There are large numbers of Jain temples throughout India and overseas. The holy mountain of Satrunjaya has nearly one thousand temples and shrines. Some Jain temples are extraordinarily elaborate and beautiful and through their symbolism express the doctrines of Jainism. In Jain doctrine an important social tendency to acquire is prabhavana, illumination or glorification of the doctrine. Actions such as building temples, setting up Jina-images, going on pilgrimages, and making donations to hospitals and animal sanctuaries, 'illuminate' the Jain religion to the world and do good to others.
Medieval sculptures show donors offering money-belts or other elaborate gifts.
Such meritorious activities can result in rebirth in a heaven or even becoming a Jina. This explains why so many Jain temples and shrines are built. There are other eternal Jina-images all over the universe, in heavens and on top of mountains. The Universal History of the Jains says that Bharata, first emperor of this world age, set up many images millions of years ago. One of these was of Rishabha, the first Jina and his father, on Mount Satrunjaya.