Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Jain Caves are ancient rock-cut structures that hold great importance in India’s history, art, and spirituality. Carved by Jain monks and devotees over centuries, these caves served as places of meditation, worship, and community life. They reflect the core values of Jainism, such as non-violence (ahimsa), simplicity, and respect for all living beings. Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and symbols like the lotus and elephants. Jain Caves are not just historical sites but also windows into the peaceful and artistic traditions of one of the world’s oldest religions.
Top 10 Popular Jain Caves in India
Here are the top 10 Jain Caves in India, famous for their spiritual and cultural importance:
1. Ellora Caves
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The Jain Caves at Ellora are part of the well-known Ellora cave complex, which also has Hindu and Buddhist caves. The Jain caves (Caves 30 to 34) were built between the 9th and 10th centuries. Cave 32, called the Indra Sabha, is the most famous. It has a beautiful shrine, detailed carvings of Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers), and designs of flowers, animals, and gods. The caves also have sculptures and writings that give us a glimpse into Jain philosophy and art. These caves are important for learning about the culture and religion of ancient India.
Location: Approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
2. Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are two special hills in India with caves cut into their rock. Made over 2,000 years ago, these caves tell amazing stories through their carvings. One hill, Udayagiri, has rooms with pictures and writing that show what an old king named Kharavela did during his rule. The other hill, Khandagiri, was home to Jain monks who used the caves to live and pray. People still visit these caves today to see the beautiful old carvings and learn about India’s past. The caves show us how people lived and what they believed in during ancient times.
Location: Near Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians; ₹200 for foreigners
3. Sittanavasal Cave
Photo: Naanthaandajk / Wikimedia Commons
Sittanavasal Cave, dating back to the 2nd century, was used as a Jain monastery and is renowned for its frescoes (wall paintings) and rock-cut architecture. The paintings depict scenes from Jain mythology, such as lotus ponds and people gathering flowers. The cave also features carvings of Tirthankaras and Jain symbols. Though small in size, it holds significant value for its art and history, offering a glimpse into the lives and practices of Jain monks. The murals, created with vegetable and mineral dyes, are considered masterpieces of early medieval Indian art.
Location: Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
4. Badami Cave Temples
Photo: Shreksha / Wikimedia Commons
The Badami Cave Temples consist of four main caves, one of which is dedicated to Jainism. Built in the 6th century, the Jain cave features carvings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, and other Jain saints. While simple in design, the cave is elegant, with detailed sculptures and inscriptions. It is part of a larger group of caves that reflect the coexistence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The carvings and writings in the Jain cave offer insight into the religious practices and art of that period, highlighting how different religions thrived together in ancient India.
Location: Badami, Bagalkot district, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians; ₹100 for foreigners
5. Siddhachal Caves
Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikimedia Commons
These Jain Caves are renowned for their impressive rock-cut Jain monuments. Constructed between the 7th and 15th centuries, these caves feature colossal statues of all 24 Jain Tirthankaras, some reaching up to 57 feet in height. The largest statue, representing Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), is identifiable by the bull emblem carved on its pedestal. Other notable statues include Neminatha, Parshvanatha, and Mahavira, each adorned with distinctive symbols such as a shell, serpent cover, and lion, respectively. Visiting the Siddhachal Caves offers a chance to learn about Jainism and see the amazing skills of ancient Indian builders.
Location: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹75 for Indians, ₹250 for foreigners (Included in the Gwalior Fort)
6. Mangi Tungi Cave
Photo: G.Parnaik / Wikimedia Commons
Mangi Tungi is a twin-peaked mountain known for its ancient Jain caves and temples. These caves were used by Jain monks for meditation and spiritual practices. The site is connected to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, and is a popular place for pilgrims. The caves are simple but have carvings and writings that show the spiritual life of Jainism. The beautiful hills around the site also add to its peaceful atmosphere. Many Jains visit Mangi Tungi Cave to climb the peaks and seek spiritual blessings.
Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Gajpantha Cave
Photo: Omkarwalimbewikitakesnasik / Wikimedia Commons
Gajpantha is a small but significant Jain cave site. It features rock-cut sculptures of Tirthankaras and other Jain deities. The cave is believed to date back to the 1st century BCE and is surrounded by greenery. It is a quiet and calm place, perfect for meditation and reflection. The carvings at Gajpantha are important for Jain devotees as they depict Tirthankaras and other Jain symbols, representing the core beliefs of Jainism, such as non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, Gajpantha doesn’t have large crowds, making it a great choice for a peaceful and quiet retreat.
Location: Near Nashik, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Hathi Gumpha Cave
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) is part of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri complex and is known for its ancient inscriptions. It gets its name from the elephant carving at the entrance. The inscriptions, written in Brahmi script, provide important details about the history of Jainism and the Kalinga kingdom. They tell the story of King Kharavela, who supported Jainism. The cave is a key archaeological site, offering insights into the early spread of Jainism in India, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history.
Location: Udayagiri Hills, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
9. Bava Pyara Caves
Photo: Ashok modhvadia / Wikimedia Commons
The Bava Pyara Caves in Junagadh, Gujarat, are ancient rock-cut structures from the 1st or 2nd century AD. These caves have both Buddhist and Jain carvings and inscriptions. The caves are arranged in three rows, with small rooms and a main cave with a flat roof. One cave has the term “kevalgyan,” which is important in Jainism, showing the site’s connection to Jain beliefs. The Bava Pyara Caves are an important part of Gujarat’s history and attract visitors interested in the region’s culture and spiritual practices.
Location: Junagadh, Gujarat
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
10. Son Bhandar Caves
Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons
The Son Bhandar Caves in Rajgir, Bihar, are rock-cut structures dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. They are carved into the Vaibhar Hills and feature Jain sculptures and inscriptions, including a Chaumukha idol of Lord Mahavira, which dates to the 7th or 8th century CE. While local legends suggest that these caves were once used to store treasure, no treasure has ever been found. The peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of the site offers a window into the ancient history of Jainism in Bihar, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for those visiting Rajgir, a region significant to both Jainism and Buddhism.
Location: Rajgir, Bihar
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Jain Caves show India’s deep spiritual and cultural history. These caves were once built by monks and kings as places for meditation and harmony with nature. Today, they welcome pilgrims, historians, and travellers looking for peace and a glimpse into the past. Visit Jain Caves with TripXL for effortless bookings, expert guidance, and smooth travel arrangements for a seamless experience.
Cover Photo: Setu Chhaya / Unspalsh
