India is truly a hub of diversity that boasts a rich heritage and spirituality. Jainism is one of the oldest religions that have found its roots in this diverse land. As a result, many Jain temples are built in different parts of the country. However, these temples are much more than just places of worship. They boast an architecture that is simply unparalleled. The remarkable pillars, intricate designs and the carved ceilings exude irresistible charm and reflect the grandeur of the ancient period.
Jainism is a religion that prescribes pacifism and a path of non-violence towards all living beings. The purpose of life according to Jainism is to undo the negative effects of karma through mental and physical purification. This process leads to liberation accompanied by a great natural inner peace.
There are as many as 4.2 million Jain followers in India and about 6 to 12 million worldwide. A Jain temple is called Derasar or Mandir depending on where in India it is located. They are usually built from marble stone as demonstrated by this list of amazing Jain temples in India.
List of 15 Amazing Jain Temples
- Lal Mandir
- Sonagiri
- Khajurao Jain Temple
- Gomteshwara Temple
- Dilwara Temple
- Palitana
- Ranakpur Temple
- Kulpakji Temple
- Dharamanath Temple
- Shikharji Temple
- Hanumantal Bada Jain Temple
- Parshvanatha Temple
- Badami Cave Temples
- Navagraha Jain Temple
- Girnar Jain Temple
1. Lal Mandir
Located just opposite the massive Red Fort, the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and best known Jain temple in Delhi. Originally built in 1526, the temple has undergone many alterations and additions in the past and was enlarged in the early 19th century. The imposing red sandstone temple is also known as Lal Mandir.
In the later years, the temple underwent several modifications and now it is commonly known as the Lal Mandir. The temple is dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara and houses a gigantic statue. There are figures of several other deities who are considered sacred by the followers of Jainism. The main devotional area is located on the first floor where devotees are often seen praying or spending moments of calmness. The mesmerizing architecture, extraordinary carving as well as the colourful frescoes make Sri Digambar Temple one of the legendary heritage sites in Delhi. No wonder, you will be hard-pressed to find such remarkable places anywhere in the country
2. Sonagiri
The small town of Sonagiri (literally, the golden peak) is situated on a hill in central India. Several spotless white Jain temples are scattered around Sonagiri. Both pilgrims and tourists are required to climb the 300 steps to the top bare-footed. Once at the top, travelers can marvel at the view of countless white temples and chhatris whichever way you look.
The 57th Jain temple located on the hill is the main temple of Sonagiri. It is frequented by ascetic saints and devotees who practice self-discipline to achieve liberation from the cycle of life and death. This place of worship is an epitome of architectural glory. The artistic spires and the intricate carvings add to the striking grandeur. This temple contains the 11 feet tall deity of the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha doing meditation. Two other idols of Lord Parshvanatha and Lord Sheetalnath are also installed.
3. Khajuraho Jain Temples
The village of Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It’s numerous Hindu and Jain temples are famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. During the Chandella rule, Khajuraho was home to a large and flourishing Jain community. The Jains apparently lived on the east side of town and a number of Jain temples have survived in this part of Khajuraho. Two of the large temples still stand in a good state of preservation.
4. Gomateshwara Temple
The monolithic statue of Gomateshwara stands on a hill in the city of Shravanabelagola. Gomateshwara was the second son of Lord Adinatha, the first of the 24 Tirthankara (enlightened human). The 17.38 meter (58 ft) high monolithic stone statue is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. It was created around 983 AD by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Kingdom. Once in 12 years the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held and the statue of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
On both the sides of the statue, there are two standing figures of Yaksha and Yakshi (Chauri bearers). The Bahubali figure is enclosed by a massive pillared structure with 43 carved images of the Tirthankaras, who preaches the teachings of God and considered sacred by the followers of Jainism. The large temple is bordered by a wall that is adorned with carved figures of animals and females. The auspicious occasion of Mahamastakabhisheka draws pilgrims from around the world. This festival takes place once in 12 years when the Bahubali sculpture is bathed with milk, sugarcane juice, saffron and ghee. In the year 2007, the statue was also ranked as one of India’s Seven Wonders.
5. Dilwara Temples
Located near Mount Abu (Rajasthan’s only hill station), the Dilwara temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply amazing. There are 5 Jain temples here, each with its own unique identity and named after the small village in which it is located. All the temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The beautiful temple majestically rises out of the pancake-flat land and sparkles in the sunlight. Devotees coming here do not only experience a strong connection with divinity but also enjoys the tranquillity of the surrounding. The large complex is divided into five different sections dedicated to the Tirthankaras. The temple of Lord Adinath is the oldest amongst all. The entire complex showcases fine workmanship and intricate designs. The splendid carvings of lotus buds, flowers and petals adorned on the marble pillars and ceiling looks distinctive and adds to the beauty. Dilwara Temple also provides bathing facilities to the pilgrims which are mandatory before the puja.
6. Palitana
The city of Palitana is a major pilgrimage center for Jains. The temples of Palitana are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place in Jainism. There are hundreds of Jain temples located on the sacred Mount Shatrunjaya, exquisitely carved in marble. They were built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The top is reached by climbing 3,572 steps, a heavy 2 hour accent.
The complex is vast and comprises of 863 Palitana Jain Temples entirely made up of marbles. The main temple is set at an elevation and can be reached after climbing 3500 stairs. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The main shrine is made from marbles and adorned in gold and precious stones. The sculptural splendour makes it one of the most exquisite in the country. Other noteworthy religious landmarks include the Vimal Shah, Kesharji and the Samavasaran Temple. The followers of Jainism visiting the Palitana Temple believe that it offers a lifetime opportunity to achieve nirvana. During the monsoon months, the temple remains closed.
7. Ranakpur Temple
Dedicated to Adinatha, the Jain Temple in Ranakpur rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The temple is supported by over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos. The dating of this temple is controversial but it was probably built between the late 14th and mid-15th centuries.
Ranakpur Jain Temple never fails to dazzle visitors with its grandeur. The entire structure is constructed with light coloured marble with turrets and cupolas majestically rising out of the jagged hilly terrain. Thousands of beautifully carved pillars support this heritage landmark and each one of them is designed uniquely. In every nook and cranny, finely engraved Jain scriptures can be found. The historic Ranakpur Temple was among the best 77 wonders while deciding the ‘7 Wonders of the World‘. Indeed, the temple is truly a jewel that lights up the royal state of Rajasthan.
8. Kulpakji Temple
Nestled in the Kolanupaka village of Telangana, Kulpakji Temple is one of the renowned Jain pilgrimage sites dating back to the 10th century. This region was a popular Jain centre under the patronage of the Kakatiya Dynasty. This monument has a lot of significance, particularly to the Shwetambar community. Kulpakji Temple has undergone a major renovation and the work is done by 150 artisans belonging to the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The ancient garbhagrah is still the same but a complete new temple is designed that encloses the tower.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Devotees believe that the Lord has chosen this region to be his humble abode. On both the sides of the temples, there are eight idols of the other Tirthankaras. The main sculpture of Lord Mahaveer is huge and is entirely made of jade, a precious stone. There are old inscriptions found in the temple which is around 2000 years old. Kulpakji Temple indeed represents the glory and grandeur of the bygone era.
9. Dharmanath Temple
Located in the town of Mattancherry, Kerala, Dharmanath Temple is known for its religious significance across the globe. Built in the year 1904, this religious heritage is more than 100 years old and has been named after the 15th Tirthankara, Dharmanath. This sacred landmark is particularly important for the Jain community who migrated to this region from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The temple has a close resemblance to the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu. The century-old structure with timeless architecture never fails to lure visitors. Snuggled amid the thick coconut groves and verdant hues, Dharmanath Temple offers the perfect setting to attain inner peace or salvation. The elegant interiors adorned with intricate designs and sculptures are a feast to the sore eyes. Other Jain religious sites are artistically etched in the walls and pillars of this temple. Apart from the main shrine of Lord Dharmanath, idols of different gods and Tirthankaras can also be seen here.
10. Shikharji Temple
Regarded as the holiest of all the Jain religious sites, Shikharji Temple is the place where 20 Tirthankaras attained salvation. It is set atop Parasnath Hills in Jharkhand. The hills are named after Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara who attained nirvana at this sacred site. The temple is flocked by pilgrims from different parts of the globe. Shikarji Temple is commonly known as the ‘zenith of concentration’. This region is not only a major pilgrimage destination, but tourists also visit the hills and engage in different adventure activities.
In order to reach Shikarji Temple, the visitors have to start from the small town of Madhuvan. The journey is uphill and takes around 3 hours to reach the top. On the way, there are a number of beautiful Jain temples that overloads the senses. Shikarji Temple was built in the 18th century and is known for historical as well as architectural significance. Impressive murals adorn the temple walls and right at the bottom of the main idol, ancient Sanskrit inscriptions dating back to 1678 can also be seen. Everything here deserves applause from the visitors.
11. Hanumantal Bada Jain Temple
The historic Hanumantal Jain Temple is located on Hanuman Taal, one of the main centres of Jabalpur in the ancient past. Originally built in the year 1686, the temple underwent renovations in the 19th century. This religious structure gained widespread importance after Acharya Shantisagar (first Digambar) visited the temple in the year 1928.
Hanumantal Temple houses a remarkable idol of Lord Adinath and several other sculptures belonging to the Kalachuri period. There are also images belonging to the Mughal, Maratha and the British era. With 22 shrines of various deities, it is reputed as the largest Jain temple in the country. The grand structure looks more like a fortress that has survived the test of time. The picturesque sight of Hanumantal Temple standing tall against the water body enthrals visitors with its charm. The main room is decorated with glasswork and contain the idol of Padmavati, the much revered Jain Goddess. No doubt, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of Jabalpurians.
12. Parshvanatha Temple
The 10th-century Parshvanatha Temple is located at Khajuraho in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. During the Chandela period, the main shrine here was Lord Adinath, but today it is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. This temple was built by a renowned Jain family around 970 CE during the patronage of King Dhanga. This temple is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with several other Khajuraho monuments.
The Parshvanatha Temple is regarded as the largest among all other Jain monuments at Khajuraho. The outer wall is engraved with breathtaking sculptures featuring apsaras, celestial beings, musicians as well as different Hindu deities. The beauty of this temple is unmatched and there are no erotic statues engraved here. The idol of Parshvanatha is enshrined in the inner sanctum and at the back; the statue of Adinath is installed. The ceiling is also beautifully decorated with unique patterns and flying vidyadharas (supernatural beings blessed with magical powers). The Archaeological Survey of India has listed the temple as a ‘Monument of National Importance’.
13. Badami Cave Temple
These temples depict the Chalukya style of architecture, an eclectic mix of North and South Indian styles. There are a total of 4 cave temples that are carved out of sandstone on this hilly terrain. The first cave is dedicated to Hindu divinity and features Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja.
The second cave honours Lord Vishnu in his fifth avatar of Vamana.
The third cave is 100 feet deep and considered the largest amongst all the four. This cave is covered with remarkable paintings and enchanting adornments. It is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The newest addition is the fourth cave that was built during the later parts of the 6h century. It contains the sculpture of Parshavanatha, the fifth Tirthankara. A sculpture of Lord Mahaveera can also be found here. A few other caves were discovered in the year 2015 that contains 27 Hindu figures. The Badami Cave Temples is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Navagraha Jain Temple
Located in Varur near Hubli, Navagraha Jain Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage spots for the followers of Jainism in India. The construction of this religious site began in the year 2005 under the supervision of Sri Gunadhar Maharaj.
A 61 feet tall monolithic statue of Parshvanatha is enshrined in the temple and is regarded as the second tallest statue of the Jain community after Bawangaja. It weighs 185 tons and stands on a 48 feet high platform. Besides the large statue of Parshvanatha, the temple also houses smaller statues of 8 other Tirthankaras. Navagraha Mandir draws hordes of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.
15. Girnar Jain Temple
A cluster of Jain temples is perched on Mount Girnar in the state of Gujarat. These temples are considered holy by the Digambara and Shwetambara Jain communities. Mount Girnar is known for its spiritual significance. The 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminath attained Moksha and died at this holy spot. The shrine of Neminath was built around 1129 by the Governor of Saurashtra but the region was considered sacred even before 250 BC.
Around 16 temples are scattered at the site and the Neminath Temple is the most important amongst all. The grand complex is carved out of marble and houses several statues of Jain Tirthankaras. In order to reach the top of the temple complex, one has to climb around 10,000 steps. From the foot of the mountain, ‘palkhis’ are also available and devotees can opt for one if they find it difficult to climb. Meditating amid this heavenly environment brings peace of mind and soul.
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