Jain Temples in India : Of Intricate Temples and Mammoth Statues

The Gomateshwara Statue in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, is one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites, renowned for its colossal monolithic depiction of Lord Bahubali. Standing at 58 feet tall, it's considered the world's largest monolithic statue, symbolizing peace, non-violence, and sacrifice. Every 12 years, the statue is anointed in a grand event called Mahamastakabhisheka, attracting devotees worldwide.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM.

The Sonagir Temples, situated in Madhya Pradesh, are a prominent cluster of Jain temples known for their spiritual significance and serene surroundings. This pilgrimage site, dotted with around 77 temples, draws Jain devotees, particularly during the festival seasons. The main temple, dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu, stands atop a hill, making it an architectural marvel and a sight to behold.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

The Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu stand as one of the most exquisite Jain temples in India, renowned for their intricate marble carvings and stunning architecture. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples reflect the peak of India's temple building prowess, making them a must-visit for history enthusiasts and devotees alike. Their sublime artistry and serene ambiance attract tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

Timings: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM for tourists.

Bawangaja Jain Temple in Kundalpur is a distinguished landmark among Jain temples in India, recognized primarily for its colossal statue of Lord Adinatha, which is one of the tallest in the world. This iconic temple, set amidst the serene landscape of Kundalpur, offers both spiritual solace and an architectural marvel to its visitors. Its historical significance and awe-inspiring grandeur make it a must-visit destination for both devotees and tourists.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Known For : Ram Janmabhoomi Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya Kanak Bhawan

Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, more famously known for its religious significance in Hinduism, also houses some of the ancient Jain temples in India. These temples are particularly revered because Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, making it a prominent pilgrimage site for Jain devotees. The city's deep-rooted history, combined with its spiritual ambiance, offers a unique blend of culture and devotion to all its visitors.

Best Time: October to March

16 Ayodhya Attractions

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, located opposite the Red Fort in Delhi, is the oldest and best-known Jain temple in the capital city. Recognized for its magnificent architecture and deep-rooted history, it stands as a testament to the significant presence and influence of Jainism in India. Among all Jain temples in India, this particular temple is renowned for its avian care center dedicated to the treatment of injured birds.

Timings: The temple is generally open from 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Ranakpur Jain Temple, nestled in the lush valleys of Rajasthan, is an exemplary specimen of intricate architecture and spiritual serenity. This temple stands out prominently amongst the vast collection of Jain temples in India, with its distinctive marble carvings and expansive structure. Built in the 15th century, it serves as a significant pilgrimage spot for Jains and a marvel for architectural enthusiasts.

Timings: The temple is open for visitors from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM for non-Jains.

Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, is globally renowned for its series of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples adorned with intricate and erotic sculptures. These temples, built between the 10th and 12th centuries, represent a paean to life, love, and joy, and are India's unique gift to the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khajuraho complex stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Best Time: July to March

25 Khajuraho Attractions

Among the most revered Jain temples in India, the Palitana Temples of Gujarat are a breathtaking cluster of shrines situated atop the Shatrunjaya Hills. This pilgrimage site comprises around 863 temples, intricately carved in marble, offering a profound spiritual ambiance and a testament to Jain architectural brilliance. The panoramic view from the summit, combined with the tranquillity of the temples, makes Palitana a sought-after pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Among the most revered Jain temples in India, the Palitana Temples of Gujarat are a breathtaking cluster of shrines situated atop the Shatrunjaya Hills. This pilgrimage site comprises around 863 temples, intricately carved in marble, offering a profound spiritual ambiance and a testament to Jain architectural brilliance. The panoramic view from the summit, combined with the tranquillity of the temples, makes Palitana a sought-after pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Among the renowned Jain temples in India, the Puliyarmala Jain Temple in Kalpetta stands out for its traditional Kerala architectural style. Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Wayanad, this temple is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, reflecting the historical presence and influence of Jainism in the region. The serenity of the temple and its picturesque surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for both pilgrims and travelers alike.

Timings: The temple is generally open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the evening

Kulpakji Shrine in Andhra Pradesh is an ancient gem among the Jain temples in India, reflecting the deep roots of Jainism in southern India. Located in Nalgonda district, this temple is revered for housing three magnificent idols of Lord Adinatha, Lord Neminatha, and Lord Mahavira. The temple's rich heritage combined with its architectural marvel makes it a must-visit for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

Timings: The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Hathisingh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad stands as a remarkable representation of Jain temples in India, showcasing intricate carvings and a serene spiritual ambiance. Constructed in 1848, this double-storied structure is a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Jain community. The temple, dedicated to Dharmanatha, the 15th Jain Tirthankara, is not only a place of worship but also an embodiment of Jainism's artistic heritage.

Timings: The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Hanumantal in Madhya Pradesh is a prominent landmark among the Jain temples in India, reflecting the grandeur and devotion associated with Jainism. The temple is renowned for its architectural intricacy and historical relevance, making it a must-visit for both devotees and architecture enthusiasts. Set beside the serene Hanumantal Lake, it adds a mystical charm to the surroundings.

Timings: The temple usually operates from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Girnar in Rajasthan stands tall among the revered Jain temples in India, epitomizing the rich cultural and religious tapestry of the country. Renowned for its series of temples nestled atop a hill, it offers pilgrims a serene ambiance punctuated by historical significance. The panoramic views from the top, combined with the spiritual aura, make the climb an experience of a lifetime.

Timings: The temples are typically open from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Shikharji Temple in Jharkhand holds a prominent position among the most celebrated Jain temples in India. Revered as the most sacred pilgrimage site by Jains, it is believed to be the place where twenty out of the twenty-four Tirthankaras achieved Moksha. The temple, situated atop the Parasnath Hill, offers an ethereal blend of spiritual tranquility and panoramic beauty.

Timings: The temple is generally open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Dharmanath Temple in Kochi stands as one of the serene representatives of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the heart of Kerala's bustling port city, this temple is an architectural wonder and a testament to the Jain community's rich heritage in the region. It offers both devotees and tourists an oasis of peace amidst the urban surroundings.

Timings: Typically open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The Parshvanatha Temple in Khajuraho is an epitome of the intricate and exquisite architecture of Jain temples in India. Situated amidst the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, this temple stands out for its sculptural elegance, dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The temple complex is a manifestation of the rich Jain cultural heritage harmoniously co-existing with other religious structures in the area.

Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Saavira Kambada Basadi in Moodabidri stands as a magnificent exemplar of Jain temples in India, renowned for its 1000 pillars, each distinctively carved with no two pillars being identical. This architectural marvel, also known as the "Chandranatha Temple," showcases the rich tradition and artistic grandeur of Jain culture. Nestled in Karnataka's Moodabidri, the temple is a beacon of the region's historic and spiritual significance.

Timings: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Cave Temples of Badami, reflecting a splendid blend of architectural styles, hold a unique position among Jain temples in India. Carved from the sandstone hills of Badami in Karnataka, these rock-cut caves exemplify the rich legacy of Jain art and aesthetics, with the Jain caves intricately showcasing various Tirthankara sculptures. These historical caves are a testament to India's timeless religious harmony, as they house Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist deities under a single expanse.

Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

The Jain Caves of Ellora stand as an epitome of Jain architecture and art, setting them apart in the extensive list of Jain temples in India. Part of the 34 caves at Ellora in Maharashtra, these Jain caves depict intricate carvings, detailing the teachings, and lives of Tirthankaras. Their sublime sculptures and impeccable craftsmanship reflect the zenith of Jain religious art during the Rashtrakuta period.

Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Among the renowned Jain temples in India, the Parshvanatha Jain Temple in Varanasi holds a significant place, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. Situated amidst the holy city's spiritual ambiance, this temple showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, making it a major pilgrimage site for Jain devotees. Its serene surroundings provide a peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Varanasi.

Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The Navagraha Jain Temple in Varur, Karnataka, is one of the distinctive Jain temples in India, dedicated to the nine celestial bodies or 'Navagrahas'. Unlike other Jain temples, this one uniquely merges Jain traditions with astrological significance, offering devotees a spiritual site to mitigate negative planetary influences. The temple complex, with its pristine ambiance and architectural marvel, draws both Jain devotees and those interested in astrology.

Timings: Typically, open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Sri Humcha Temple in Shimoga, Karnataka, stands as an exemplary testament to Jain architecture and religious heritage. Known to be one of the oldest Jain temples in India, it's famed for its intricate carvings and spiritual aura, drawing devotees and history enthusiasts alike. The temple complex, surrounded by natural beauty, is a significant pilgrimage spot for the Jain community.

Timings: Generally, the temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Chaturmukha Basadi, located in Karkala, Karnataka, is an iconic Jain temple that stands as a remarkable example of symmetrical architecture. Distinguished by its four identical entrances in all four cardinal directions leading to the sanctum, the temple boasts of the "four-faced" design, which is unique among Jain temples in India. Built using massive granite blocks, the temple's structure remains cool even in hot summers, attracting devotees and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Timings: The temple is typically open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM