Beneath the bustling Chandni Chowk lies a sanctuary of serenity. This is the Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir. It is Delhi’s oldest and best known Jain temple. Today we will discover its history and unique features.
Imagine stepping back to 1656. Emperor Shah Jahan ruled. He invited Jain merchants to settle here. A Jain officer in the Mughal army kept a Tirthankara statue in his tent for worship. This humble tent evolved into what we see today as the Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir.
Initially, the temple was simple. It was even called “Urdu Temple” and “Lashkari Mandir”. Legend says Aurangzeb banned musical instruments. Yet, drums miraculously sounded within the temple. Impressed, Aurangzeb lifted the ban.
The Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir buildings were rebuilt in 1878 after the Mughal Empire’s decline. One idol dates back to 1491. It was installed by Bhattaraka Jinachandra. The Agrawal Jain community acquired three marble idols that same year. The main deity is Tirthankara Parshva. These deities were first housed in a tent belonging to a Jain officer.
Notice the Manastambha column. It stands proudly in front of the Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir. The main area has three red sandstone spires. Ascend to the terrace. You will cross a small courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by a colonnade. The primary shrine honors Lord Mahavira. He was the 24th Tirthankara. He preached about attaining Moksha. Rishabhanatha’s statue is here too. He was the first Tirthankara. Also find the shrine of Lord Parshvanath.
Feel the peace. The gilded paintwork shines under the lamps. Many Jains find this place special. It is a refuge from Delhi’s chaos.
In 1931, Acharya Shantisagar visited. He was the first Digambara monk in Delhi for eight centuries. A memorial marks this event.
Did you know the Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir houses a bird hospital? Established in 1930, it treats around 15000 birds annually. It is run in a building constructed in 1957.
The Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir timings vary. During summer, it opens from 5:30 am to 11:30 am and 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Winter timings are 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple stays open longer during Daslakshan Parv and Paryushan Mahaparv.
Before you enter, remove your shoes and leather items. Visit the bookstore. Discover Jain literature and souvenirs.
The Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Digamber Jain Lal Mandir stands not just as a temple. It stands as a testament to faith and compassion. Its story echoes through Delhi’s vibrant streets. It reminds us of peace amidst chaos.