20 Most Famous Jain Temples in India

Dr Uday Dokras,PhD, Stockholm,Sweden

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.

1. Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur (Rajasthan)

The 15th century Ranakpur Temple is a major pilgrimage site for the Jain community and is often
regarded as an architectural icon worldwide. It is set in the Ranakpur village, 95 kilometres north
of Udaipur. The temple is built by a reputed businessman of that time, Dharna Shah with the help
of the Mewar ruler. The complex comprises of a number of temples namely the Chatutmukha
Temple, Parsavanth Temple, Surya Temple and the Amba Temple. The most significant amongst
all of them is the four-faced Chaturmukha Temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain
Tirthankara.
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.

2. Gomateshwara Temple, Vindhyagiri Hill (Karnataka)

Gomateshwara Temple commonly known as the Bahubali Temple is set in the small town of
Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. Apart from being a religious landmark, it is also a renowned
heritage site. The 57 feet mammoth statue of Bahubali stands erected on Vindhyagiri Hill. This
historic Jain figure is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues worldwide. Right at the
bottom of the Bahubali statue, there are inscriptions in Prakrit that praises the King who funded
for this site.
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.
3. Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu (Rajasthan)

Located at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from Mount Abu, Dilwara Temple is one of the exquisite
Jain religious structures known for its impeccable architecture. The temple was built between 11th
and 13th century by Vimal Shah and was beautifully designed by the Dhokla Jain Ministers.
Although there are a number of Jain temples all over Rajasthan, culture hounds consider Dilwara
Temple as one of the finest examples of architectural splendour.
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.

4. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Chandni Chowk (Delhi)

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Temple is the oldest Jain religious structure located in Chandni Chowk
near Red Fort. This temple is best known for a veterinary hospital, commonly known as the Jain
Birds Hospital situated behind the main temple complex. It is believed that the temple was
constructed during the Mughal era when a Jain officer worshipped a Tirthankara statue in his
tent. This attracted other Jain army officials and finally, a temple was built at the site in 1656.
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.
5. Palitana Temples, Bhavnagar District (Gujarat)

Perched on the Shatrunjaya Hill in the city of Palitana, these Jain temples are considered holiest
along with Shikharji in Jharkhand. Originally the construction of the Palitana temples started in
the 11th century during the reign of King Kumarapala and it took 900 years to complete. It was
destroyed by the Muslim invaders between the 14th and 15th century. As Jain pilgrimage is mostly
taken on foot, the temple was constructed in clusters to minimize the distance to a bare
minimum.

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.
6. Sonagiri Temples, Datia (Madhya Pradesh)

Sonagiri is a major pilgrimage site for the Digambar Jain community. This region holds a lot of
religious significance because it is where Nanganag Kumar attained salvation along with 15
million devotees. Sprawling over 132 acres, this sacred place is known as the Laghu Sammed
Shikhar. This region is dotted with several ancient Jain temples dating back to the 9 th century. 77
of the total temples are perched on the hill and the rest is set in the village.

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.
7. Kulpakji Temple, Kolanupaka (Telangana)

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.

8. Dharmanath Temple, Kochi (Kerala)

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.

9. Shikharji Temple, Parasnath Hill (Jharkhand)

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 18 th 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.
10. Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir , Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)

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.
11. Parshvanatha Temple, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

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’.
12. Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodabidri (Karnataka)

Saavira Kambada Temple, also called the ‘Chandranatha Temple’ is built in honour of the 8th
Tirthankara named Chandraprabha. This temple is situated in the town of Moodabidri and known
for its 1000 pillars. Moodabidri boasts a total of 18 Jain temples but Saavira Kambada is the
finest amongst them all. It was constructed in the year 1430 by Devaraya Wodeyar (local
chieftain) and features a monolithic pillar with 50 feet height. It took over 30 years, to complete
the construction and new additions were made in 1962.

The grand Kambada Temple flaunts 7 pavilions that are entirely supported by exquisite granite
pillars designed in the Vijayanagara style. Each of the pillars is unique and no two pillars look
the same. These pillars will give you a glimpse of a fascinating past that is lost in time. There are
stone made chandeliers that form a part of this architectural marvel and never fails to blow the
common man’s mind. There is divine connectivity that can be felt here that lets visitors drift in
oblivion.
13. Badami Cave Temples, Badami (Karnataka)

Set in the town of the same name, the cave temples of Badami are the epitome of traditional
Indian rock-cut structures dating back to the 6th century. The complex comprises of four cave
temples which were built during the rule of Pulakesin I but most of the expansion took place
during the Chalukya period. Originally Badami Temple was called Vataapi Badami, the capital
of the Chalukyas and was considered the centrepiece of temple architecture.
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.
Badami Cave Temple 1

The second cave honours Lord Vishnu in his fifth avatar of Vamana.
Badami Cave Temple 2

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.

Badami Cave Temple 3

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.
Badami Cave Temple 4

14. Ellora Jain Caves, Ellora (Maharashtra)

Away from the tourist bustle, lie the remarkable Jain caves of Ellora adorned with detailed
carvings and paintings. The caves are carefully crafted to perfection around 9 th century celebrates
the last phase of religious and spiritual activities taking place at Ellora. The cluster of five caves
is numbered between 30 and 34 and is set at a distance of 1 kilometre from Cave 29, the last
Hindu temple.
Cave 30, often referred to as Chota Kailasa is an imitation of the iconic Kailasa Temple. This
cave is located at a few yards away from the other Jain caves.

Ellora Cave 30

Cave 31 is a four-pillared structure where an idol of Mahavira is enshrined. The carvings of

Parshvanatha guarded by yaksha and the figure of Bahubali can be seen on both sides of the
walls.
Ellora Caves 31

Cave 32 and 33 are two-storeyed caves, resembling the Indra Sabha and the Jagannatha Sabha.
Both of these structures are carved with well-preserved idols dating back to the 9th century.
Ellora Caves 32

Cave 34 contains a large carving of Parshvanatha accompanied by Gommateshvara. All these

caves form a part of the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.

15. Parshvanatha Jain Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

The Jain temple of Parshvanatha is tucked in the town of Bhelpur in Uttar Pradesh. The gorgeous
temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara of the same name. It is believed that Parshvanatha was
born here around 800 BC. Parshvanatha Temple is one of the greatest pilgrimage centres of
Jainism and is based on the ideologies of both Digambara and Shwetambara sects.

The temple has a very peaceful environment and invites people from all walks of life. It is filled
with stunning sculptures including the main idol of Parshvanatha. The black coloured deity with
a height of 2.5 feet stands erected in the majestic temple. With the co-existence of two sects, this
sacred landmark is one of the finest examples of religious harmony that evokes euphoria.
Besides the splendid architecture, visitors can witness the Jain rituals or take non-violence
lessons from spiritual teachers at the temple.

16. Navagraha Jain Temple, Varur (Karnataka)

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.

17. Bawangaja, (Barwani District) Madhya Pradesh

Bawangaja is considered a sacred destination for the Jain community in India. It is a huge
complex and comprises of 8 impressive Jain temples built around 12 th-century. The site houses
an 84 feet megalithic statue of the first Tirthankara, Adinath that emerges out of the jagged
terrain at the base of the Satpura Range. It is also reputed as the tallest Jain statue in India.

The huge statue is carved out of brownstone standing in a yogic posture. The structural style of
this sculpture is truly unmatched and resembles the idol of Lord Bahubali in Shravanbelagola.
The statue of Adinath reflects all kinds of emotions on its face. This statue is an exemplary
masterpiece and showcases the fine artistry of the ancient past. The statues of Yaksha Gomukha
and Yakshi Chakreshwary can be seen on both the sides of the main idol. Devotees come here to
pay homage to the lord and seek his blessings.
 Adinath
Statue at Bawangaja

18. Girnar Jain Temples, Junagadh (Gujarat)

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.

19. Sri Humcha Temple, Shimoga (Karnataka)

 Sri
Humcha Temple is regarded as the resting abode of Devi Padmavati with a history dating back to
the 7th century. It is one of the most popular Jain heritage centres and houses the holiest shrine of
the goddess in the world. The temple was built by Shri Jindatt, the founder of the Santhara
Dynasty.

The temple is built in the Chalukyan architectural style and boasts an open Mukhamantapa. It is
believed when a devotee seeks blessing, flowers drop from the right side of the idol. The huge
complex houses other important temples namely Shri Marthanda Basadi, Shri Bogara Basadi and
the Parshvanatha Temple. This region is also known for a lake that never dries up and the
evergreen Lakki Tree that is over 1300 years old.

20. Chaturmukha Basadi, Karkala (Karnataka)

Chaturmukha is one of the most popular Jain monuments in Karkala constructed under the
patronage of Immadi Vodeya of the Santara Dynasty. It was built in the late 16th-century and
contains images of Aranath, Mallinath and Munisuvratnath (Jain Tirthankaras). Today, the
Chaturmukhi Basadi is preserved under the ‘Archaeological Survey of India’.

The Basadi is entirely made from granite cuts and features over 100 pillars that support the
ceiling. It is elegantly crafted with four symmetrical faces, hence the name ‘Chaturmukha’. The
temple is open on all sides that add to the uniqueness of the structure. Chaturmukha Basadi faces
the great Bahubali statue of Karkala. Besides devotees, tourists from all over the country visit
Karkala to get a glimpse of this sacred landmark.