For our country, Delhi is not just the national capital but also a city of great historical, cultural, commercial and religious importance. And since a large number of people belonging to the Jain community live in this city, Delhi has numerous Jain Temples which are immensely revered by the people. The most ancient, regarded and important among them is the Digamber Jain Lal Mandir. Digamber Jain Temple – Delhi
Digamber Jain Temple – Delhi
A jewel in the crown of Old Delhi, the temple is located on the Netaji Subhash Marg in Chandni Chowk. Because of being constructed with red sandstone, it is also known popularly as the Lal Mandir of Old Delhi. The temple has intricate paintings and carvings done to enhance its charisma. The ambience of Digamber Temple is immensely calm and soothing with butter lamps and candle lights further adding to its beauty.
Also in the temple premises is a book store which has a huge collection of books and souvenirs of Jainism. These books also include some rare pieces of Jain Literature.
Another prominent attraction of the temple is the Jain Bird Hospital. Jains deeply believe in Ahimsa, meaning to injure any living being and being compassionate with all. Driven by this very thought, this bird hospital provides free treatment and care to all the birds that have got injured intentionally or unintentionally. Around 60 birds are admitted here each day including parrots, pigeons, partridges, sparrows etc. Squirrels are also brought here but since they are not vegetarians, they are kept in a separate area. The hospital treats and cures all the birds for free. Donations, if anybody wants to make are accepted as well as appreciated.
Historical Significance – Digamber Jain Temple – Delhi
It was originally brought into being in 1656. Its roots belong to the era of Mughals while several changes and additions have been done to the temple even after the, but still it has manage to keep some its authentic features intact. It was during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan that several Jain businessmen were invited to Delhi to settle down here and do business. They were also gifted some land in Dariba, Chandni Chowk by the King. Shah Jahan had also allowed them to construct a Jain Temple, which we now know as the Digamber Jain Lal Mandir. Jivaraj Papriwal under the guidance of Bhattaraka Jinachandra brought three idols made up of marble to be enshrined in the temple, the biggest among them being that of twenty third Tirthankar Parshvanath. After that, several idols of other Jain deities were also sanctified here.
Festivals and fairs
All the Jain festivals are celebrated here with a lot of devotion and enthusiasm. These include Paryushan, Samvatsari, Deepawali and Jnaan Panchami. Lots of Jains and Jainism followers visit the temple during these festivals to offer prayers and Prasad to God.
Visiting Timings
During summers, the temple opens at 5:30 a.m. whereafter people can pray until 11:30 a.m. The temple re-opens at 6 p.m. and remains open till 9:30p.m. During the season of winters, the temple opens from 6 a.m. till 12 p.m. and reopens at 5:30 p.m. till 9 p.m.
- Location → Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Dedicated to → Jain Tirthankars
- Main Attraction → Temple and Jain Bird hospital
- Best time to visit → October to March
How to reach
- By Air → Indira Gandhi International Airport is the international airport of Delhi. Being the national capital it is well connected with regular flights to and from all corners of the country as well as the whole world. After reaching the airport, one can conveniently find public or private transport to reach Old Delhi.
- By Rail→ Headquarter of North Indian Railway, Delhi has as many as 5 railway stations and enjoys a good connectivity with the entire country. On reaching any of the railway station, visitors can easily take a mode of transport of their choice. The city offers a variety of options including metro, autorickshaw, cycle rickshaw, private buses, government transport buses, taxis etc.
- By Road → A number of national and state highways connect to Delhi. The city also enjoys a good local public transport system. So getting to Delhi by road or moving around in the city is not problematic at all even from strangers.
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