Beautiful Jain Temple (in Ranakpur)

As I moved through the state of Rajasthan, I noticed that the colours of womens' sarees and mens' turbans changed. On the road to Ranakpur, the new colour was bright "bubble gum" pink - so delightful.

That afternoon, I was lucky enough to visit India's largest and most important Jain temple. This is a breath-takingly gorgeous white marble temple with 1444 intricately carved pillars (no two alike). It had a very spiritual feeling inside.

Only 0.4% of India's population are Jain followers. The Jain religion was created out of Buddhism and Hinduism. Jains believe in non-violence in thought and deed to any living thing, hence you will see them wearing face masks as not to inhale any insects. The women wear all white and carry a broom where ever they go to sweep the ants out of their path so they don't step on them.

Rose petal "puja" (offerings to the gods) were being sold outside by a man wearing a "bubble gum" pink turban.