India is a land that is steeped in ancient traditions. This is a country that has seen the birth and growth of many religions that are now spread around the world. And one religion that is still flourishing within the boundaries of the country and outside it as well is Jainism. Jainism is a religion that emphasizes non-violence and spiritual liberation.
You must have seen a Jain temple in your local city/ town/ village, but do you know which are the most popular Jain temples in the country? If not, then after reading this blog, you surely will. Here, we have done a virtual pilgrimage of 12 of the most renowned Jain temples in India. So, without further ado, let’s get right onto it.
1- Ranakpur Jain Temple
The first Jain temple is the popular Ranakpur Jain Temple, which is located in the Pali district of Rajasthan. This temple, built in the 15th century under the patronage of local ruler Rana Kumbha, is a major pilgrimage site in the Jain community. Fun fact: this temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara (enlightened teacher) of Jainism.
Another interesting fact about this temple is the 1444 intricately carved marble pillars that can be found here – each one a unique masterpiece of craftsmanship. No two pillars are the same design whilst depicting scenes from Jain mythology. This certainly explains why this temple is certainly amongst the most visited Jain temples not just by devotees but also by tourists alike. Another noteworthy fact about this temple is the central shrine, which houses a stunning, nearly 6-foot tall, four-faced statue of Adinath. If you have not visited this temple yet, plan for a tour today – you will not regret it!
- Address: Desuri Tehsil, Pali District, Rajasthan 306702, India
- Timings: 6.30 am to 8.30 pm
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Entry Fees:
- Indians: ₹200 per person (includes an audio guide in Hindi/English)
- Foreigners: Additional ₹200
- Camera fees: ₹50
2- Palitana Temples
Next on our temple list is actually not just one temple but a set of temples that are collectively known as Palitana Temples. Located at the top of the Shatrunjaya Hills in Gujarat, this is one of the holiest sites for Jains worldwide. Unsurprisingly, hundreds of thousands of devotees make their pilgrimage to this holy site every year.
This is a vast temple complex housing over 900 individual temples and shrines. Fun fact about this temple: it is believed that these temples have been sanctified by 23 Tirthankaras (with the exception of Neminatha). Also, another noteworthy fact about this temple is its origin, which is sometime in the 11th century. The main Palitana temple is dedicated to Adinath.
Do note that to reach the complex you would have to climb over 3800 steps that are carved into the hillside. Yes it is worth it as these temples are a pure marvel for one to look at.
- Address: Shatrunjaya Hills, Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat 364270, India
- Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
- Entry Fees: None for the pilgrimage. Charges may apply for palanquins/dolis carried by porters
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Tour: Palitana Jain Temple Tours
3- Dilwara Temple
Another popular Jain temple that you cannot afford to miss out on is the Dilwara Temple. You will find this temple nestled in the Aravalli Hills of Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The complex of this holy site actually consists of five magnificent temples, each unique in its design and intricate marble carvings – something you will find is quite common with Jain temples. However, do note that not all of these temples were built at the same time. The earliest temples were built between the 11th & 13th centuries, with renovations occurring in the 16th century.
Now, if you are asking for the most renowned temples in the complex, then it would be the Vimal Vasahi Temple (which is dedicated to Adinath) and the Luna Vasahi Temple (which is dedicated to Neminath). In terms of the construction of these temples, the presence of the Māru-Gurjara style of architecture is clear for everyone to see. You will easily find ceilings that feature elaborate lotus-like domes, while at the same time, pillars, doorways, and walls that showcase Jain mythology.
- Address: Dilwara Road, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
- Timings: 12 pm to 6 pm (for non-Jain visitors)
- Entry Fees: None
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather on Mount Abu is delightful
Suggested Itinerary: Rajasthan Jain Tour Package
4- Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
The Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, located in the heart of the capital, is another popular pilgrimage site. It is one of the oldest and one of the most prominent Jain temples in Delhi. The temple is located directly opposite the Red Fort, which makes it an excellent site for tourists who are exploring the Old Delhi area. Fun fact: Built in 1656, this is renowned for its striking red sandstone facade. It is a defining and well as distinguishing feature of this Jain temple.
This holy site is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath. It also houses his main idol in the principal shrine on the first floor. The temple complex also includes shrines that are dedicated to other Tirthankara as well as other deities apart from the Parshvanath.
- Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006, India
- Timings: 6 am to 12 pm; 5 pm to 8 pm
- Entry Fees: None
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable weather. Do note that the temple can get quite crowded during festivals and on weekends.
Suggested Tour: Same Day Delhi Jain Temples Tour
5- Gomateshwara Temple
If you are in the great state of Karnataka or planning a visit to the state, you should consider making a pilgrimage to Gomateshwara Temple, located atop the Vindhyagiri Hill. These hills stand witness to a monolithic marvel: a 57-foot-tall figure of Lord Bahubali. What is even more fascinating about this statue is that it was carved from a single granite block in the year 983 AD.
Taking into account the historical significance of the statue as well as depiction of Lord Bahubali, who is a revered Jain figure, it should not surprise anyone that this temple is a major pilgrimage site for Jains from around the world. Fun fact about this temple: Every 12 years, it hosts the grand Mahamastakabhisheka festival. It is a vibrant and spectacular event that draws devotees from around the world.
- Address: Vindhyagiri Hill, Shravanabelagola, Channarayapatna Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka 573116, India
- Timings: 6.30 am to 11.30 am; 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm
- Entry Fees: Free entry
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
Suggested Tour: Karnataka Jain Temple Tour
6- Kulpakji Temple
The next popular Jain temple you will find on our list is the iconic Kulpakji Temple, located in Kolanupaka. Fun fact: This temple is also known as Kolanupaka temple simply because of the village in Telangana in which it is located. It is also one of the oldest temples you will find on our list, which is saying something. This ancient temple is estimated to be over 2000 years old and holds significance for both the Shwetambara & Digambara sects of Jainism.
The main presiding deity at this temple is Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinath). The temple complex houses a striking idol that is carved from a single piece of jade. This statue is more commonly known among the Jain community as Manikyaswami. The temple has a story that is steeped in legends. It is said that the original idol of Lord Adinath resided in this region, but suddenly, it vanished and miraculously appeared in the current spot where the temple is situated.
- Address: Aler City, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, India (approximately 80 km from Hyderabad)
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fees: None
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
7- Dharmanath Temple
Southern India is famous for its iconic temples, and the next entry on our list is no different. We are, of course, talking about the Dharmanath Temple, located in the beautiful town of Kochi. It is a significant Jain temple with a history that dates back to the 16th century.
One look at the Dharmanath Temple, and you will find similarities with the many classic Jain temples that can be found in Gujarat. You are not wrong in your assumption, as the influence of Gujarati architecture is clearly present here. Now, within the main shrine of the temple, you will find the beautiful idol of Lord Dharmanath. Additionally, there is a separate shrine here, which is dedicated to Padmavati, a protector deity who is highly revered in Jainism.
- Address: 5/688, Gujarati Road, Mattancherry, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala, India. Pin Code: 682002
- Timings: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Entry Fees: None
- Best Time to Visit: October to April for pleasant weather, though Kerala’s monsoon season also has a unique charm (something worth considering)
Suggested Tour: Kerala Jain Pilgrimage Tour Package
8- Shikharji Temple
Another significant site in Jainism is the Shikharji Temple, located at Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand. This temple is built at the same site where 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras achieved ‘Nirvana’ or ‘Moksha’. So it really should not surprise anyone that it is considered one of the holiest sites for Jains worldwide.
The temple consists of numerous Jain temples and shrines that are spread across the summit and the surrounding area. So, it would be wise of you to think of them as a series of temples in the complex and not just one temple. To reach this temple, devotees have to undertake a rigorous pilgrimage. They have to climb 27 km barefoot across the hills to reach the temples. However, you also have the option to opt for a doli (palanquin).
- Address: Parasnath Hills, Madhuban, Giridih District, Jharkhand
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm. However, do note that the temple timings change throughout the year, so be sure to double-check before visiting
- Entry Fees: Free entry
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
9- Parshvanatha Temple
Next up on our list is another historic Jain temple. The Parshvanatha Temple is located in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh (yes, that Khajuraho). And while the complex houses many temples, the Parshvanatha Temple is without a doubt the largest and finest Jain temple here. The temple’s origin dates back to the 10th century AD when it was constructed during the reign of the Chandela dynasty. Fun fact about this temple: This temple was originally constructed and was dedicated to Adinath. However, it was later renamed after a Parshvanatha idol was installed here.
This temple is a huge attraction for architecture enthusiasts as well. The temple showcases the classic Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture, clearly indicating where the inspiration for this temple came from. On the temple’s exterior, you will also find exquisitely adorned sculpted figures from Jain mythology. What is unique about the exterior is that you will even find exotic scenes carved on the outsides of the temple – it is, after all, located in Khajuraho.
- Address: Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh 471606, India
- Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm
- Entry Fees: Free entry
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
10- Saavira Kambada Basadi
From the beautiful Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, we are moving towards the iconic Saavira Kambada Basadi in Karnataka. This is another old Jain temple that you will find mentioned in our list. Constructed in the 15th century and taking 31 years to complete, this is one of the more popular Jain temples in Southern India.
Now, what is unique about this temple is the temple’s main hall, which is also known as “Mantapa”. This vast hall is supported by over 1000 pillars – safe to say it is the defining feature of this temple. Additionally, you will also find that each of these pillars is actually carved with intricate designs and motifs – making them quite a beautiful thing for one to look at. It would not be surprising if you spent hours just gazing at these pillars.
Another excellent fact about this temple, which certainly draws many devotees and explorers here, is just how accessible it is. The temple is easily accessible from major cities like Mangalore and Bangalore by roads.
- Address: Moodabidri, Karnataka 574227
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fees: Free of cost
- Best Time to Visit: December
11- Badami Cave Temples
The next entry on this list will keep us in the beautiful state of Karnataka as we move towards the iconic Badami Caves. Yes, you might have heard of them, as they are popular even among folks who are just interested in exploring artistic sites. The Badami Cave temples are located in a picturesque valley in Karnataka. They are a set of four temples, rock-cut and carved from sandstone cliffs. Now do note that their exact origins are not clear to us, but what is known is that these temples were constructed during the Chalukya dynasty between the 6th and 8th centuries.
Fun fact about Badami Caves: What is truly special and makes the Badami Cave temples unique is the vibrant mix of influences that are present here for all to see. In these caves, you will even find carvings of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and more. It is a clear indication of the harmony between the faiths that existed during those times.
- Address: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka – 587201
- Timings: 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Entry Fees: Indians: ₹10 per person; Foreigners: ₹100
- Best Time to Visit: July to March
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Badami
12- Ellora Jain Caves
From one cave to another, we are now shifting our focus to the Ellora Jain Caves, which are naturally located in Ellora, Maharashtra. This next entry on this list is not just another set of Jain temples; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And additionally, these are not just solely dedicated to Jainism, as in the vast complex, you will find Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves. It speaks volumes about the coexistence and acceptance of different faiths during the time.
Now, if we are specifically talking about the Jain Caves, then caves 30 to 34 are where you need to look at. These are a series of intricately carved Jain temples here that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. These temples were constructed under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Another fascinating part about these temples are not just where they are located, but what is inside them. Here, you will find majestic statues of Tirthankaras adorning the delicate carvings. They are a magnificent sights for one to look at.
- Address: Ellora, Verul, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra 431102, India
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm (Tuesday closed)
- Entry Fees: Indians: ₹40 per person; Foreigners: ₹600
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, for pleasant weather
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the most popular Jain temples in India, listed for you all in one place. Now, do note that there is no particular order in this list, as the popularity of Jain temples is subject to one’s personal opinion. However, we believe the temples listed above are the most popular in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Book your travels to these temples today! They are not just religiously significant sites, but these architectural marvels are also a beauty to behold. Their pictures won’t do justice to them!
- Suggested Tour: Jain Pilgrimage Tour Package in India
