.

jain worshipper, originally uploaded by ReefRaff.

Bohteyr (72) jinalaya Jain temple complex in Kutch - about 50 km from Bhuj, enroute to Mandvi. The octagonal main temple (pictured above) is surrounded by smaller shrines to various Jain deities. Hand-carved in marble, the fully constructed complex is open for visitors but carving of the marble is on-going. Begun in 1982, it will be a while before everything is carved.

Quite a unique opportunity to see marble carving in process rather than the usual finished temples. The craftsmen are from Rajasthan and they are quite proud of their craft and heritage, and very happy to be working on this temple. Preserving local crafts is a critical form of historic preservation because the enduring practice of indigenous trades preserves identity, patriotism, and local economy.