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Varanasi, the religious centre of India, is famous for its diverse religion and history. Collectors of Jainism lie in Jain temples in Varanasi, not only as worshipping places but also to explain the ancient history of Jain philosophy. Each monument has its glitzy feature services. The Jain temples in Varanasi are dedicated to Jain philosophical ideas and witness its cultural and architectural development. From ancient structures with timeless significance to modern constructions with intricate designs, these temples embody the core values of non-violence, truth, and self-discipline.
Top 10 Jain Temples In Varanasi
Here are the top 10 Jain temples in Varanasi if you are looking forward to a historical trip or a spiritual vacation:
1. Shri Digambar Jain Temple
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shri Digambar Jain temple is of particular importance for the followers of Jainism. It has exquisite Jain Tirthankaras sculptures strategically placed on the temple walls and compound. These sculptures and the inscriptions around the temples illustrate several Jain teachings. It allows the tourists to understand the tenets of Jainism. It is a quiet, composed, and tranquil place where one can go and practice meditation and deep thinking, making it an excellent place for those pursuing spirituality.
Location: Saket Nagar Colony, Naria, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 6 AM – 9 PM
2. Chandrawati Jain Temple
Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikimedia Commons
Chandrawati Jain Temple is situated in Chandrawati village. As a Jain tirth (pilgrimage site), the temple is of considerable historical and religious significance, the birthplace of Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara. As per local legend, the place was built by King Domana Deva and is of much antiquity. A. C. L. Carlleyle, an English Archaeologist who excavated this place in 1877, found remains of three Jain temples of the 9th-10th centuries at this site. This place is also presumably an ancient centre of worship. Copper plate inscriptions related to these architectural remains are stored at the State Museum of Lucknow.
Location: Chandrawati village, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 6 AM – 7 PM
3. Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple
Photo: Kritzolina / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple is in a class of its own regarding the sacred artistry in Varanasi. It is one of the few temples that preach about the ideologies of both Digambara and Shwetambara sects of Jainism. Their ideologies are shown in practice, yet it resolves the differences peacefully. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankara, who was born in Varanasi eight hundred years before Christ. His religion’s values include non-violence intertwined with non-lying, non-stealing, and acquisition of nothing. These were basic practices of Jainism long before the era of Mahavira.
Location: Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 12 PM – 9 PM
4. Chandraprabhu Swami Kalyanak Jain Temple
Photo: VAIBHAV PIXELS / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Chandraprabhu Swami Kalyanak Jain temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth Tirthankara. Its location is conducive to devotees understanding the fundamental principles of Jainism. This temple serves as a shrine of learning the life and philosophy of Chandraprabhu, whose main mission is self-restraint and non-violence. A part of the temple premises also contains inscriptions and writings that testify to Jainism’s ancient wisdom. It is a quiet place perfect for self-renewal through meditation, and pilgrims from different states of India go there for peace.
Location: Chandrawati, Varanasi
Timing: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Digambar Jain Temple, Sarnath
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To the southwest of the Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is this Digambar Jain Temple, which embodies the primary tenets of the Digambara sect. This sect stresses radical non-attachment. Monks are nude to indicate their total abandonment of material things. The temple in question also acts as a meditation focus for devotees of the particular form of discipline practised by the Digambara monks. This temple is also said to be frequented by the caste of merchants due to the close relationship between Jainism and business culture in the Indian setting. The Rig Veda changed during this period, wherein women were included among Nuns of the Digambara sect.
Location: South-west of the Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath, Varanasi
Timing: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
6. Shri Shreyansnath Swetamber Jain Temple
Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shreyansnath Shwetambara Temple is a beautiful reminder of what Shwetambara followers of Jainism stand for. The temple, constructed from pure, ripe white marble, is dedicated to Lord Shreyansnath. He is one of the respected Tirthankaras and is associated with purity and peace. Being a Shreyansnath Temple, the site allows one to reflect on his or her spirituality in a meditative way. Devotees worship here, and thus, they can see the images and statues of the Jain gods. These remind humanity of what Jainism has ever stood for – truth, non-violence and compassion.
Location: Hiramanpur, Varanasi
Timing: 6 AM – 8 PM
7. Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwaan Jain Digamber Mandir
Photo: Haraneeya Pankaj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shree Suparshwanath Bhagwan Jain Digamber Mandir is a remarkable place for devotion. It is dedicated to Lord Suparshwanath, the seventh Tirthankara, and is revered among the Jains of Varanasi. The site’s placement beside the river enhances its calmness, making it an appropriate area for prayers and meditation. The temple’s design is plain but beautiful, and the spruce temple has Lord Suparshwanath’s idol as its main attraction. The ghats, particularly Tulsi Ghat, add to the devotion and spirituality of the area, appealing to Jains and those in need of calm and serenity by the river.
Location: Jain Ghat, Bhadaini, Ghats of Varanasi, Tulsi Ghat Road, Shivala, Varanasi
Timing: 6 AM – 8 PM
8. Janmabhumi Bhagwan Shri Suparshanath Jain Mandir
Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In the Shivala area, near Jain Ghat, another site of importance is the Janmabhumi Bhagwan Shri Suparshanath Jain Mandir. This temple is also known as the birthplace of Lord Suparshwanath because, according to beliefs, he was born here. The temple has an active Tirthankara spirit, drawing many pilgrims and tourists to pay their respects to the shrine. The location also has the river Ganges flowing nearby. Tourists can also conduct certain rituals and ceremonies to make their trip more significant.
Location: Jain Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivala, Varanasi
Timing: 6 AM – 8 PM
9. Simhapuri Digamber Jain Temple
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The Simhapuri Digamber Jain Temple is a remnant of the Digambara Jain fraternity. This temple is particularly dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, and embodies the fresco practised in the Digambara tradition. Some idols depict the ideals of abandonment and divine faith. Many devotees come to this temple to understand the teachings of Mahavira in particular and meditate to feel inward serenity. For a busy temple on an ordinary day, the caring décor of the temple provides solace and distance from the mundane chores.
Location: Hiramanpur, Varanasi
Timing: 6 AM – 9 PM
10. Shri Bhadainiji Digambar Jain Temple
Photo: Kritzolina / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This Digambar Jain Temple occupies a distinct position due to its peaceful atmosphere and the outstanding beauty of its interiors. The Jain Tirthankaras are the referent figures of this temple, with a splendid idol showcasing the principles associated with the Tirthakaras. Devotees practising Jainism, as well as the common folks who are interested in meditative activities, visit the temple. Although the temple does not feature majestic architecture, one can feel the sentiments and the supply chain elements intrinsic to the faith of Jainism.
Location: Bhadainiji, Kshetra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 5 AM – 8 PM
People can explore Jain temples in Varanasi, a unique experience for those looking to grasp the historical significance and the religious faith around Jainism. Each temple has a different architecture and story to tell through its invaluable walls, so visiting all of these sites is essential for gaining peace of mind and spiritual Wisdom. See the temples through the eyes of professional guides with TripXL, who will make arranging travel plans for religious temples during your Varanasi trip irrelevant.
Cover Photo: Sushovanbasak / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
