The Bade Baba Temple, Jain temple in Kundalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
The Bade Baba Temple sits within a complex of 63 sanctuaries that blend classical Nagara-style architecture with Rajasthani influences. The site contains a 50-foot red sandstone statue at its heart, a tall monolithic pillar, and several interconnected chambers including an inner sanctum, covered assembly hall, and dance pavilion.
The original sanctuary was built in the eighth century but eventually fell into ruin and was forgotten over time. A spiritual leader rediscovered the site, and a regional ruler later funded its restoration and expansion.
The red sandstone statue at the center shows how followers of Jainism express their faith through seated figures and accompanying divine forms placed in the sanctuary. You can observe how the placement and style of these sculptures reflect the spiritual practices that continue to be performed here today.
The complex sits roughly 35 kilometers from the nearest rail connection, with regular services connecting to nearby cities making travel straightforward. The journey passes through rural landscape but reaching the site itself is relatively easy.
The site features a tall monolithic pillar that stands apart from the main temple building as its own architectural achievement. This freestanding stone column is an uncommon element that gives the complex its distinctive visual character.
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