditional folk festival in Northern Vietnam

One of the best ways to make sure that your trip to northern Vietnam is an unforgettable one is to plan it around the time of the festivals celebrated in the country. Inspired by the Chinese Lunar calendar, most of the cultural events and festivals in northern Vietnam are celebrated during specific times of the year.

These festivals will not only let you witness and absorb the culture of the country but also give you a soul-touching experience.

Yen Tu Festival

Every year Yen Tu Festival happens from the tenth day to the end of March on the lunar calendar in Yen Tu Mountain area of Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. Yen Tu was The Buddhism’s center of Dai Viet before. It was also placed founding the Zen sect of Truc Lam. Pilgrims and tourists join Yen Tu Festival to separate themselves from the carnal world, come to Buddhist world.

Lim Festival

Lim Festival in Bac Ninh happens annually on January around 12th-13th on the lunar calendar. The festival occurs in Lim Town, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. It is the festival of Quan Ho Singing, which has been one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009.
The festival in Bac Ninh aims to express gratitude and respect of the locals to God Nguyen Dinh Dien who had the merit of restoring many temples, pagodas, and festivals including to Lim festival. The festival is also an occasion to remember the origin of Lim Festival as well.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

Perfume Pagoda Festival draws throngs of local pilgrims from all over Vietnam to Ha Noi’s iconic Perfume Pagoda, where they to pray for a prosperous year and pay their respects to Buddha. The pilgrimage starts with a dragon dance at Den Trinh Pagoda on the 15th day of the 1st Lunar, where pilgrims and even travelers travel by boat along the Yen River to the base of Huong Mountain, passing by limestone caves and rice fields. The journey continues on foot by climbing hundreds of stone steps towards Huong Tich Cave, offering a colourful display of food offerings, statues of deities, lit incenses, and praying locals.

Dong Da Hillock Festival

Dong Da Hillock Festival takes places annually on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year at Dong Da Hillock, Quang Trung Ward, Dong Da District, Ha Noi Capital. The festival aims to respect the great merit of King Quang Trung, the hero in the history opposing aggression of the Vietnamese nation and to memorize the famous battle of Ngoc Hoi, Dong Da.

Giong Temple Festival

This large festival is held on the 9th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. The date commemorates Saint Giong who defeated the An invaders. In order to show their gratitude to the hero of Giong Village who sacrificed his life to fight invaders, the people proclaimed him Saint Giong.

Preparation for the festival occurs from the 1st day of the 3rd lunar month to the 5th day of the 4th lunar month. The procession starts from the Mother Temple to Thuong Temple with the performance of a religious service. After reaching the temple, a feast for the troops occurs. When night falls, a Cheo play is performed (a classical Vietnamese opera). This festival blends together the traditions of love for the motherland and the preservation of the cultural heritage.

Xoan Festival

Xoan Festival is organized in Huong Nha village, Tam Thanh District, Phu Tho province from the 7th to the 10th of the first lunar month. The festival aims to celebrate Xuan Nuong, a talented woman general of Hai Ba Trung and praise the work of Hung Kings.

During the festival days, many performances will be held to serve travelers. The festival also holds the Xoan singing contest, a cultural and artistic character of the land group.

Read more: What do you know about Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Source Internet