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India is rightly described as the land of diversity because of the diversity it thrives upon. From culture to tradition to religion it is diverse in so many ways. For a traveler if not anything else, the diversity can be much of a wonder for sure. Multiple religions find home in this vast land. One of the oldest religions to be found here is Jainism. The belief, faith and the customs of Jainism can be a point of wonder for many. It is not a surprise why so many of these Jain temples in India are popular tourist destinations. Other than being a site for pilgrimage for the Jains, the people from other communities also show interest in the famous Jain Temples in India.
Furthermore these temples of Jainism are literally examples of architectural brilliance. From the intricate carvings to beautiful pillars and adorned ceilings these temples are a visual treat. If you have never visited any Jain temples in India then you are certainly missing out on a lot of things. In this article I will mention some of the best Jain temples in India. Whenever you visit any of these locations make sure you include the top Jain temples in India in your itinerary. So keep on reading this article as it will be a helpful read for you.
6 Famous Jain Temples in India
Gomateshwara Temple
Address: Vindhyagiri Hill, Karnataka, India
Timings: 6:30 am to 11:30 am and again from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to February
Popularly known as the Bahubali Temple, this is one of the famous Jain Temples in India. Located in a small town called Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, this one is a renowned heritage site. What attracts most visitors here is the massive Statue of Bahubali. Erected on top of the Vindhyagiri Hill, this statue is 57 feet high. Furthermore this is the highest monolithic statue in the whole world. This Bahubali figure is further enclosed by structures of 43 tirthankaras. These tirthankaras are sacred followers of Jainism who preach the religion.
This famous Jain Temple in India attracts a lot of visitors on a daily basis. Other than the Jain pilgrims, even people from various parts of the world visit here to witness the massiveness of this statue. One of the major attractions here is the ceremony of Mahamastakabhisheka. This festival happens after every 12 years and draws a huge number of devotees. It is a festival where the statue of Bahubali is bathed with milk, ghee, sugarcane juice and saffron. Furthermore there is another feather added on the cap of this famous Jain temple. In the year 2007 the massive statue of Bahubali was ranked as one of the 7 Wonders of India. So while searching for famous Jain temples in India you must visit here once.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
Address: Desuri, Ranakpur Road, Sadri, Rajasthan, India
Timings: 5:30 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to February
This is one of the famous Jain temples in India that dates back to the 15th century. Other than being a major site of pilgrimage for the Jains this is the best Jain Temple in India. From the architectural point of view this temple is much appreciated. The temple complex here comprises different temples. There are Parsvanath Temple, Chaturmukha Temple, Surya Temple and Amba Temple. Amongst this the Chaturmukha temple is the most significant here. Furthermore this temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath.
This temple is an example of artistic brilliance. Constructed in light coloured marble, this temple rises out of a rugged hilly terrain. From the location to intricate carvings everything about this temple would leave you speechless. One of the interesting facts is that this temple was a name in the list of 77 wonders of the world while choosing the top 7. Even though it could not make it to the list of 7 wonders of the world, nevertheless the temple is indeed one of the top famous Jain Temples in India. With its own charm and grandeur this temple is one of the most popular sites. While on a Rajasthan trip do not forget to visit this beautiful Jain temple.
Dharmanath Temple
Address: 5/ 688 Gujarati Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India
Timings: 5 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to April
Located in Kerala this is one of the famous Jain temples in India. Not just in India the significance of this temple is all around the world. Almost more than 100 years old, the temple was constructed in 1904. Furthermore this temple is named after the 15th Jain Tirthankara that is Dharmanath. This temple can easily be regarded as a timeless classic. The beautiful carvings and the majestic location make it a popular spot to visit. It is believed by the devotees that this temple is one such place where one can attain salvation as well. This sacred Jain temple is an important center for the Jain community. For people interested in exploring the Jain religion this should be one of the must visit famous Jain temples in India.
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Parshavanath Digambar Jain Mandir
Address: Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 9 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to February
Located in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh it is one of the most famous Jain temples in India. The construction of this temple goes back to the 10th century. Furthermore this ancient temple was built in 970 CE during the rule of King Dhanga. One of the most attractive things about this temple is that it is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also this temple is the largest Jain monument in the whole of Khajuraho. The beautiful sculptures, intricate carvings and engravings on the walls make it look spectacular. It is one of the sites that would leave a person wondering about artistic brilliance.
One of the specialities of this temple is that no erotic postures are engraved on the walls here. Rather there are sculptures of apsaras, musicians, Hindu deities and celestial beings. On the inner sanctum of the temple the idol of Parshavanath is engraved. Also a statue of Adinath is found here as well. Furthermore this temple is one of the names in the list of Monuments of National Importance by the Archeological Survey of India. One of the most beautiful and famous Jain Temples in India the Parshvanath Temple is an absolute must visit.
Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Chandni Chowk
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Timings: 5:30 am to 11 am to 6 pm to 9 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to November and February to March
Located in Chandni Chowk, this is one of the oldest structures found in the area. The construction of this temple goes back to the Mughal era. Furthermore this temple is majorly known for a veterinary hospital. This hospital is known as the Jain Birds Hospital that is located just behind the main temple. This temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthanakara Parshavanath. A massive statue of Parshavanath is located inside the temple complex as well.
Furthermore what makes this temple alluring is the mesmerizing architecture of the temple here. Intricate carvings, colourful frescos and the calmness of the temple, makes up for a majestic experience here. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous Jain temples in India that you cannot miss out on visiting.
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Girnar Jain Temples
Address: Girnar Hills, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
Timings: 7 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: October to March
These are a cluster of temples located on top of the Girnar Mountain in Gujarat. Undoubtedly these are one of the famous Jain Temples in India. To reach the temple complex a climb of around 10,000 steps is required. Furthermore this is an important site for the Jains for a specific reason. The 22nd Tirthankara Neminath attained Moksha and breathed his last at this very spot. Therefore the temple holds a lot of importance for Jainism.
There are around 16 temples scattered all over the area here. Several statues of the Jain Tirthankaras are also found here. Furthermore the top of the mountain is calm and serene. And it is considered an ideal spot for meditation as well. If you are ever visiting Gujarat make sure you are visiting these famous Jain temples in India. Otherwise you will be missing out on a lot.
Wrapping Up!
As diverse as India is, so are the structures and monuments here. The Jain architectures are most special in their own ways. And if you have never seen a Jain monument then you won’t be able to understand what I am trying to refer to here. The famous Jain Temples in India mentioned in this article are examples of artistic brilliance. You will be able to understand the Jain religion, culture and customs better after visiting any of these temples. Furthermore most of the top Jain temples in India are ancient. And as historical monuments they are a rich source of history as well. So for history buffs this will be an experience to cherish while visiting the temples.
Whenever you are visiting any of these locations mentioned here you must visit any of these famous Jain temples in India. And you would understand why I am insisting upon visiting them. They will leave you speechless and mesmerized at the same time. Do let me know if you have visited any of these famous Jain Temples in India already. Also let me know if there is any best Jain temple in India that you are planning to visit next. I would love to know that from you.
