One thing to note about the Jain community is that wherever they settle a Jain temple is bound to come up. One can travel to towns and cities across India and there are to be found small and large Jain temples in abundance. In some cases the Jain temples are centuries old and the Chintamani Jain temple in Surat is one such instance.
Location
The Chintamani Jain temple is located right in the heart of Surat on the banks of the Tapti River. It is located in the Morarji Nagar area and boasts of a wonderful architectural design. Surat is about 234 km from Ahmedabad and 297 Km from Mumbai. One can reach the temple by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus. Surat is also connected by air with Mumbai and other cities.
About the Temple
The temple owes its construction to a Jain preacher Acharya Hemachandra Ji. The Acharya was advisor to King Kumarpal who ruled in Surat in the 12th century and the temple is credited to him. He is also said to have advised King Kumarpal to built the Jain tirth temples at Taranga Hills in Kheralu in Mehsana. However, according to sources the temple was built in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.
The temple is not quite as ornate as other temples from the outside and has a deceptively simple exterior. However, inside, it is a different matter. The interior is richly decorated with beautifully carved wooden pillars. The ceiling is a canvas of paintings done using natural vegetable colours and they depict scenes from the life of King Kumarpal and Acharya Hemachandraji.
It is a place of pilgrimage for Jain devotees. Even ordinary tourists will find something to admire when they visit this old Chintamani Jain temple in Surat.
- Also Read: Places to Visit in Surat
