THE JAIN GYAN MANDIR ( Los Angeles, United States 2024 )
Spiritual Symbolism
Gyan Mandir is not only a temple of worship but a center for learning, where Jain children and devotees would study Jain scriptures.
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Artist: Mohit Jangid
Origin: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Material: Pure Indian Sandalwood
Project Type: Custom Temple Interior Paneling & Murti Frameworks
Theme: Jain Tirthankaras, Gyan (Knowledge), and Mandir Architecture
SOLD $93,000 USD
A Master Craftsman’s Journey with The Jain Gyan Mandir.
When the Jain community of Los Angeles sought a masterpiece, they found themselves reaching out across continents to a master woodcarver in India—Mohit Jangid. Known for his intricate and soulful creations, Mohit was entrusted with a unique and deeply significant project: the creation of two massive sandalwood tree panels and Sandalwood *The Jain Gyan Mandir* 24th Tirthankar, a sanctuary of knowledge and devotion.
This wasn’t just another commission. The trees, with their delicate leaves, each engraved with the name of a Jain chair from across the globe, symbolised a spiritual bond between the Jain diaspora. It was a project that demanded not only precision but also immense dedication and reverence for the sacredness of the craft.
"I took six months to bring the vision to life," recalls Mohit. "Every leaf, every branch had to resonate with the essence of Jain philosophy—simplicity, purity, and depth." The intricate work of carving 24 Mahaveer Tirtankar into sandalwood, a material known for its sacred value in Indian traditions, required painstaking attention to detail. Each stroke of the chisel echoed centuries of Jain heritage.
The trust placed in Mohit was enormous, but so was his dedication. For half a year, sandalwood Gyan Mandir and the two panels became his world. Day and night, he laboured, ensuring every detail was flawless. "It wasn't just about creating something beautiful," he says. "It was about honouring the faith of those who entrusted me with this work."
Installation of Gyan Mandir.
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES - 2024
Installation: Coordinated with temple architects in Los Angeles for on-site fitting.
Rarity: One of the only known large-scale sandalwood Jain temple interiors in USA
The Jain Gyan Mandir Project was an ambitious international spiritual and artistic commission, focused on creating elaborate hand-carved sandalwood paneling and shrine features for a newly constructed Jain temple in Los Angeles, USA. This project was dedicated to knowledge (Gyan), devotion (Bhakti), and the sacred principles of Jain Dharma.
At the heart of the temple’s interior, the work of Mohit Jangid and his team brought to life an authentic Indian spiritual experience through micro-detailed sandalwood carvings, designed to last generations.
Installation of Gyan Mandir.
When the time came, Mohit was invited to Los Angeles for the grand installation. The day of unveiling was filled with anticipation, as members of the Jain community gathered, eager to witness the culmination of Mohit’s labor of love. As the veil was lifted, gasps of admiration filled the room. The two towering trees stood as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and deep spiritual dedication Mohit had poured into the project.
People marvelled at the precision, the elegance, and the sheer artistry of the work. "I could see the awe in their eyes," Mohit remembers. "It was a moment of immense pride and fulfilment for me."
The project wasn’t just about carving wood; it was about carving connections—between people, between generations, and between continents. Mohit’s dedication and the trust the Jain community had placed in him resulted in an extraordinary piece that will stand as a symbol of faith, unity, and craftsmanship for generations to come.
