About the Temple
Sonagiri, meaning "Golden Peak," is a renowned Jain pilgrimage site located in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is an important religious destination for Digambara Jains and is believed to be a Siddha Kshetra where many ascetic saints attained Moksha (liberation).
This sacred complex consists of more than 100 white marble temples, with 77 temples on a hill and several more in the surrounding village. The main temple, Number 57, is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu, the 8th Jain Tirthankara, and features an 11-foot idol of the deity.
Description:Sonagiri is home to a vast complex of Jain temples, with 77 temples perched on the hills and 26 more located in the village below, totaling 103 temples. These temples, predominantly white in color with high spires, showcase diverse architectural styles, with some dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The site is spread across two hills covering an area of 132 acres, often referred to as Laghu Sammed Shikhar. The climb to the main temples on the hill involves ascending over 300 steps.
Sonagiri, meaning "Golden Peak," is a renowned Jain pilgrimage site located in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is an important religious destination for Digambara Jains and is believed to be a Siddha Kshetra where many ascetic saints attained Moksha (liberation).
This sacred complex consists of more than 100 white marble temples, with 77 temples on a hill and several more in the surrounding village. The main temple, Number 57, is dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu, the 8th Jain Tirthankara, and features an 11-foot idol of the deity.
Sonagiri is home to a vast complex of Jain temples, with 77 temples perched on the hills and 26 more located in the village below, totaling 103 temples. These temples, predominantly white in color with high spires, showcase diverse architectural styles, with some dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The site is spread across two hills covering an area of 132 acres, often referred to as Laghu Sammed Shikhar. The climb to the main temples on the hill involves ascending over 300 steps.
Special Features of Sonagiri
Siddha Kshetra: It is believed that millions of ascetic saints have attained salvation here.
Historical Significance: The temples date back to the 9th century and are known for their pristine white architecture.
Pilgrimage Importance: Many Jain devotees visit Sonagiri for meditation, spiritual growth, and religious rituals.
Siddha Kshetra: It is believed that millions of ascetic saints have attained salvation here.
Historical Significance: The temples date back to the 9th century and are known for their pristine white architecture.
Pilgrimage Importance: Many Jain devotees visit Sonagiri for meditation, spiritual growth, and religious rituals.
Location and Address
Shri Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra
Sonagiri, Post – Sonagiri,
District – Datia, Madhya Pradesh – 475685
Geographical Coordinates: 25.6500° N, 78.4500° E
Shri Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra
Sonagiri, Post – Sonagiri,
District – Datia, Madhya Pradesh – 475685
Geographical Coordinates: 25.6500° N, 78.4500° E
Visiting Hours & Facilities
Timings: Open from early morning till evening (timings may vary on festivals).
Accommodation: Dharamshalas with basic facilities available for pilgrims.
Food: Jain Bhojanalayas serve pure vegetarian Jain food (no root vegetables).
Timings: Open from early morning till evening (timings may vary on festivals).
Accommodation: Dharamshalas with basic facilities available for pilgrims.
Food: Jain Bhojanalayas serve pure vegetarian Jain food (no root vegetables).
Travel Connectivity
By Road (Bus Routes)
Sonagiri is well-connected via road to Datia, Jhansi, and Gwalior.
Regular buses and taxis are available from:
Datia (15 km)
Jhansi (30 km)
Gwalior (60 km)
Orchha (35 km)
Nearest National Highway: NH-44 (previously NH-3)
Sonagiri is well-connected via road to Datia, Jhansi, and Gwalior.
Regular buses and taxis are available from:
Datia (15 km)
Jhansi (30 km)
Gwalior (60 km)
Orchha (35 km)
By Train (Rail Routes)
Nearest Railway Stations:
Sonagiri Railway Station (SORI) – 2 km from the temple
Datia Railway Station (DAA) – 15 km
Jhansi Junction (JHS) – 30 km
Gwalior Junction (GWL) – 60 km
Trains on the Agra–Jhansi route stop at Sonagiri.
Nearest Railway Stations:
Sonagiri Railway Station (SORI) – 2 km from the temple
Datia Railway Station (DAA) – 15 km
Jhansi Junction (JHS) – 30 km
Gwalior Junction (GWL) – 60 km
Trains on the Agra–Jhansi route stop at Sonagiri.
By Air (Flight Connectivity)
Nearest Airport: Gwalior Airport (Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport) – 65 kmOther nearby airports:
Jhansi Airport (Under development) – 30 km
Kanpur Airport – 200 km
Bhopal Airport – 350 km
Taxis and buses are available from the airports to Sonagiri.
Other nearby airports:
Jhansi Airport (Under development) – 30 km
Kanpur Airport – 200 km
Bhopal Airport – 350 km
Taxis and buses are available from the airports to Sonagiri.
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Nearby Cities
Datia (15 km) – Known for Peetambra Peeth
Jhansi (30 km) – Jhansi Fort & Rani Lakshmi Bai history
Gwalior (60 km) – Gwalior Fort, Scindia Palace
Orchha (35 km) – Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple
Nearby Temples & Tourist AttractionsShri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Kundalpur (150 km)
Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple, Rajasthan (200 km)
Peetambra Peeth, Datia – A revered Hindu temple
Ram Raja Temple, Orchha – The only temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King
Jhansi Fort – Associated with Rani Lakshmi Bai
Gwalior Fort – One of the largest forts in India
Orchha Palace – A 16th-century architectural marvel
Nearby Cities
Datia (15 km) – Known for Peetambra Peeth
Jhansi (30 km) – Jhansi Fort & Rani Lakshmi Bai history
Gwalior (60 km) – Gwalior Fort, Scindia Palace
Orchha (35 km) – Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple
Shri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Kundalpur (150 km)
Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple, Rajasthan (200 km)
Peetambra Peeth, Datia – A revered Hindu temple
Ram Raja Temple, Orchha – The only temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King
Jhansi Fort – Associated with Rani Lakshmi Bai
Gwalior Fort – One of the largest forts in India
Orchha Palace – A 16th-century architectural marvel
Best Season to Visit
October to March (pleasant weather)
Avoid April to June (extreme summer heat)
Major Festivals & EventsMahavir Jayanti – Celebrated with grandeur
Annual Jain Fair (Mela) – Large gathering of pilgrims
October to March (pleasant weather)
Avoid April to June (extreme summer heat)
Mahavir Jayanti – Celebrated with grandeur
Annual Jain Fair (Mela) – Large gathering of pilgrims
Shopping & Local Specialties
What to buy?
Gwalior – Famous for Chanderi Sarees, metal crafts
Orchha – Bundelkhand-style paintings, souvenirs
Datia – Traditional textiles & temple artifacts
The Sonagiri Jain Temples in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, stand as a profound testament to centuries of unwavering faith and the pursuit of spiritual liberation within the Digambara Jain tradition. With over 100 temples, prominently featuring 77 on the sacred hill, Sonagiri is revered as a potent Siddha Kshetra, a place where numerous ascetics are believed to have attained moksha. The architectural ensemble, primarily in white and spanning from the 9th century onwards, physically embodies this enduring spiritual legacy. The demanding ascent to the hilltop temples mirrors the pilgrim's journey towards self-discipline and austerity, central tenets of Jainism practiced in the serene atmosphere of this significant pilgrimage site.
What to buy?
Gwalior – Famous for Chanderi Sarees, metal crafts
Orchha – Bundelkhand-style paintings, souvenirs
Datia – Traditional textiles & temple artifacts
