Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of India. Jainisim existed in a simillar form as today in the 6th century B.C.  A Jain, as the followers of the religion call themselves, are those, who have obtained perfect knowledge and absolute freedom from the bondage of karma.
 

Though the Jains (followers of the jain religion)  do not worship any transcendental God and are supposed to be atheistic, they have constructed magnificent temples and have evolved a complex set of rituals. According to Jainism,purifying the soul through meditation and asceticism, trying to put an end to all misery and attaining the highest liberation or nirvana is the aim of all human existence. This goal has been attained by the Tirthankaras. To mediate this in front of this Being and his qualities and to advance on the path of purification of the Soul and the attainment of Nirvana,Jains visit their temples where idols of the tirthkarnas are installed. Jains do not worship the Tirthkarnas(Gods) to seek their grace of material prosperity. Their temples are administered by foundations consisting of members known for their patronizing religious activity.