Introduction:
Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex. The temples are open till 12 noon. There are also Shiva and Ganesh temples within the fort, which also close at 12 noon. Constructed in the style of the Dilwara temples, the Jaisalmer Jain temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Ashtapadhi Jain temple is also worth visiting. Other temples which may be currently closed to the non - Jains, include the temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara its apex. There is a voluptuous carving of an apsara balancing a set of balls on her raised forearm.

There are seven Jain temples of which three are most important and are dedicated to Rikhabdevji, Paraswanathji and Sambhavnathji, the Jaisalmer Jain temples belong to the Swetambar Sect and house some of the most beautiful stone sculptures. The Jaisalmer Jain temples are open for public visits from early in the morning to 12 in the afternoon. Apart from the Jain temples, another important tourist attraction that you must try and tour is the ancient library or the Gyan Bhandar that stores a large number of historical texts related to the history of the Jaisalmer Jain temples.