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U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996

Jain Sacred Sites

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The historical Digambar Jain temple of Sonagiri is in-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Sonagiri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites (Siddha Kshetra) for the Digambar sect, representing a massive cluster of sacred architecture on a single hill.

Explanation Sonagiri is located in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. It features 77 white temples on the hill and 26 in the village below. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabha (the 8th Tirthankara). The site dates back to the 9th-10th century and has been patronized by local dynasties like the Bundelas.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Datia, where Sonagiri is located, is a district in Madhya Pradesh.
Logic 2: It is uniquely identified as a 'Siddha Kshetra' where many Jain saints are believed to have attained liberation.

Active Recall

Question

What does the name 'Sonagiri' mean?

Answer

The Golden Peak.

Core Insight

The visual of numerous white temples crowning the hill at Sonagiri is a classic example of the Jain tradition of 'temple cities'.

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