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All About the Temple / Religious & Cultural Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Visitors’ Reviews & Photos / Nearby Pilgrimage Sites & Other Attractions / Donations / Volunteers / Official Website / YouTube Videos
Overview
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, commonly known as the “Lal Mandir” due to its striking red sandstone architecture, is the oldest and most renowned Jain temple in Delhi. Situated directly opposite the Red Fort in the bustling Chandni Chowk area, this temple stands as a significant spiritual and historical landmark in the capital.
Historical Background
Established in 1656 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the temple was initially a modest structure. It is believed that Jain officers in the Mughal army kept a Tirthankara idol in their tents for personal worship. Over time, this practice led to the construction of a dedicated temple at the site. The temple has since undergone several renovations, with the current structure dating back to 1878.
Architectural Features
The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional Jain and Mughal styles, characterized by its red sandstone façade and intricate carvings. A prominent manastambha (pillar of honor) stands at the entrance, leading devotees into the main devotional area located on the first floor. This area houses the principal shrine dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, along with idols of Rishabhanatha and Parshvanatha.
Jain Birds Hospital
One of the temple’s unique features is the Jain Birds Hospital, situated behind the main temple complex. Established in 1930 and housed in a building constructed in 1957, the hospital treats approximately 15,000 birds annually. It is considered one of the only institutions of its kind globally, reflecting the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings.
Visiting Information
- Location: Intersection of Netaji Subhas Marg and Chandni Chowk, directly opposite the Red Fort, Delhi.
- Nearest Metro Station: Lal Qila (Violet Line).
- Timings:
- Summer (Holi to Diwali): 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Winter (Diwali to Holi): 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Visitor Guidelines: Before entering the temple, visitors are required to remove their shoes and any leather items.
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is not only a place of worship but also a testament to Delhi’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and commitment to compassion make it a must-visit for those exploring the spiritual heritage of the city.
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Festivals
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, is a highly revered Jain temple and hosts several important religious festivals celebrated with great devotion by the Jain community. Here are the key festivals observed at the temple:
🪔 Mahavir Jayanti
- Significance: Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara.
- When: March or April (on the 13th day of Chaitra month).
- Celebrations:
- Processions with chariots (rath yatras).
- Lectures on Jain philosophy.
- Devotional singing and temple decorations.
- Distribution of food and charitable acts.
🕉 Paryushan Parv
- Significance: The most important annual festival for Jains, focusing on spiritual upliftment and penance.
- When: August or September (varies with the lunar calendar).
- Duration: 8 days for Śvētāmbara Jains and 10 days (Das Lakshana Parv) for Digambar Jains.
- Celebrations:
- Fasting, prayers, and scriptural reading.
- Pravachans (spiritual discourses).
- Observance of forgiveness on the final day—Kshamavani Divas.
🔱 Daslakshan Parv
- Significance: Ten-day festival celebrated primarily by Digambar Jains after Paryushan.
- When: Follows Paryushan Parv.
- Celebrations:
- Daily focus on one virtue (e.g., forgiveness, humility, truthfulness).
- Special worship and lectures.
- Enhanced community services and rituals in the temple.
🌺 Kshamavani (Forgiveness Day)
- Significance: A day of seeking forgiveness and spiritual reconciliation.
- When: Immediately after Paryushan/Daslakshan Parv.
- Celebrations:
- Jains greet each other with “Micchami Dukkadam” (May my faults be forgiven).
- Community meetings and discourses promoting non-violence and compassion.
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How to Reach
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, the oldest and most renowned Jain temple in Delhi, is situated directly opposite the Red Fort in the historic Chandni Chowk area. Here’s how you can reach the temple from various locations:
🚇 By Metro
- Nearest Metro Station: Lal Qila on the Violet Line, approximately a 1-minute walk (about 69 meters) from the temple.
- Alternative Station: Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line, about 1.5 km away. From there, you can hire a local or battery-operated rickshaw to reach the temple.
🚌 By Bus
Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses stop near the temple. Key bus stops include:
- Red Fort Stop: Approximately a 3-minute walk (about 161 meters) from the temple.
- Jama Masjid Stop: Around an 8-minute walk (about 522 meters) away.
Bus routes servicing these stops include numbers 213, 270, 348, 425, 502, 605, 729, and 838.
🚆 By Train
- Old Delhi Railway Station (Delhi Junction): Located approximately 2 km from the temple. From the station, you can take a short rickshaw ride or walk to the temple.
✈️ From Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- By Metro: Take the Airport Express Line to New Delhi Station, then transfer to the Yellow Line towards Chandni Chowk. From Chandni Chowk, hire a rickshaw to reach the temple.
- By Bus: Board the Airport Express Bus (Route Airportexp.-4Down) from IGI Airport Terminal 2 to Red Fort. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes.
- By Taxi: A direct taxi ride from the airport to the temple takes about 25 minutes and costs between ₹450 and ₹550.
🕒 Temple Timings
- Summer (Holi to Diwali):
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Winter (Diwali to Holi):
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
During festivals like Paryushan and Daslakshan Parv, the temple may have extended hours.
📍 Address
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
Netaji Subhas Marg, opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006