ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the architectural design and certain aspects of the sculptural format of the Parsvanatha and the smaller Adinatha Temples, and argues that the two religious edifices were originally constructed as Hindu temples. It shows how Hindu temples were appropriated and altered by the Jaina community, are the Parsvanatha and Adinatha Temples at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. It is worth noting that although most of the Hindu temples at Khajuraho were damaged and extensively reconstructed, none of them have cement grooves. During the restoration process, the Jaina community clearly aimed at making the temples more Jaina by adding Tirthankara images and doorframes removed from ruined Jaina structures in the area. Several reasons might explain why the Jaina community decided to fill in the balconied openings when restoring and converting the temple. Later, Islamic decorative features also entered the Jaina vocabulary of architecture.