Jain Svetambara Temple

Location: At the end of Naughara Gali, near Kinari Bazaar Road, Old Delhi

Famous for: Centuries old idols and delicate murals

Open: On all days

Timings: Morning/evening: 5.30 a.m.- 12.30 p.m./ 6.30 p.m.- 8.00 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to all.

How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the temple, or they can hire auto-rickshaws, taxis and metro rail.

Photography charges: nil, permission required

Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Main

Functional Metro Station: Delhi Main

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing: Approx 30 minutes

Near Kinari Bazaar at the end of Naughara Gali amidst colorfully painted houses (especially their facades) lies the other Jain temple of the walled city known as Johari temple but belonging to the other sect of Jainism, Swetamber. This sect believes that salvation or moksha can be achieved while wearing clothes (only white) unlike the other sect who believes that a person should not wear clothes and be sky-clad in order to achieve moksha.

Though additions were in different periods, this ancient temple is said to predate every other structures in Delhi. It belongs to the period of Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharta who were the devoted followers of Lord Neminath Bhagwan.

The devotional area of this white marble double storeyed temple is on the first floor. The unique attraction of it is a remarkably different carved black image of Lord Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara made up of the rare 'kasauti' stone. It is placed on a marble pedestal, covered by an ornately carved golden canopy. The main shrine area has images of Lord Sumatinath, the 5th Tirthankara, Lord Adinath the first Tirthankaras and Lord Ajitnath along with the images of other Tirthankaras around the temple. The interior of the temple has decorative arched entrances and intricate paintings adorned with solid gold filigree work.

Apart from these, the visitors should not miss the two silver locked gates in the temple. The first silver gate at the top of staircase has a stone, representing Lord Bhaironji, who keeps evil forces away. The face of the stone is made up of silver and has a gold crown kept under a golden canopy. The other silver gate has small images of Tirthankaras bedecked with precious gems and stones.

The other attractions of this splendid house of worship are the glass mosaic describing the life of Lord Mahavira and some beautiful mural paintings of dancers and musicians on the second floor resembling to the Mughal style of painting.

Managed by Shri Jain Swetamnia Temples & Paushal Charitable Trust, the temple also has a small museum functioning at the ground floor. The museum houses rare manuscripts, old miniature paintings in gold and several objects made up of pure silver and copper.

Annual Event/ Special Attraction

Annual 'Rathyatra' is organized every year during poshdashmi (falls during the month of December- January).

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Salimgarh Fort, Kashmeri Gate, St James Church, Dara Shikoh Library, Chandni Chowk, Lothian Cemetery, and Rajghat

Nearby Places to Eat

Ghantewala sweet shop, food stalls near Jama Masjid, Paranthewali gali, Natraj hotel, Chor Bizarre of Broadway Hotel, Daryaganj's Flora, Peshwari, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Worker's canteen of Inter-State Bus terminal and many roadside food stalls are there for refreshment.

Nearby Shopping Venues

Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk (curios, souvenirs, silver and glass bead jewellery) Nai Sarak (books), Chor bazaar (electronic goods), Daryaganj book market (on Sunday) and Chatta Chowk in Red Fort (traditional and contemporary jewellery and handicrafts)

Last Updated On: 2011/07/01