The Jain temples of Jaisalmer are the mirror of the city’s history and architectural grandeur. Situated in the Western Rajasthan these temples are a perfect mixture of spiritual and historic importance.
These temples not only attract the people from the Jain community but also the people who love to explore architectural marvels that also offer spirituality and teach lessons of harmony and peace.
This specially curated list of top 5 Jain temples promise to deliver a journey that offers you devotion, a glimpse of the intricate designs of these temples and moments to devote yourself in bhakti.
1. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is a world famous tourist spot which not only is famous for its historic importance but also for the Jain temples which are built inside the Fort. Apart from the busy life outside the Fort, these Jain temples simply invite the people who love to spend their time with peaceful ambiance.
Inside the fort, there is a huge complex of seven Jain temples including the idols of Sambhavnath, Parshvanath, Shantinath, Kuntunath, Shitalnath, Rishabhnath and Chandraprabha.
These temples were built between the 12th and 16th centuries. They have intricate and fine stone carvings that mesmerises the people with historic craftsmanship.
Here’s a quick tour to all the seven temples inside the fort of Jaisalmer:
1. Parsvanath Temple:
The Parshvanath temple is the oldest of all seven temples in the fort. The fine carvings get even finer when you start walking inside from the arched gateway which is also called torana. The idol of Parshvanath is made of black marble and is adorned with many serpent heads on top similar to that of the idol at Lodhurva Jain temple.
The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures that tell stories from Jain teachings. The inner parts of the temple are decorated with beautiful stone carvings of animals and human figures.
2. Sambhavnath Temple:
This temple is believed to be built by a famous trader Askaran Chopra. He housed 600 idols of Sambhavnath and also built a grand library with about a thousand handwritten manuscripts. This temple has a beautifully carved interior using yellow sandstone.
3. Chandraprabh temple:
The temple of Chandraprabh is built on a raised platform called the mandapa with similarly stunning intricate architecture. It was built in the 15th century. This temple is one of the most visited tourist spots in Jaisalmer. This temple is dedicated to the 8th tirthankara Chandraprabhu Swami. This magnificent temple attracts visitors from all over the world.
4. Rishabhnath temple:
This beautifully structured temple is dedicated to the first tirthankara Rishabhdev ji. The idol of Rishabhnath is secured using the glass cabinets. This temple is believed to be built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Jaisalmer.
5. Shitalnath temple:
This temple is known for its complex and fine carvings on the yellow sandstone. This temple is beautifully structured and was built sometime between 15th and 16th century. This temple is dedicated to the 10th tirthankara of Jainism.
6. Kunthunath temple:
This temple is believed to be built in the 15th century. This temple is dedicated to the 17th tirthankara Shri Kunthunath ji. The intricate carvings on the sandstone is worth noticing because it is among the most beautiful temples in the complex of Jain temples inside the Jaisalmer fort.
7. Shantinath Temple:
This temple is dedicated to the tenth tirthankara Shri Shantinath ji. This temple is beautifully carved and offers a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to witness the beauty of the stone art of this temple.
Address & Timings
- Address: Jaisalmer Fort, Fort Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
Jaisalmer Fort is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw and even on foot from various nearby parts of the city. The fort itself is a prominent landmark that’s visible from the majority of the city’s corners. You can reach Jaisalmer via Bus, train or private vehicle. The nearest railway station is just more than a kilometre away. For domestic flights, your nearest airport is the Jaisalmer airport and for national and international flights, the nearest airport is Jodhpur airport.
Also Read: Best 7 Places for Shopping in Jaisalmer
2. Lodurva Jain Temple
Second in our list of top 7 Jain temples in Jaisalmer is Lodurva Jain Temple. Plundered by the invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad of Ghor, this temple is the only building that survived after the plunder. Once renowned as the capital of Jaisalmer, Lodurva was an important administrative and religious town.
Lodurva Jain temples are considered as one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in Rajasthan. This temple was built in the 8th and 9th century using sandstone and yellow limestone and has an intricate carving style known as jali.
The temple also has another fine carving feature which is the arched gateway along with the stone carvings of Kalpavriksha and kalpataru.
Address & Timing
- Address: Lodurva Village, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
- Timing: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
How to Reach
Lodurva Jain Temple is located near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. To reach there, you can hire a taxi or use a local bus from Jaisalmer city. It’s about 15 kilometres away and the journey takes around 30 minutes by road. Follow signs towards Lodurva village once you’re on the route, and the temple is easily accessible once you arrive in the village.
3. Amar Sagar Jain temple
Built near the artificial Amar Sagar Lake, this temple stands out in all aspects. The very fine stone carvings, intricate designs, use Jaisalmeri yellow sandstone, it all blends together to offer a paradise for architecture lovers and devotees of lord Parshvanath.
It is one of the famous Jain temples in Jaisalmer. This temple not only attracts the devotees from the Jain community but also tourists and visitors from across the globe who visit Jaisalmer.
This temple also showcases the devotion to Jainism. The 3D wall carvings are worth noticing with leaf and flower motifs. The exterior of this temple looks like a haveli but it’s architectural excellence at its best.
Address & Timings
- Address: Near Lodurva Jain temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
This temple is situated in the outskirts of Jaisalmer, South to Lodurva Jain temple.
- Nearest domestic airport: Jaisalmer Airport
- Nearest National and international airport: Jodhpur airport
- Nearest railway station: Jaisalmer railway station
- Other options: You can easily access the Amar Sagar Jain temples using rickshaw, cab, taxi or any private vehicle.
Also Read: Top 8 Places to visit in Jaisalmer
4. Shri Neminath Jain Temple
Shri Neminath Jain Temple is yet another Jain temple in Jaisalmer. Dedicated to Naminath, this temple is one of the most important temples of worship for the people belonging to the Jain community.
This temple is built using the yellow sandstone and has very beautiful carvings all over the temple. The archway at the entrance is so magnificent, it takes the breath away for a moment. Witness these bits from the history of Jaisalmer by booking your taxi now. SR taxi service has the best affordable rental options for all types of requirements and number of travellers.
Address & Timings
- Address: Sadar Bazar, Kishan Ghat, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
- Nearest domestic airport: Jaisalmer Airport
- Nearest National and international airport: Jodhpur airport
- Nearest railway station: Jaisalmer railway station
- Other options: You can easily access the temple using rickshaw, cab, taxi or any private vehicle. You can also book your rental with SR taxi services. The prices are compatible and the vehicle ranges from AC and non AC cars to SUVs, Sedans and tempo travellers with the passanger capacity upto 25 passengers.
5. Sri Mahaveer Mandir
In our list of top 5 Jain temples in Jaisalmer, we have another architectural marvel. Sri Mahaveer Mandir is another architectural marvel that’s home to the last tirthankara Shri Mahaveer Swami.
This temple is built using yellow sandstone which can be seen used in every historic building and monument of Jaisalmer. The arched gateway (Toran) is the first thing that takes your breath away. It is beyond our imagination how the past craftsmen would have carved it.
There are numerous idols of different tirthankaras in the temple showcasing the teachings of Jainism. This temple is worth to be in your bucket list of places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Address & Timings
- Address: Fort Rd, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
- Nearest domestic airport: Jaisalmer Airport
- Nearest National and international airport: Jodhpur airport
- Nearest railway station: Jaisalmer railway station
- Other options: You can easily access the temple using rickshaw, cab, taxi or any private vehicle.
Also Read: Top 7 Famous Food in Jaisalmer That You Must Try in 2024
Conclusion
Exploring the top 5 Jain temples in Jaisalmer offers not only a glimpse into ancient Jain architecture and the extent of spread in Jainism but also a profound cultural and spiritual experience. From the grandeur of Jain temples within Jaisalmer Fort to the serenity of Lodurva Jain Temple, each site holds historical significance and architectural masterpieces that captivates both devotees and tourists.
Plan your spiritual journey to visit these top 5 Jain temples in Jaisalmer considering the highlights, visitor tips and practical details provided for each temple in this blog. Dive yourself in the rich Jain heritage and their historic importance in Jaisalmer and discover the timeless beauty preserved within these sacred monuments.
