India is a country of many cultures, which is known for its rich history, nature and world-famous temples. You would be surprised to know that India is popular not only for majestic Hindu temples but mesmerising Jain temples as well. A major pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism, Jain temples are abundant in various parts of India.
There are many beautiful Jain temples in India that mark the widespread existence of this religion throughout the country and remain a centre of attraction for tourists along with Jain followers. These temples attract thousands of devotees each year.
10 Most Famous Jain Temples in India
Learn about some famous Jain temples of India, where Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp.
1. Shri Mahaveer Jain Temple, Karauli, Rajasthan
Shri Mahavir Ji Temple is a major temple of Karauli in Rajasthan, which is 110 km from Sawai Madhopur city. Let me tell you that earlier this village was known as Chandanpur. But when an ancient idol of Mahavira was excavated from the soil several hundred years ago, this place became famous as a Jain religious place, and it was then renamed as Sri Mahavir.
You should know that Shri Mahavirji temple was built 200 years ago at the place from which Mahavir Ji’s idol was found in the excavation. This temple is so famous that devotees come from far and wide to visit and see this idol.
Nearest Railway Station: Shri Mahabirji Railway Station (SMBJ)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Jaipur Junction
2. Nakoda Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Sri Nakoda Jain Temple is an ancient temple built in the third century and has been renovated many times. The approximately 58 cm tall idol of Parshvanath in the Nakoda Jain temple sits in the lotus position. The ancient name of the Nakoda Jain Temple was Veerampur Nagari, as Veerasen and Nakorsen are believed to have built this Holy temple during the third century, which is the main faith centre for the Jain community.
The statue of Parshwanath installed in the temple was brought here from the village of Nakoda. Hence this place is called Nakoda Parshwanath temple. And on the occasion of the birthday of Lord Parshvanath on the Dashmi of Paush Krishna, a big fair is also organised here, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from different corners of the country.
Nearest Railway Station: Balotra Jn Railway station (BLT)
Suggested: Order food in train at Jodhpur Junction
3. Gomateshwar Mandir, Karnataka
Gomateshwara Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in India located at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district of Karnataka. One of the most interesting facts about Gomateshwara Temple is that it is also known as Shravanabelagola Temple or Bahubali Temple. The temple has a 17-meter high statue of the first Jain Tirthankara, the main deity, which is the largest monolithic statue in the world. The Gomateshwara temple was built in the 10th century by General Chamundarai, the king of the Ganga dynasty, Rajamalla.
The inscriptions are believed to be written in Tamil and Kannada based on the statue. Mahamastakabhisheka is a major festival celebrated once in 12 years at the Gomateshwara temple, where the idol is bathed with milk, saffron, ghee and curd, during which a large number of Jain followers and tourists can be seen.
Nearest Railway Station: Shravanabelagola Railway Station (SBGA)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Mangalore Junction
4. Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu
Situated amidst the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Dilwara Jain Temple is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites for Jains. The temple was constructed by Vastupala Tejpal between the 11th and 13th centuries. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and marble adornment from every corner.
This temple looks very common from outside, but when you see this temple from inside, you will be surprised to see the designs on its roof, walls, arches and pillars. It is not just a pilgrimage place for Jains but a magical structure made of marble, which compels tourists from all over the world to come here again and again.
Nearest Railway Station: Abu Road Railway Station (ABR)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Abu Road Junction
5. Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of the most famous Jain temples in India, is located near the town of Sadri in the state of Rajasthan. Spread over an area of 4,500 square yards and consisting of 29 halls, Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the five most important major pilgrimage centres of Jainism. Also known as Chaturmukh Dharna Vihar, this temple is dedicated to Rishabhanath, the chief Tirthankar of Jainism.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was constructed in the 5th century during the reign of Rajput emperor Rana Kumbha. The temple is reputed worldwide for its magnificent architecture, which remains an attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Nearest Railway Station: Falna Railway Station (FA)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Falna Junction
6. Sonagiri Jain Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Sonagiri Temple, located in the small town of Sonagiri in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres for Jains in India. “Sonagiri” means “Golden Peak.” This temple is also unique because it is believed to be the place where Nangnag Kumar attained salvation with his fifteen lakh followers. Let me tell you that the temple is situated on the summit of the majestic mountain Shatrunjaya, where the 11 feet high statue of Lord Chandraprabhu is the main attraction of the temple.
There are a group of about 900 temples along with the main temple, in which each temple proves to be superior to others in its beauty and grandeur. Beautiful paintings and sculptures, intricate carvings, impressive murals and jewellery sculptures are some of the unique attractions of these temples. Sonagiri Temple attracts a large number of Jain followers and tourists.
Nearest Railway Station: Sonagir Railway Station (SOR)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Datia Junction
7. Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kerala
Puliyarmala Jain Temple in Kerala’s Wayanad district is one of the most popular Jain temples in India, which serves as a major pilgrimage site for Jain followers. Puliyarmala Jain Temple is dedicated to Anantnath Swami who was a Tirthankara and hence this temple is also known as “Anantnath Swami Temple”.
Puliyarmala Jain Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in Kerala, which was built in the 13th century. It shows the mastery of Jain architecture, the temple doors and stupas are beautifully carved, while the interior of the temple is peacefully and smoothly inscribed.
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station (CLT)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Calicut Junction
8. Kulpakji Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Kulpakji Temple, located in Kolanupaka, a small village in Nalgonda district of Telangana, is a famous Jain temple dedicated to the trio of Lord Rishabh, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahavira. Also known as Konlupaka Jain Temple, it has a 130 cm tall main idol of Mahavir Swami installed.
The nearly 2,000-year-old Kulpakji Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the Shvetambara Jains of South India, which hosts thousands of Jain followers and tourists each year. And you should know that this area is particularly important in Andhra Pradesh because more than twenty Jain inscriptions were found here in 1125 AD.
Nearest Railway Station: Aler Railway Station (ALER)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Secunderabad Junction
9. Nareli Jain Temple, Ajmer
The Nareli Jain Temple, located about 7 km from Ajmer, is a sacred pilgrimage site for Digambara Jains. The Nareli Jain temple made of marble stone remains popular among tourists for its beautiful architecture and intricate stone carvings that present both traditional and contemporary forms. This temple is completely made of stone and is equipped with beautifully shaped gardens all around.
This temple is known to fulfil wishes and bring prosperity in life according to local people. The main temple has a 22 feet high statue of Guru Adinathji on the first floor, with 24 miniature temples of other Tirthankaras on the hills above. It is one of the most breathtaking Jain temples in India for tourists. Nareli Jain Temple architecture and the natural beauty of the hills will take you away from the city area.
Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer Junction (AII)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Ajmer Junction
10. Hanumantal Jain Temple, Jabalpur
One of the most famous Jain temples of India, Hanumantal Jain Temple is located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Jain Goddess Padmavati. Hanumantal Jain Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jain followers. The Hanumantal Jain Temple, built in the 17th century, is the place from where the annual Jain procession begins on the birthday of Lord Mahavira.
The temple appears like a twenty-two shrine, making it the most important independent Jain temple in India. Hanumantal Jain Temple is a paradise for ancient art lovers which displays many images from different eras.
Nearest Railway Station: Jabalpur Railway Station (JBP)
Suggested: Order Food in Train at Jabalpur Railway Station
These are some of the important and biggest Jain temples in India.
If you want to travel to these locations through trains, then you can avail authentic and hygienically cooked pure Jain food in trains at your seat from RailRestro rail food app.