Lodhurva Jain temples are magnificent temples in Lodhruva village of Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan. The temples were built in the 9th century alongside the city of Lodhruva, when Rawal Deoraj, of the Bhati Rajput clan, established it as his capital. Later on, Rawal Jaisal moved his capital from Lodhruva to Jaisalmer in 1156. The temples were plundered, first by Mahmud of Ghazni, and then Muhammad of Ghor, leading to their destruction in 1152 CE. In 1615 the temples were extensively repaired and renovated by Seth Tharu Shah, and further additions were done in 1675 and 1687. Since these remain the only standing structure in the ruined village of Lodhruva. Lodhurva is an important Jain temple complex, located 16 km from Jaisalmer; and built with yellow limestone and sandstone.
The arches of these Lodhurva Jain temples are very same as the Dilwara style of temple architecture. The temples are famous for their intricate craftsmanship featuring ornate Torana or arched gateway, and stone carvings of Kalpavriksha and Kalputra. Considered one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in Rajasthan. According to William Guy, a British officer posted in Jaisalmer, the temple walls are folded similar to an accordion and feature exquisite screen carvings of jali. There are 4 temples here Lodhurva Parshvanath Temple, Rishabhnath Temple, Ajitanath Temple, and Shambhavanath Temple; all dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.
In Shvetambara tradition, each temple idol derives its name from the geographic region it is located. The Lodhurva Parshvanath is considered one of 108 prominent idols of Parshvanath. The idol of the deity is a black marble idol of 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha with a canopy of 100 hooded snake overhead. According to the belief of Jains, a snake comes out every evening from a hole in the temple to drink the milk offered. Legend says anyone who sights the snake receives the blessing of the deity. There is a ritual, where pilgrims visit the shrine after marriage. A grand fair is organized at the Lodhurva Parshvanath temple in the month of Pausha, or December-January that draws a massive crowd of devotees from across the region.
Rishabhnath Temple is placed close to the ruins of the Moomal Palace. River Kak used to flow here during old times. Legend says River Kak dried up seeing the love birds, Prince Mahendru of Amarkot and Princess Moomal who were separated by a series of misunderstandings but finally got reunited but died in each other’s arms on the river bank. This temple was constructed in 1479 by Seth Sachcha. Shambhavanath Temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Shambhavnath. A fortified wall and an octagon-shaped pyramidal roof cover the temple complex. While Rishabhnath temple is in the southwest, Shambhavnath temple is in the northwest, Parshvanath temple is in the northeast and Ajitanath temple is in the southeast.
Not only temples are in pristine condition; the play of light and shadows, the majestic ‘Tree of Life’, and the rich history of the place make it a must-visit for anyone visiting Jaisalmer. Lodhurva is also well known for the presence of a large number of peacocks that hang around the surroundings of the temples. There are other old temples in the area dedicated to Ganesha, Hinglaj Mata, Chamunda Devi, and Shiva.
Today, Lodhurva is a popular tourist destination, known for its architectural ruins and Jain temples. Kalpavriksha (कल्पवृक्ष), a mythical tree, is located inside the complex. Easily accessible, Lodhurva Jain temples are just 8 km away from Jaisalmer Railway Station. Well connected by road to Jaisalmer, tourists can easily hire a private taxi, bus, cab, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple complex any time between dawn to dusk. The best time to visit Lodhurva is from October to March as the weather is pretty cool during this time. A visit to Lodhurva can certainly remind tourists of the splendor of the past.
