Lodhurva Jain temple

Lodhruva was established as the capital by Rawal Deoraj, the Bhati clan, in 8th−9th century CE.^[3][4][5][6] The temple was constructed in the 9th century along with city of Lodhruva. Rawal Jaisal, a famous prince of the Bhati clan, moved his capital from Lodhruva to Jaisalmer in 1156 CE.^[7][8][9] The temple was also plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad of Ghor. This led to temple being destroyed in 1152 CE. In 1615 CE, the temples undergone repairs and renovations.^[10] The temple remains the only standing structure in the ruined city of Lodhruva.^[11][12]

The surviving temple has continued to undergo restoration. The structure was reconstructed in the late 1970s, with further restoration undertaken in the early 21st century.^[13]

The temple is built with yellow limestone and sandstone;^[14] famous for the intricate craftsmanship. The temple features ornate torana (arched gateway), and stone carvings of Kalpavriksha and kalputra.^[15][16][17] Lodhurva Jain temple is considered one of the best examples of Jain architecture in Rajasthan.^[18][19] According to William Guy, the temple walls are folded similar to an accordion and features exquisite screen carvings of jali.^[20][21]

A study published in the journal Geoheritage describes the Lodhurva temple as a typical eight-cornered temple constructed from Jaisalmer Limestone. Its walls slope inward, giving the exterior an appearance resembling a pagoda. The exterior is characterised by geometrical stone latticework, while carved decoration is concentrated on the architectural panels and entrance gateway. The temple also contains an intricately carved ceiling executed in the same yellow limestone.^[22]

Lodhurva is one of the important Jain center. The mulnayak (main deity) of the temple is a black marble idol of Parshvanatha with a canopy of thousand hoods over head.^[23][24] In Shvetambara tradition, idols tend to derive their name from a geographical region, the lodhurva Parshvanath is one of 108 prominent idols of Parshvanath idols.^[25] The principal Parshvanatha shrine is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Sambhavanatha, the third Tirthankara.

According to Jain belief, a snake comes out every evening from a hole inside the temple to drink the milk offering. As per popular belief, the sight of this snake is a blessing and considered holy.^[16] There is a ritual for people to visit the shrine after marriage.^[24]

A fair is organised here in the month of Pausha, the event draws a huge number of devotees.^[24]

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  Ceiling with carvings of devkulikas
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  Ornate torana
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  Parshvanath idol
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  Sambhavanatha temple inside the temple complex
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  Unique facade designs of Lodurva temple

• Jaisalmer Fort
• Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples
• Amar Sagar Jain temple