100 rules to make jain temple

In Jainism, the construction and maintenance of temples (derasar or Jain mandir) is regarded as a highly meritorious act. While there is no single universally agreed-upon list of "100 rules," several ancient texts and traditions provide detailed guidelines for building Jain temples. These guidelines include spiritual, architectural, and ritual aspects to ensure the sanctity and proper functioning of the temple.

Below is a compilation of key principles and practices, based on Jain scriptures and traditional customs, that are followed in the making of a Jain temple. While not an exhaustive list of 100, these cover the most important aspects:

1. Location Selection

1. The site should be pure, peaceful, and free from contamination.
2. Avoid building near cremation grounds, slaughterhouses, or liquor shops.
3. The land should not have been acquired by violence or deceit.
4. The ground should be stable and not prone to flooding.

2. Orientation and Layout

1. The main idol (Moolnayak) should ideally face east or north.
2. The temple entrance should not face directly towards a toilet or kitchen.
3. The temple should have a proper boundary or compound wall.
4. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) should be at the center or highest point.

3. Purity and Ritual Cleanliness

1. Only pure and clean materials should be used in construction.
2. Workers should maintain purity and avoid construction on certain days, as per Jain calendar.
3. No animal products (leather, bone, etc.) should be used.
4. The temple area should be kept free from violence and killing.

4. Architectural Features

1. The temple should have a shikhara (spire).
2. There should be a mandapa (pillared hall) for devotees.
3. The image platform (vedi or altar) should be at an appropriate height.
4. Proper ventilation and natural light should be ensured.
5. No depiction of violence or sensuality in carvings or art.

5. Installation of Idols (Pratishtha)

1. Only a qualified Acharya or learned Jain monk should supervise the consecration.
2. The idol must be carved from a single piece of stone or metal.
3. The idol should depict a Tirthankara in kayotsarga or padmasana posture.
4. The idol should be free from cracks or defects.
5. The eyes and features should be symmetrical and serene.
6. The idol should be installed on an auspicious day (muhurta).
7. Special rituals (Anjanshalaka, Pratishtha) must be performed during installation.

6. Daily Rituals and Maintenance

1. Only those who maintain vows of purity should perform daily rituals (puja, abhishek).
2. The temple should be cleaned daily.
3. The idol should be bathed and adorned with clean, non-animal products.
4. No food or water should be offered that contains violence (such as root vegetables).
5. The lamp (deepak) should be kept burning with pure ghee or oil.

7. Prohibitions

1. No non-vegetarian food or alcohol should be brought near the temple.
2. Footwear and leather items are strictly prohibited inside.
3. Menstruating women, persons with open wounds, or those who have just attended a funeral are traditionally asked to refrain from entering the sanctum.
4. Gambling, music for entertainment, or any mundane activities are not allowed.

8. Community and Charity

1. The temple should be accessible to all Jains, regardless of sect.
2. The temple premises should be used for spiritual upliftment and education.
3. There should be arrangements for the care of ascetics and scholars.
4. Charity (daan) should be encouraged for the needy.

9. Festivals and Special Occasions

1. Major Jain festivals (Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti, etc.) should be celebrated.
2. Special pujas and lectures should be organized for community learning.

10. Management

1. A committee should be formed for the temple’s administration, ensuring transparency and adherence to Jain principles.
2. Donations should be used for maintenance, rituals, and charity.
3. Records of all activities and accounts should be maintained.

11. Environment

1. Gardens with non-harmful plants may be maintained.
2. The temple should encourage ahimsa (non-violence) towards all beings, including insects and birds.

12. Spiritual Atmosphere

1. Silence and serenity should be maintained inside the temple.
2. Loud conversations, laughter, or distractions should be avoided.

13. Educational Activities

1. Arrangements for Jain study classes and scripture reading.
2. Library or resource center for Jain literature.

14. Respect to Ascetics

1. Jain monks and nuns should be given the highest respect and appropriate arrangements for their temporary stay.

15. Preservation of Tradition

1. The temple should uphold the values and teachings of Jain Agamas and Tirthankaras.

These guidelines cover the fundamental principles. Specific sects (Digambar, Shwetambar, etc.) and communities may have additional rules and customs. For a comprehensive and detailed list, refer to traditional Jain texts such as the "Shilpa Shastra," "Pratishtha Vidhi," and community guidelines.

If you seek a more detailed or sect-specific list, or further explanations of any particular rule, please specify.