Jain Temple

Rajasthan is a vibrant state that draws hordes of tourists and travellers from all over the world. The colourful culture, ancient forts, royal palaces, magnificent temples, desert safaris, and the gourmet cuisine in Rajasthan are all a wonderful experience that leaves you wanting more. Chittorgarh is one such place in Rajasthan that will definitely leave you amazed. Located on the banks of the river Berach, Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Its historical significance makes it a place of interest for history enthusiasts. Even though Rajasthan had not concurred by any Jain ruler, encouragement received from the Rajput rulers paved way for the growth of Jainism here. So, one can find many Jain temples in Chittorgarh.

The history of Jain religion is very old as its origin can be traced back to third or fourth BC. Rajasthan began promoting Jain religion since the time of Samrat Samprathi (the grandson of Samrat Ashoka) during 220 BC. He was a great follower of Jainism and a number of Jain temples were constructed during his rule. The Jain temples of Chittorgarh are considered to be a significant place in the history of Jainism. One can find many temples within the precincts of the Chittorgarh fort including the Satbis Deora, Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya, Digambar Jain Mandir, etc. The Jain temples are spectacular manifestations of art and structural design.

Attractions Of Jain Temples, Chittorgarh:

On a visit to Jain temples, Chittorgarh, you will come across the below-mentioned attractions here-

Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya- This temple is also known as Bhagwan Mahaveer Temple and was built in the Vikram era in the year 1167. It is located in the Rampol Street of the Chittorgarh fort.

Bhagwan Shantinath Temple- This temple is a small temple located in the Rampol Street of the Chittorgarh fort. It is famous for its intricate work of architecture and is called Shrungal Choki.

Kirti Stambha- It was constructed during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh. Jeeja Bhagerwala is credited for constructing this tower in the 12th century. This stambha was built like Man Stambha of the Chandra Prabhu Jinalaya. This tower is about seventy-five feet above the ground level. The design of this Stambha is influenced by the Solanki style of architecture. The base of the Kirti Stambha is circular in shape and has a diameter of about thirty feet. At the higher level it narrows down and the diameter at the top of the Stambha is fifteen feet. This tower is a seven-storeyed structure. The outer walls are adorned with four idols of Bhagwan Adinath. These idols are made in Digambara style and have a height of five feet each. The charm of these idols is further added with traditional carvings of ornaments. To reach the base of the Kirti Stambha, one needs to step down sixty-nine stairs. Later Vijay Stambha or the Tower of Victory was constructed during the reign of Maharana Kumbha but it could not overwhelm the beauty of the Kirti Stambha. During the Maharana Fateh Singh rule, the Kirti Stambha had got damaged when lightning struck the umbrella at the top of the structure. As Maharana Fateh Singh was an enthusiast of art and architecture, he happily rebuilt the umbrella and had done the repairing work of the Stambha.

Digambar Jain Mandir - This mandir is also very artistic. Presently, Bhagwan Mallinath (the nineteenth Tirthankara) is worshipped here.

Bhagwan Parshvanath Temple - This temple was constructed in the year 1322 during Vikram era and is located near the Gaumukhi Kund. As this temple has four faces, it is also known as Choumukhi Temple.

Satbis Deora - The place was called Satbis Deora as twenty-seven temples were present here. Under the reign of King Mokal, thirty-two temples were constructed here. But, today one can find the remains of only six. The biggest of them is the Bhagwan Adinath Temple having fifty-two devkulikas. The temples are an illustration of the traditional Jain architecture and are adorned with beautiful carvings and stunning sculptures all over them.

Other Attractions Here:

Chittorgarh is a popular tourist place in India. Specimens of ancient art and architecture are spread everywhere in the Chittorgarh fort. The main agreeable places of this fort are Suraj Pole, Padmini Mahal, Bheem Kund, Gomukhi Kund, Vijay Stambha, Kumbha Mahal, Kalika Mandir, Shyam Mandir, etc. There is a museum present in the fort where ancient idols and items are on display for the visitors. The other attractions here are the temples of Mirabai and Samidheswar. Smrutimandir of Haribhadrasurishvarji is also a place of interest, which is located beneath the Chittorgarh Fort.

Best Time To Visit Here:

These Jain temples can be visited throughout the year. But the most favourable period to visit here is during the months of October to March as the weather remains pleasant in Chittorgarh.

How To Reach Here:

Tourists can reach these temples by public transport from any part of Chittorgarh. These temples are located inside the Chittorgarh Fort near Fateh Prakash Palace. Buses, taxis or cabs, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws are the best way to reach the Fort entrance via Fort road.

By Bus – Chittorgarh is well-connected with all major cities of Rajasthan and many other cities of India such as Neemuch, Indore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. by Bus Routes.

By Train – Chittorgarh Junction is about 6 km away from the Chittorgarh Fort. You can also board a train from Chanderiya Railway Station which is nearly11 km from the fort.

By Air – Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur is the nearest airport, which is about 117 Km away from Chittorgarh. One can hire a taxi or cab or board a bus from the airport to reach Chittorgarh.