India's Most Iconic Jain Temples You Must Visit
Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and a global architectural marvel. Located in Ranakpur village, 95 km from Udaipur, the temple was commissioned by a wealthy businessman, Dharna Shah, with the support of the Mewar ruler.
Also known as Bahubali Temple, Gomateshwara Temple is located in Shravanabelagola. Its most prominent feature is the massive 57-foot statue of Bahubali on Vindhyagiri Hill, considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world.
Situated 2.5 km from Mount Abu, Dilwara Temple is celebrated for its intricate architecture. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries by Vimal Shah and designed by Dhokla Jain Ministers, it stands as one of the finest Jain temples.
This historic temple in Chandni Chowk, near Red Fort, is the oldest Jain structure in Delhi. Famous for the Jain Birds Hospital located behind it, the temple is believed to have been built during the Mughal era by a Jain officer.
Located on Shatrunjaya Hill, these temples are among the holiest for Jains, along with Shikharji in Jharkhand. The temple construction began in the 11th century under King Kumarapala and took 900 years to complete.
A significant pilgrimage destination for Digambar Jains, Sonagiri is known for being the site where Nanganag Kumar achieved salvation along with millions of followers. The region is dotted with 77 ancient temples on the hill and many more in the village.
Located in Kolanupaka village, Kulpakji Temple is a renowned Jain pilgrimage site dating back to the 10th century. It was a key Jain center during the Kakatiya Dynasty and holds great importance for the Shwetambar sect.
Situated in Mattancherry, Dharmanath Temple, built in 1904, is over 100 years old and dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Dharmanath.
Shikharji Temple, perched atop Parasnath Hills, is the holiest site in Jainism where 20 Tirthankaras attained salvation. The hills are named after Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, who achieved nirvana here.
Built in 1686 and renovated in the 19th century, this temple in Jabalpur gained prominence when Acharya Shantisagar visited it in 1928. It’s a major religious site for Digambar Jains.
Located in Khajuraho, Parshvanatha Temple was built around 970 CE during the reign of King Dhanga. Though originally dedicated to Lord Adinath, it is now a shrine for Lord Parshvanatha and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Known as Chandranatha Temple, Saavira Kambada Basadi in Moodabidri is famous for its 1000 pillars. It is the finest among the 18 Jain temples in the area, dedicated to the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha.
Away from the tourist hustle, the Ellora Jain Caves, built in the 9th century, feature stunning carvings and paintings. These five caves (30–34) reflect the last phase of spiritual activities at Ellora.
Located in Bhelpur, Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, believed to have been born here in 800 BC. It’s a significant pilgrimage site for both Digambara and Shwetambara Jains.
These temples are situated on Mount Girnar and hold spiritual significance for both Digambara and Shwetambara Jains. Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, attained moksha here.
Built in the late 16th century by Immadi Vodeya, Chaturmukha Basadi in Karkala is a prominent Jain monument. It houses images of Aranath, Mallinath, and Munisuvratnath, key Jain Tirthankaras.