Gowalia Tank Jain Temple Mumbai 3
Jains worship ‘Jins’ or ‘Jinas’. ‘Jinas’ are people who have attained liberation. They are free of material possessions and attachments, are removed from this world, and live on the top of the universe. So, I guess, ‘Jinas’ are no longer human, but eternal beings. They inspire Jains to seek and attain liberation – and, apparently, cannot be called upon through prayers and offerings (as it is with Hindus). Here’s a stone carving of a ‘Jina’ near the top of the temple:
The Gowalia Tank Jain Temple also features a series of ‘yakshinis’ on top of columns/pillars. ‘Yakshinis’ are female (the male form is called ‘yaksha’) ‘sort of free-spirited deities’ who are said to be true worshippers/devotees of the ‘Jinas’. They are supposed to be full of passions and are usually depicted as voluptuous women singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. I think they are also referred as guardian angels. In these photos they make all look similar, but if you look closely, you’ll notice subtle differences.
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