Name: Ahmedabad
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Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad Overview

Established in 1848, the Hutheesing Jain Temple is one of the most revered Jain temples in Ahmedabad. Situated on Shahibaug Road of Bardolpura, this temple project, initially taken up by Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh was further completed by his wife, Shethani Harkunwar and posthumously named after Kesarisinh. Dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara of Jains, Lord Dharmanath, this two-storied white marble structure is home to 11 deity sculptures.

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Hutheesing Jain Temple Architecture

The Hutheesing Jain Temple, also known as the Hathisingh Jain Temple, houses an expanse of a tiled courtyard. Lead by the architect, Premchand Salat, this Jain Temple is the result of 2 years of intricate design and magnificent architecture.

It composes of a dome-shaped structure supported by twelve pillars, which roofs the Mandapa or the outer hall. This octagonal mandapa houses the sacred Garbagriha, which is bracketed by 52 other shrines embellished in Tirthanakara carvings each. The entire essence of the temple carries an air of the typical Haveli architecture.

The highlight of the temple is the recently installed 78-metres-long Manasthamba also known as Mahavir Stambha which guards the sculpture of Mahaveera at the entrance. It is a highly significant trait among Jain temples.

History of Hutheesing Jain Temple

Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh formerly began the construction of the Hutheesing Jain temple with INR 8 lakh in 1848. However, Shethani Harkunvar, Kesarisinh's wife continued the establishment of this prominent temple as her husband passed away, aged 49 during the development of the temple.

Completed in two years since its foundation, this Jain temple is named after its founder, Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh, who was a well-known trader of the time. It is believed that the temple houses a 170-year old burning flame under the Garbagriha or the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Hutheesing Jain temple is currently under the management of the Hutheesing family trust.

Festivals at Hutheesing Jain Temple

Among other festivals celebrated at the Hutheesing Jain Temple, Paryushan and Mahaveer Jayanthi are the two prominent festivals. Mahavir Jayanthi annually celebrated on the 29th of March, is a public holiday. Marking the birth of Mahavira, Kalyuga's last Tirthankara, this celebration is also revered as the Mahavira Janma Kalyanak. Paryushan is a yearly purification festival organised for eight to ten days when devotees indulge in meditation, fasting and prayers.

Other festivals observed at the Hutheesing Jain Temple include Diwali and Gyan Panchami; which are tentatively celebrated between the 1st and 3rd week of November. Posh Dashami is usually observed between December-end, and the beginning of January and Maun Ekadashi is generally held in December.

Best Time to Visit the Temple

October to March is the best time to visit the Hutheesing Jain Temple as the weather is pleasant, adding to a much pleasing travel experience.

How to Reach Hutheesing Jain Temple

Located in Badolpura, the Hutheesing Jain Temple is approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the Ahmedabad city centre. Visitors can access the temple via bus, cab and train routes. The temple is about 3 to 4 km from the Ahmedabad railway station, which would take around 15 minutes to cover. The railway system is quite convenient here, and it is easy to reach the temple from nearby cities and towns.

The Ahmedabad International Airport, also known as Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is approximately 50 to 60 minutes from the Hutheesing Jain Temple. There are bus and cab options to cover the distance. However, reaching the temple from the airport via the Airport Road is the quickest option as it would take just about 12 to 15 minutes through this route, which would take about an hour otherwise.