History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.s3.4

v2.c24.s3.4

eleven, and the number of temples and small shrines number over five hundred.¹ The number of images of the Tîrthankaras in these temples is very great, and is constantly being augmented; in 1889 the number of separate images counted was 6,449 exclusive of smaller ones on slabs. A few watchmen only remain during the night, at the gateways of the Tûks. The priests come up every morning and perform the daily services, and a few attendants keep the place clean, which they do with the most assiduous attention, or feed the sacred pigeons which are the sole denizens of the spot; but there are no human habitations, properly so called, within the walls. The pilgrim or the stranger ascends in the morning, and returns when he has performed his devotions or satisfied his curiosity. He must not eat or drink, or at least must not cook food, on the sacred hill, and he must not sleep there. It is a city of the gods, and meant for them only, and not intended for the use of mortals.