Digambar Jain Temple in Delhi:

The Digambar Jain temple is one among the numerous temples that are there in Delhi and it is the oldest Jain temple of the Jain religion in Delhi. The temple is located in a grand location just opposite the massive Lal Quila or the Red Fort, the point at which Netaji Subhas Marg intersects the Chandni Chowk.

The temple is also popularly known as the Lal Mandir since it is built out of impressive sandstone. The temple originally built in the middle of the seventeenth century has however undergone a lot of transformation and the temple as it stands in its present form was built in the early half of the nineteenth century. The main devotional area of the temple is located in the first floor, and the whole ambience is of peace and sanctity. There are a large number of shrines in the temple complex with the most important being that of Lord Mahavira.

The temple is hugely popular among the devotees and they queue up in large numbers to offer things like fruit, grains, rice and even candles. The place also has a Jain book store, where you can pick up a lot of literature related to Jainism if your interest lies in that religion. Since the temple is a Jain temple visitors are barred from carrying any leather items inside the temple complex. Leather items if any have to be handed over to the temple authorities before seeking entry to the temple.

Another attraction of the place is the bird hospital which has separate wards for different types of birds. The place though is a recovery place for partridges that are wounded due to various reasons. The only discrimination made in this hospital is against the birds of prey, which are treated strictly as out patients because the hospital is a Jain one.

Life of Lord Mahavira:

Mahavir was born in 599 B.C. as a prince in the ancient republic of Vaishali in Bihar. He became a monk at the age of 30, abandoned his family and royal household and gave up all his material possessions including clothing. The eternal quest for salvation was the guiding force behind his transformation.

Annual Events at Digambar Jain Temple:

The Jain community celebrates many social and religious functions annually. These annual events are the holy occasions when devotees from all corners of the country throng the Digambar Jain Temple. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit the temple. Renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, repetition of holy hymns, meditation and expressing devotion for the God mark these events.

Digambar Jain Temple Nearby Attractions:

Nearby Attractions of Digambar Jain Temple in Delhi are Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Salimgarh Fort, Kashmeri Gate, St James Church, Dara Shikoh Library, Lothian Cemetery and Rajghat.

How to Reach:

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Main

Nearest Bus Stop: Local buses from various points