Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi
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Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi

4.8
·459 reviews·Delhi, India

Delhi's oldest Jain temple, a striking red sandstone marvel opposite the Red Fort, featuring a compassionate bird hospital.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi

Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi

Best Time

Early mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Delhi's oldest Jain temple, a striking red sandstone marvel opposite the Red Fort, featuring a compassionate bird hospital.

4.8
(459 reviews)

"A magnificent heritage site with a compassionate highlight: the renowned bird hospital."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Shoe & Leather Removal

Free shoe stands are available at the entrance. Remember to remove all leather items before entering.

📸 Photography Restrictions

Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area. Be mindful of the sacred space.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Red Sandstone Architecture

Striking Red Sandstone Architecture

Exterior and interior

Marvel at the vibrant red sandstone structure, a testament to Mughal-era artistry and Jain tradition.

Reddit
Compassionate Bird Hospital

Compassionate Bird Hospital

Temple premises

Witness the unique bird hospital, a profound embodiment of Jain principles of non-violence and compassion.

Reddit
Peaceful Inner Sanctum

Peaceful Inner Sanctum

Main temple hall

Find a serene escape within the temple's peaceful interiors, adorned with intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

To experience the serene atmosphere of the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, plan your visit during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more tranquil experience, avoiding the midday crowds and allowing for quiet reflection. Reddit

Respectful Attire and Customs

As a place of worship, modest dress is essential. Visitors must remove shoes and any leather items before entering the temple premises. Photography inside the main temple is generally not permitted. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Shoe & Leather Removal

Free shoe stands are available at the entrance. Remember to remove all leather items before entering. Reddit

📸 Photography Restrictions

Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area. Be mindful of the sacred space. Reddit

📍 Prime Location

Conveniently located opposite the Red Fort, making it easy to combine with other Old Delhi sights. Reddit

🐒 Wildlife Encounters

Expect to see monkeys and squirrels; they are part of the peaceful environment and are not shooed away. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Shoe & Leather Removal

Free shoe stands are available at the entrance. Remember to remove all leather items before entering. Reddit

📸 Photography Restrictions

Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area. Be mindful of the sacred space. Reddit

📍 Prime Location

Conveniently located opposite the Red Fort, making it easy to combine with other Old Delhi sights. Reddit

🐒 Wildlife Encounters

Expect to see monkeys and squirrels; they are part of the peaceful environment and are not shooed away. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(459 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir for its striking red sandstone architecture and its serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat opposite the Red Fort. The compassionate bird hospital is a standout feature, embodying Jain principles. Some find parking challenging and note photography restrictions inside.

"Very beautiful Jain Basti in front of Red Fort
Red coloured and looks bright from the main road.
No parking space available.
Free shoe stand is there at the entrance."

Darshan Halliyavar

"The Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is a magnificent heritage site, tracing its origins to the reign of Shahjahan. Built with striking red Kota stone, this temple is a brilliant example of Jain Sramana tradition and artistic splendor.
​The architecture is visually stunning, offering a serene escape. The vibrant red facade and the detailed spires create a sense of deep spiritual history. It’s a peaceful space, perfect for quiet reflection amidst the city's chaos.
​A truly compassionate highlight is the renowned bird hospital located within the premises. This unique feature embodies the core Jain principle of non violence, adding a profound layer of meaning to the temple's purpose.
​This temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a living monument of faith and history. A must visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India's rich religious heritage and witnessing a blend of devotion and compassion."

Rizwan Uddin

"Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, located opposite Red Fort in Chandni Chowk, is Delhi’s oldest Jain temple, built in 1656. Known for its striking red sandstone structure, peaceful interiors, and intricate carvings, it also houses a unique Bird Hospital that treats injured birds as part of Jain compassion. The temple offers a serene spiritual retreat amid the chaos of Old Delhi. Visitors must remove shoes and leather items, and photography inside is not allowed."

samridhi rawat

What People Like

Beautiful red architecture
Peaceful ambiance
Unique bird hospital

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties
No interior photography

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is conveniently located opposite the Red Fort in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. You can reach it via the Delhi Metro, alighting at the Chandni Chowk station (Yellow Line) and then taking a short auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw ride. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available in the area. Reddit

Parking can be very challenging in this busy area of Old Delhi. It's advisable to use public transport like the metro or a taxi/auto-rickshaw rather than driving your own vehicle. Reddit

The closest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. From there, it's a short ride to the temple. Reddit

Yes, the temple is directly opposite the Red Fort, making it easily accessible on foot after visiting the fort. Reddit

While the main entrance is accessible, navigating the temple premises might be challenging due to uneven surfaces and stairs in some areas. It's best to inquire upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is free of charge. It is a place of worship open to all visitors. Reddit

The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible throughout the day for visitors. Reddit

No advance booking is required as there is no entry fee. Visitors can arrive at any time during opening hours. Reddit

Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. You will also need to remove shoes and any leather items before entering. Reddit

Photography is generally not permitted inside the main prayer halls of the temple. Please respect the sanctity of the place. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It is Delhi's oldest Jain temple, established in 1656 during the Mughal era. It's known for its striking red sandstone architecture and its compassionate bird hospital. Reddit

The temple houses a unique bird hospital that treats injured birds, reflecting the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence). It's a significant charitable initiative. Reddit

Inside, you'll find serene prayer halls with intricate carvings, dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshwanath. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual. Reddit

Yes, it's common to see monkeys and squirrels within the temple premises. They are generally peaceful and are not disturbed. Reddit

A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes to explore the temple and observe the bird hospital. If you wish to spend more time in quiet contemplation, allocate accordingly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no food facilities within the temple premises itself. However, being in Chandni Chowk, you'll find numerous food options nearby. Reddit

Chandni Chowk is famous for its street food and traditional Indian cuisine. You can find everything from chaat and parathas to sweets and savory snacks. Reddit

Given it's a Jain temple, you can likely find vegetarian and Jain-specific food options in the surrounding Chandni Chowk area, though it's always good to inquire. Reddit

It's generally not advisable to bring food into the main prayer areas of a religious site. It's best to consume food outside the temple. Reddit

Popular spots for vegetarian food in Chandni Chowk include Paranthe Wali Gali for various stuffed parathas, and numerous chaat vendors. For more specific Jain meals, you might need to explore a bit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally prohibited inside the main temple complex. You may be able to take photos of the exterior architecture. Reddit

The entire red sandstone facade is photogenic. The view from across the road, with the Red Fort in the background, offers a classic shot. Reddit

It's best to ask for permission before photographing the bird hospital to ensure you are not disturbing the animals or the staff. Reddit

Drone photography is strictly prohibited in and around religious sites and historical monuments in Delhi. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the temple's exterior. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Digambar Jain Lal Mandir offers a unique experience for families. The bird hospital is a definite highlight that children often find fascinating and educational, teaching them about compassion and animal care. Reddit While photography inside the main temple is restricted, the vibrant red exterior and the presence of monkeys and squirrels can keep younger visitors engaged. Remember to explain the importance of quiet behavior and respectful attire before entering. The proximity to the Red Fort also makes it an easy addition to a family's Old Delhi itinerary. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers

For solo travelers and backpackers, the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is an easily accessible and enriching stop in Old Delhi. Its location opposite the Red Fort makes it a convenient point to visit. Reddit The free entry and the opportunity to witness the unique bird hospital offer significant value without any cost. It's a peaceful sanctuary to escape the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and reflect. Be prepared for the usual Old Delhi traffic and crowds when arriving and departing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Jainism and the Temple's History

The Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is a significant religious site, representing the Digambar sect of Jainism. This sect adheres to a strict interpretation of Jain principles, including nudity for monks. The temple itself, established in 1656, is one of Delhi's oldest Jain temples and was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Its striking red sandstone architecture is a beautiful blend of traditional Jain aesthetics and Mughal influences, making it a historical landmark. The primary deity enshrined is the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshwanath Swami, with various altars (vedis) dedicated to other Tirthankaras. Reddit

During the monsoon season, known as Chaturmas, the temple often hosts monastic congregations (Muni Sangh), making it a vibrant spiritual center during that period. The temple's existence in the heart of Old Delhi, a historically Muslim-dominated area during its inception, speaks to the religious tolerance and diversity of the era. It stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Jainism in India's capital. Reddit

The Compassionate Bird Hospital

One of the most unique and heartwarming aspects of the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is its charitable bird hospital. This facility embodies the core Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion towards all living beings. Injured and sick birds are brought here from all over Delhi and are provided with medical care, food, and shelter. The hospital operates with a dedicated team and volunteers who are committed to the welfare of these creatures. Reddit

Visitors can often observe the birds being cared for, offering a profound insight into the practical application of Jain ethics. This initiative is not just about treating animals; it's a living demonstration of empathy and a commitment to reducing suffering in the world. It adds a deeply meaningful dimension to the temple visit, showcasing a blend of spiritual devotion and active humanitarianism. Reddit

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