History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.s3.6

v2.c24.s3.6

Jaina temples and shrines are, of course, to be found in cities, and where there are a sufficient number of votaries to support a temple, as in other religions; but, beyond this, the Jains seem, almost more than any sect, to have realised the idea that to build a temple, and to place images in it, was in itself a highly meritorious act, whilst they also share in the merits of its use by their co-religionists. Building a temple is with them a prayer in stone, which they conceive to be eminently duteous and likely to secure them benefits both here and hereafter.