About the Temple
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is one of the oldest and most revered Jain temples in Delhi. Located in the bustling Chandni Chowk area, opposite the Red Fort, this temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. Renowned for its striking red sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance, the temple serves as a major place of worship for the Jain community. It also houses a unique charitable bird hospital, reflecting the Jain principle of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
Description:Dating back to 1656 or 1658 during the Mughal era, the temple's origins are rooted in the permission granted to the Jain community to build a place of worship. Initially, it is believed a temporary structure housed idols, some of which are said to date back even further, to 1491. The current structure, predominantly built of red sandstone, has undergone several alterations and additions over the centuries.
Speciality
One of the unique features of Lal Mandir is its avian veterinary hospital, known as the Jain Birds Hospital. Established in 1930, this facility treats about 15,000 birds annually, adhering to the Jain principle of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
Address
Netaji Subhas Marg, Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India.
Location Coordinates
Latitude: 28.6556° N, Longitude: 77.2410° E
Timings
Summer (Holi to Diwali): 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Winter (Diwali to Holi): 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
During the 10 days of Daslakshan Parv or Paryushan Mahaparv, the temple complex remains open for extended hours.
Sevas (Services)
The temple offers various religious services, including daily rituals, prayers, and special ceremonies during Jain festivals. Devotees can participate in these services to seek blessings and spiritual enrichment.
Travel Facilities
By Metro: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Red Line, approximately 1.5 km from the temple. From there, visitors can hire a local or battery-operated rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Bus: The temple is well-connected by various bus routes, including numbers 118, 246, 347, 405, 411, 419, and 901.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Old Delhi Railway Station, about 2 km from the temple. New Delhi Railway Station is also accessible, approximately 5 km away.
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 20 km away. Travelers can reach the temple via metro, bus, or cab.
Food and Stay Facilities
The temple itself does not provide food or accommodation, but the surrounding Chandni Chowk area has numerous eateries offering vegetarian and Jain-friendly meals. Popular places include Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Natraj Dahi Bhalla, and Haldiram’s. Jain Bhojanalayas are also available for satvik meals. Accommodation options include Jain Dharamshalas, budget hotels, and luxury stays in nearby areas like Paharganj, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place.
Nearby Transportation Hubs
Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station (2 km), New Delhi Railway Station (5 km)
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (20 km)
Bus Station: Kashmere Gate ISBT (3 km)
Nearby Cities
Cities close to Delhi include Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, all within a 50 km radius.
Nearby Temples and Attractions
Nearby religious and historical sites include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, and Gauri Shankar Temple. The bustling markets of Chandni Chowk are also a major attraction.
Preferable Visiting Season
The best time to visit the temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot, while monsoons (July to September) bring humidity.
Shopping in Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, famous for its traditional jewelry, textiles, spices, and handicrafts. Popular shopping areas include Dariba Kalan for jewelry, Khari Baoli for spices, and various textile shops offering silk, cotton, and Banarasi sarees.
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is not just a religious site but a symbol of Delhi’s rich heritage and Jain philosophy. With its serene ambiance, detailed artwork, and the compassionate initiative of the bird hospital, the temple continues to attract devotees and tourists alike. It stands as a testament to the values of peace, non-violence, and devotion, making it an essential landmark in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Delhi.
