Travel the length and width of India and wherever Jains live, there you will find a community Jin temple or Derasar because, for Jains, starting the day with worship is the ideal way. Even if it is small, the Derasar will have characteristic carved pillars and arches. This is a tradition followed since centuries and India is home to some of the most breathtaking Jain temples. Take a look at 15 of these selected Jain temples you must visit.
Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu
About 2 km from Mount Abu, the famous Dilwara Jain Temples are known for their exquisite marble carving and the “Chattris” are a tribute not only to the sculptor but also to the architects and engineers of that age. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, with Vimal Shah, Minister of the Solanki ruler being primarily response for its construction, the complex houses temples to Shri Adinath, Shri Parshvanath, Shri Rishabh Dev and Shri Neminath. The last one is credited t Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.
- Location: Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Built by: Vimal Shah, Vastupala-Tejpal minister of Bima I
- Year: 11th and 16th centuries
- Deity: Rishabhanatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha & Mahavira
- Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Best time to visit: November to May
- How to reach: 3 km from Mount Abu city, nearest railway station is Abu road (29 km), nearest airport- Udaipur (185 km)
Palitana Jain Temples
If Dilwara is striking, Palitana is even more so. Located on top of the Shetrunjaya Hills in Saurashtra region of Gujarat, this complex is home to 900 small and large temples, each one with its own unique and exquisite carvings. Devotees must climb over 3500 steps to a height of 3.5 kms to reach the complex. Many do so before the sun rises to have a view of the glory of the sun as its pink and gold rays bathe the marble and sandstone edifices. One unique feature of Palitana is that devotees must leave by evening since no one is permitted to sleep inside the complex. It is the abode of Gods.
- Location: Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, 364270
- Built by: Generations of Jains (900 years)
- Year: 11th century
- Deity: Rishabhanatha
- Timings: 05:00 AM to 08:30 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: November – March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Bhavnagar (51 km), nearest railway station- Bhavnagar (56 km).
Gomateshwara Temple
Shravanabelagola is about 51 km from Hassan in Karnataka and the temple is located at a height of 3350 feet with the idol of Gommata towering high into the skyline. The image of Lord Bahubali as he is also known, towers to a height of 57 feet. Once in 12 years crowds of devotees throng the temple for the Mahamastakabhisheka when the giant statue is anointed with milk and sandalwood. Succeeding rulers added more temples to the complex, one of which has marvelous paintings depicting Jain mythology, ceremonies, celebrations and rituals.
- Location: Shravanbelagola, Hassan district, Karnataka, 574104
- Built by: Chamundaraya
- Year: 981 AD
- Deity: Bahubali
- Timings: 06:30 AM to 06:30 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Best time to visit: October to April
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Mysore, nearest railway station (85 km), Shravanabelagola railway station (1 km).
Ranakpur Temple, Udaipur
Not far from Udaipur is the sleepy town of Ranakpur, home to the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Said to have been built in the 14th and 15th century, it holds a record for having 1444 carved marble pillars so intricate and exquisite as to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Ranakpur is one of the major pilgrimage spots for Jains. The temple was built by Seth Dharna Shah along with contribution from Rana Kumbha. The complex houses temples dedicated to Amba Mata, Suradev, Parshwanath and Lord Adinath who presides in the Chaumukha temple.
- Location: Desuri, Ranakpur Rd, Sadri, Rajasthan 306702
- Built by: Darna Shah
- Year: 15th century
- Deity: Rishabhanatha
- Timings: 6:00 am–7:00 pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: October – March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Udaipur Airport (60 km), nearest railway station- Falna (27 km).
Khajuraho Jain Temples
Located in the town of Khajuraho in MP, the Khajuraho Jain temples make up the Eastern group and are 34 in number of which the temples dedicated to Adinath, Shantinath and Parsvnath are exceedingly striking. It is said that the wishes of devotees are fulfilled when they pray in these temples. Along with the main deities there are smaller but exquisitely carved statues of the Tirthankaras. The carvings of the divine nymphs are exquisite and of great beauty.
- Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
- Built by: Chandela dynasty
- Year: 950-1050 CE
- Deity: Lord Adinath
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 1-2 hours
- Best time to visit:
- How to reach:3 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, nearest airport- Khajuraho (7 km) , Nearest railway station- Khajurao (5 km).
Sheth Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad
Constructed in exquisitely carved white marble sometime around 1848 AD by Sheth Hutheesing, it is primarily dedicated to Shri Dharmanath. However, the temple complex houses finely carved statues of 52 Tirthankaras. A more recently built 78 feet high Mahavir Stambh modeled after the one in Chittor also graces the courtyard.
- Location: Bardolpura, Madhupura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004
- Built by: Premchand Salat (Hutheesing family)
- Year: 1848 A.D.
- Deity: Dharmanatha
- Timings: No entry fees
- Entry fee: 05:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Visit duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport Ahmedabad (7 km), nearest railway station, Ahmedabad Junction (4 km).
Parsvanath Jain Mandir, Tamil Nadu
Modeled after the Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan, the Parshvanatha Jain Mandir here has 3 Gopurams and pillars. The main deity is Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankaras with his idol made of green quartz. IT is one of the few temples to house glasswork.
- Location: Sukrawar Pettai, R S Puram West, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 05:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Deity: Lord Parsvanatha
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
- Best time to visit: February to May
- How to reach: Nearest railway station- Coimbatore Junction, nearest airport- Coimbatore International Airport.
Nasiyan Digambar Jain Temple, Ajmer
Unlike other Jain temples that feature marble as the main stone or sandstone, the Nasiyan Digambar Jain Temple in Ajmer is made of rd stone and draws inspiration from the temple of Ranakpur and Dilwara. The temple was built during 1864 to 1895 AD and it is dedicated to Rishabhdev. The temple has wooden figures from Jain mythology and a museum in the complex. More astonishing is the Swarna Nagari Hall on the first floor that has replicas of Jain temples around the country, each one with gold leaf covering.
- Location: Prithivi Raj Marg, Dargah Bazar, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
- Built by: Seth Moolchand Soni
- Year: 1864-1895
- Deity: Lord Rishabhdev
- Timings: 08:30 am – 04:30 pm
- Entry fee: Rs.20/- per person
- Visit duration: 30 mins
- Best time to visit: November to March
- How to reach: The nearest airport- Jaipur International Airport (30 km), nearest railway station- Ajmer Dargah Junction Station (1.5 km).
Bawangaja Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Bawangaja temple in Madhya Pradesh lays claim to having the tallest statue of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara. The temple dates back to the 12th century and the 84 feet high statue is believed to have been cut from one single rock from the mountainside.
- Location: Barwani, Madhya Pradesh
- Built Year: 12th century
- Deity: Lord Rishabhdev
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Entry fee: Free of cost
- Visit duration: 1-2 hours
- Best time to visit: October to April
- How to reach: located 6 km from River Narmada, nearest airport- Indore (170 km) , nearest railway station- Indore (172 km).
Shikharji Jain Temple, Jharkhand
Held in high reverence by Jain devotees, the Shikharji temple in the Parasnath Hills in Jharkhand is located at a height of 429 feet. It is believed the 20 Tirthankaras and saints achieved salvation here. The temple is unique for having about 30 marble structures and a Jal Mandir. Pilgrims pay their respects to Lord Parasnath and go for a walk to the Parasnath Hill.
- Location: Pirtand CD Block, Giridih, Jharkhand
- Built by: Vaghela dynasty
- Deity: Shamalia Parashavnath
- Year: 1678 A.D.
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- Visit duration: 1 hour
- Best time to visit: November to April
- How to reach: 27-28 km trek from Madhuban, nearest railway station- Parasnath (30 km), nearest airport- Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur.
Tijara Jain Temple, Alwar
The Tijara Jain Temple is dedicated to Shri Chandra Prabhu, the 8th Tirthankara. The temple has beautiful walls with lovely glass work and paintings based on Jain mythology. Jains flock in millions to the Tijara Temple because it is believed to the place of salvation.
- Location: Pirtand CD Block, Giridih, Jharkhand
- Built by: Vaghela dynasty
- Year: 1678 A.D.
- Deity: Chandra Prabhu
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- Visit duration: 1 hour
- Best time to visit: November to April
- How to reach: 27-28 km trek from Madhuban, nearest railway station- Parasnath (30 km), nearest airport- Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur.
Sonagiri Temples, Madhya Pradesh
The Sonagiri Temples in Madhya Pradesh resemble those of Palitana in Gujarat insofar as they are located on the Sonagiri Hills and surrounding areas. There are about 103 temples dotting the landscape with the main temple dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu.
- Location: Sewni, Madhya Pradesh 475685
- Year: 9th century
- Deity: Chandraprabhu
- Timings: 5.00 am to 9.00 pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
- Best time to visit: Winter (November to March)
- How to reach: 45 km from Jhansi, nearest airport- Bhopal and Gwalior, nearest railway station- Datia.
Agashi Jain Mandir, Maharashtra
The Agashi Jain Mandir is located at Virar in Agashi, which is about 5 km from the station. This is the famous Jain temple and many people visit this temple everyday. Saturdays are the special days for visiting this temple and many number of people will visit now, as compared to the other days. This is one of the old temples located in Mumbai with historical dates of origin. This historical temple has many beautiful carvings of the Lords belonging to the Jain community. Shri Munisuvrat Bhagwan is one of the famous and most worshiped Gods of the Jain community. This temple also has special and beautifully decorated carvings belonging to the historical times. There is an option of even staying overnight in this temple for the tourist who come from long distance and also for those who want to stay for long in the temple.
The Agashi Jain Mandir has a spacious environment and this makes the visitors of the temple to feel relaxed and spend good time in the temple peacefully. Too much of crowd has created a demand for the development of the temple and now Agashi Jain Mandir is with the new look making the people to really feel good about it. The development of the temple has also made many new tourist and other people to visit the temple.
The near by railway station of this temple located at Virar is the West Mumbai railway line which is about 5 km distance. There is a good boarding and lodging facilities provided and moreover food is also provided for the pilgrims during the journey. The Nalasopara Lake located nearby has got an archaeological importance. The Agashi Jain Mandir is the most nearby temple for the devotees in Mumbai. This great temple was constructed according to the promise of Motisha Sheth. Any one who visits Maharashtra must definitely visit this temple and enjoy the spirit and environment. The beautiful environment will become a memorable moment in your life.
- Location: Chalpeth Rd, Chal Pet, Agashi, Virar West, Virar
- Distance: Near Mumbai, from Virar 5km
- History: Dates back 400 years
- Deity: Sri Munisuvratswami Bhagwan
- Timings: 5:30am – 8pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Transportation: Buses and other private vehicles
Chaubisi Jain Mandir, Bihar
Chaubisi Jain Mandir was constructed by late (Shri Sukhanath Jain). There are twenty-four imageries of the (Tirthankaras), of identical colors as stated in the (Jain Agams). The imageries are elegant and converse very exceedingly of the carvers.
It is also mentioned that, distantly from the (Jain temples), there are many diverse former Jain cultural organizations and a well-known library.
The district of (Shahabad) was once known for (Jain shrines), except for quite a number of time the (Jains) lost their grip there. Again, in the current times that region and specifically (Arrah), the headquarter township of the region, has turned out to be a renowned place of teerth (pilgrimage) for all the Jains.
Shahabad region, with it’s headquarter town (Arrah) was predominantly the stranglehold of (Jainism). This is evidenced by the findings of about 20 imageries of the Rishabhanatha, Tirthankaras Neminath and many more. The findings of the (Kalpavriksha) tree with a Dharma Chakra and fine sculpture were, excavated from (Chausa).
- Location: Jail Road, Arrah, Bihar
- Known for: Twenty-four imageries of the (Tirthankaras)
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
Jain Mandir, Warangal
Jain Mandir is the temple famous among all the Jain people located here. It is to be said that this temple is built around 2000 years ago. This is a temple of Mahaveer where numbers of Jain people come regularly to worship their god.
This is one of the beautiful temples and many Janis come here on regular basic to worship their god. This temple is adorned with beautiful photographs of ‘Thirthankaras’. The picture of Mahaveer is 5ft long and is totally carved with Jade.
Accommodation: There are good numbers of hotels available in Warangal. There are some good hotels which will offers some great service and facilities with some good and furnished rooms. There are few lodges and hotels for affordable accommodation that gives basic facilities at affordable prices.
- Location: Warangal, Telangana
- God Worshiped: Mahaveer
- Temple Dated from: 2000 years
- Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: Nearest bus station- Kolanupaka, 81 km from Hyderabad & 83 km from Warangal.
Nareli Tirth
The Nareli Tirth is considered to be a multipurpose area. As you visit this place one can see many temples along with many spiritual schools and old-age home located within the premises of the complex. The place is located at a distance of 10 kms from the city of Ajmer and one can see a temple which is located on a small hill in the Nareli region. If you are looking for solitude then this is the best place to be in!
- Location: 24 Jinalay Marg, Nareli 305024 Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Deity: Rishabhanatha
- Built by: Ashok Patni
- Date established: 1994
- Timings: 06:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach
- By Airport: The closest airport to Ajmer is the Sanganer Airport at Jaipur, about 132 km from Ajmer.
- By Train: Madar Junction Railway Station is 1.6 km away from the Nareli Tirth.
Ellora, Maharashtra
Though not currently considered as temple spot, Ellora has five Jain caves at the North end, housing beautifully carved idols dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The 24 Jaina are depicted here along with yakshas and yakshis as well as devotees. Jains flock here and the focus of interest is the Samavasarana hall where Tirthankaras are shown preaching to devotees. Also of interest is the Indra Sabha Jain temple. There are quite a few other attractions at Ellora such as the Chota Kailasha cave that features Indra in a dancing pose and represents a fusion of Hindu and Jain spirituality. One of the most impressive caves is that of Jagannatha Sabha with 12 large pillars and idols of Lord Parsvanath, Mahavir and the last two Tirthankaras.
- Location: Ellora Cave Rd, Verul, Maharashtra 431102
- Built by: Rashtrakuta dynasty
- Year: 600 to 1000 CE
- Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Entry fee: Rs.10 from Indians, Rs.250 for foreign citizens
- Visit duration: 3-4 hours
- Best time to visit: November- February
- How to reach: The nearest airport- Aurangabad Airport (100 km), nearest railway station- Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km).
Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi
While the Red Fort is undoubtedly the star attraction in Chandni Chowk, the ancient Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is of special interest to Jains. Built sometime around 1656 of red sandstone the first floor is a large hall and the temple has shrines to Lord Mahavir, Lord Adinath and Lord Parasnath.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
- Built Year: 1656
- Timings: 6 am – 9pm
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Visit duration: 1 – 2 hrs
- Best time to visit: Winter season
- How to reach:
- Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (1 km).
- From Railway station: Delhi Junction (2 km).
- Nearest airport: IGI airport (16 KM).
There are hundreds of Jain temples dotting the landscape of India, a testimony to the spiritual aspect of the Jain community down the ages. Funded by prominent businessmen, the temples promote pilgrimages and it is common for larger temples to offer accommodation as well as food to devotees.
