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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Delhi
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Delhi's oldest Jain temple, a striking red sandstone marvel opposite the Red Fort, featuring a compassionate bird hospital.
"A magnificent heritage site with a compassionate highlight: the renowned bird hospital."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Red Sandstone Architecture
Exterior and interior
Marvel at the vibrant red sandstone structure, a testament to Mughal-era artistry and Jain tradition.

Compassionate Bird Hospital
Temple premises
Witness the unique bird hospital, a profound embodiment of Jain principles of non-violence and compassion.
Peaceful Inner Sanctum
Main temple hall
Find a serene escape within the temple's peaceful interiors, adorned with intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Respectful Attire and Customs
Best Times
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.
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area. Be mindful of the sacred space.
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located opposite the Red Fort, making it easy to combine with other Old Delhi sights.
🐒 Wildlife Encounters
Expect to see monkeys and squirrels; they are part of the peaceful environment and are not shooed away.
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.
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area. Be mindful of the sacred space.
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located opposite the Red Fort, making it easy to combine with other Old Delhi sights.
🐒 Wildlife Encounters
Expect to see monkeys and squirrels; they are part of the peaceful environment and are not shooed away.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
The closest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. From there, it's a short ride to the temple.
Yes, the temple is directly opposite the Red Fort, making it easily accessible on foot after visiting the fort.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is free of charge. It is a place of worship open to all visitors.
The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible throughout the day for visitors.
No advance booking is required as there is no entry fee. Visitors can arrive at any time during opening hours.
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.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the main prayer halls of the temple. Please respect the sanctity of the place.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Inside, you'll find serene prayer halls with intricate carvings, dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshwanath. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual.
Yes, it's common to see monkeys and squirrels within the temple premises. They are generally peaceful and are not disturbed.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally prohibited inside the main temple complex. You may be able to take photos of the exterior architecture.
The entire red sandstone facade is photogenic. The view from across the road, with the Red Fort in the background, offers a classic shot.
It's best to ask for permission before photographing the bird hospital to ensure you are not disturbing the animals or the staff.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited in and around religious sites and historical monuments in Delhi.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the temple's exterior.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Jainism and the Temple's History
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.
The Compassionate Bird Hospital
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.
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