Located on the bustling Mint Street in Georgetown is the Shree Gujarat Swetamber Temple. Having visited the impressive Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajasthan, I was eager to see the carved masterwork of this white marble Jain temple as well. It is the first Jain temple in South India and was built by workers from Rajasthan. Figures of women with hips swaying and flutes playing adorned parts of the façade. Balconies graced the multi-leveled structure. Marble stairs led up to the structure, with the music plainly audible from below. I had to check in my bag & camera, so I was unable to capture the beautiful scenes inside. Stepping over the threshold and past the ornately carved wooden door, I saw some women seated on the floor with a low table in front of them. Using rice, they had created some patterns & designs including a swastika. Further on towards the front of the temple were the men, seated in a semi-circular formation. In the middle was a huge kolam-like design all created out of legumes, seeds, etc. With such loud music, I wasn't quite sure how anyone could mediate or even think here. A total contrast to the Ranakpur temple, where silence was enforced.Not wanting to disturb their worship, we headed towards one of the doors. One of the priests saw us and motioned for us to come in and see the altars, pointing out some of the deities (including a green god made from quartz). Walking up the stairs, I saw more colored inlaid marble and beautiful glasswork. Even the windows were carved from marble, light pouring in between their flowing lines. Due to the smaller size of the structure, the gopuram ceiling didn't feel quite as high and spacious, but it still was enjoyable to look up and enjoy the carving. Young children moved between the upper levels, performing some rites before returning downstairs.
I would love to visit the temple again, perhaps at a quieter time.
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