Discover 11 prominent Jain temples and pilgrimage Sites in India, where rich history, spirituality, and stunning architecture meet in sacred destinations.
India is a land of many religions. And Jainism is one of the oldest among them. It teaches us to live a peaceful life, without harming any living being. If you want to experience Jainism and its heritage, you should take a tour of the famous Jain temples or places. Jain temples are not just places of worship. They are places where people find peace and learn how to be kind and simple.
There are many Jain temples in India that are not only holy places but also have amazing architecture. You will find yourself mesmerized by the beauty, silence, and detailed carvings that many Jain temples and pilgrimage sites have. Some temples are on top of hills, some in caves, and others in peaceful villages.
Stunningly, these temples are visited by a good number of tourists and followers every year. People visit them to pray, meditate, feel closer to their faith, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One of the best features of most Jain temples in India is that they are made from white marble and have amazing artwork. They show stories from Jain texts and the lives of Tirthankaras. The temples are clean, and visitors are expected to follow certain rules, like removing footwear and not bringing leather items inside.
Even for those who are not followers of Jainism, visiting the famous Jain pilgrimage sites or temples can be a great experience. The peaceful feeling, the beautiful architecture, and the natural surroundings make them worth exploring.
In this blog post, we will share authentic information about the 11 most prominent Jain temples and pilgrimage sites in India. From the tall statue at Shravanabelagola to the beautiful temples of Palitana, these places are truly special. Whether you are a student, a traveler, or someone curious about different cultures, we hope you will enjoy reading about these amazing Jain pilgrimage sites and temples in India.
Palitana is one of the most sacred places for Jains. It is located on Shatrunjaya Hill in Gujarat. There are more than 800 marble temples on this hill. Each temple is beautifully carved and looks grand. To reach the top, people have to climb around 3,800 steps. Even though the climb is tough, the view and peace at the top make it worth it. Jains believe that every follower should try to visit Palitana at least once in their life. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara. Vehicles and even cooking are not allowed on the hill to keep the place pure. The entire hill feels calm and holy.
Sammed Shikharji is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage spots. It is located on Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand. This is where 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras are believed to have attained moksha (salvation). The hill is surrounded by forests and has a peaceful atmosphere. Devotees walk a long path of around 27 kilometers to visit all the shrines. Along the way, there are many temples, each marking a holy spot. The walk is not easy, but people come with full faith. The air feels pure, and the silence is comforting. This place holds deep spiritual value for both Digambar and Shwetambar Jains.
Shravanabelagola is famous for its huge statue of Lord Bahubali. It is located between two hills in Karnataka. The statue is 57 feet tall and made from a single stone. It stands on Vindhyagiri Hill and was built over 1,000 years ago. People climb around 600 steps to reach it. Every 12 years, a big festival called Mahamastakabhisheka is held here. During this festival, the statue is bathed with milk, saffron, and other holy items. The view from the hill is amazing, and the place feels very calm. Many Jain temples are also nearby, adding to the spiritual feel of the place.
Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India. Located in a quiet valley in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara. It is made of white marble and has amazing carvings on every wall, pillar, and ceiling. There are 1,444 pillars inside the temple, and amazingly, each one is different—no two pillars are the same. The temple also has four entrances, which show that Jainism welcomes people from all directions.
The place is peaceful and cool, even during hot days. Sunlight enters through the carved windows and makes the whole temple glow. The fine work and peaceful feeling inside the temple make it very special. Surrounded by nature, it feels like a perfect place for prayer and silence. Ranakpur is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of great art and devotion. Many visitors, not just Jains, embark on Ranakpur Jain Temple tours to admire the beauty of the temple and its surroundings. It is a true gem of Jain architecture and faith.
The Dilwara Temples are a group of five Jain temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. These temples are famous for their stunning marble work. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these ancient Jain temples look ordinary from the outside, but the inside is full of beautiful carvings. Every pillar, ceiling, and wall has detailed artwork made from white marble. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, but other temples are dedicated to different Tirthankaras.
The most famous one is the Vimal Vasahi Temple—the first temple built here. The level of detail in the carvings is so fine that it looks like lace or soft cloth. It is hard to believe it is all carved from stone. The temple is peaceful and gives a feeling of calmness. People come here not just for prayer but also to admire the amazing art.
The Dilwara Jain temples are kept very clean and quiet. Photography is not allowed inside, which helps to protect the art. Visiting Dilwara feels like going back in time. It is a place where devotion and art come together. For Jains, it is a holy place. For others, it is a wonder of ancient Indian design.
Karkala in Karnataka is one of the most prominent Jain pilgrimage sites in India. It is known for its tall statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara Statue), a 42-feet high monolithic statue, built in 1432 CE by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar. The statue stands on top of a small hill, and people climb steps to reach it. The route to the statue and the place is very peaceful and surrounded by eye-catching greenery. Here, you will see Lord Bahubali standing in a calm and meditative pose, with vines carved around his legs, showing his deep penance.
Every 12 years, a big ceremony called Mahamastakabhisheka is held here. During this event, the statue is bathed with milk, water, sandalwood paste, and flowers. Many devotees and tourists visit during this time. Karkala is also known for its Chaturmukha Basadi, which is a symmetrical Jain temple. Another attraction is Anekere Kere Basadi, located near an elephant lake and also called the Lake Temple.
The small town is an important place for Jains in South India and shows both faith and skill in sculpture. The silence, the height, and the devotion make it one of the special Jain pilgrimage sites in India to visit.
Sonagiri is a holy Jain site located near Datia in Madhya Pradesh. The name “Sonagiri” means “Golden Peak.” This place is known for its peaceful setting and its many white Jain temples built on a small hill. There are around 100 Jain temples spread across the hill. They all shine bright in the sun, giving the whole place a magical look.
Sonagiri is an important site for Digambar Jains. It is believed that many saints achieved moksha (liberation) here, including King Nanganag Kumar and his followers. Pilgrims walk barefoot up the hill to visit each temple. The path is simple but spiritual. The quiet surroundings make it a perfect place for prayer and meditation.
The main temple, Temple No. 57, is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara. It has a tall spire and beautiful carvings. From the top of the hill, you can see green fields and blue skies all around. Visiting Sonagiri feels peaceful and pure, far away from the noise of cities. It is a place where faith, silence, and nature come together.
Kolanupaka Jain Temple or Kulpakji Temple is an ancient temple, around 2000 years old, and is one of the rare Jain temples and one of the significant Jain pilgrimage sites in South India. This temple belongs to the Shwetambar sect of Jainism. The main idol here is of Lord Rishabhanatha (also known as Lord Adinath), made of a rare green stone called "Manikyaswami."
The Kulpakji Temple is built with red sandstone and has detailed carvings on its walls and pillars. Although it is not a large temple, it has great spiritual and historical significance. Along with Lord Adinath, the temple also has idols of Lord Neminath and Lord Mahavira. Each idol is placed in its own sanctum. The inside of the temple feels calm and sacred.
The Kolanupaka Temple was renovated in recent years, but it still keeps its old charm. People from nearby states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra often come to pray here. It is believed that the temple was once part of a large Jain city. Even today, the place gives a sense of peace and purity. Surrounded by quiet village life, the Kolanupaka temple is a special place for Jain devotees and a fine piece of ancient Jain culture.
Shri Mahavir Ji Temple is a famous Jain temple located in Rajasthan’s Karauli district. It is mainly dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. The temple is beautifully built with white marble and has a peaceful and clean atmosphere. The main idol of Lord Mahavira is made of sandstone and was found in the soil many years ago. People believe it is very powerful and sacred.
Every year, a big fair is held here in the month of April, which brings thousands of Jain devotees. During the festival, a grand procession is held where the idol is carried in a decorated chariot. The temple complex has guesthouses, a bhojanalaya (dining hall), and facilities for pilgrims. The whole area is calm and full of devotion. It is a special place for those who want to pray, reflect, and feel connected to Jain teachings and values.
Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir is the largest Jain temple in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Located near a lake called Hanumantal (which gives the temple its name), the temple is more than 300 years old. It is built in a unique style that showcases the fine blends of local and traditional Jain architecture. There are many small shrines inside, each with idols of different Tirthankaras.
One of the special traits of this temple is that it is built on a raised platform. The complex is quite large, and the interiors, including walls and ceilings, are decorated with colorful paintings and designs. The main idol in the temple is of Lord Shantinath.
Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir becomes even more lively during Jain festivals like Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan. If you are looking to explore Jain temples or significant sites, you should consider this famous Jain Mandir in your pilgrimage tours. You will have a wonderful opportunity to experience Jainism, feel closer to the divine, and see the rich Jain heritage of central India. Its calm setting near the water adds to its charm, making it a meaningful place for worship and quiet time.
Your Jain pilgrimage tours are incomplete without visiting Girnar Jain temples in Junagadh, Gujarat. Located on the Girnar Hill, they are among the most sacred pilgrimage places or sites for Jains. It is believed that Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation) on this hill. Hence, not only the temples but also the entire hill is considered very pious among Jains. Devotees and tourists from different parts of the country and the world reach temples by climbing over 10,000 steps. Of course, the climb is long and tiring, but it is rewarding. People do it with great devotion. Additionally, the path offers beautiful views of forests, mountains, and the city below.
There are many temples on Girnar Hill, built at different levels. The main Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Neminath and is made of black stone with a peaceful idol inside. Some temples on the way are centuries old, and they are built in different styles, showing the history and changes over time. The higher you go, the quieter it gets, and the feeling of peace becomes stronger.
Both Digambar and Shwetambar Jains come here for pilgrimage. During the Kartik month (usually November), a large fair and yatra take place, attracting thousands of devotees. Girnar is not just a group of temples—it is a symbol of faith, effort, and inner strength. Visiting it leaves a deep impact on the heart and mind.
India is home to many sacred Jain temples and pilgrimage sites. Each site offers a unique experience of peace, devotion, and history. We have covered the top 11 most prominent Jain temples and pilgrimage sites in India. However, there are many other sites that you can include in your list. For example, you can consider these Jain temples and pilgrimage sites to visit.
These sites are deeply connected to Jain beliefs and teachings. Devotees and tourists visit these Jain pilgrimage sites. If you are looking to explore the rich culture and faith of Jainism, there are many pilgrimage tour packages available. These packages can make your visits to these sites easier and organized. Professionally organized Jain pilgrimage tours allow tourists to witness the beauty of ancient temples, incredible architecture, and the serenity of the surroundings. If you are looking for pilgrimage tour packages to explore the Jain heritage and sites, you can contact us. We have several packages and can customize them as per your needs.