Derasar is a word used for a Jain temple in Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. Basadi is a Jain shrine or temple in Karnataka.[3] The word is generally used in South India. Its historical use in North India is preserved in the names of the Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples of Mount Abu. The Sanskrit word for vasahi is vasati, which implies an institution for residences of scholars attached to the shrine.

Temples may be divided into Shikhar-baddha Jain temples, temple buildings dedicated to the public, normally with a high superstructure, (typically a north Indian shikhara tower above the shrine) and the Griha Chaityalaya (Ghar derasar) , a private Jain house shrine. A Jain temple which is known as a pilgrimage centre is often termed as Tirtha.

The main idol of a Jain temple is known as the mula nayak.A Manastambha (column of honor) is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples. It has four 'Moortis' i.e. stone figures of the main god of that temple. One facing each direction: North, East, South and West.