Built in 1656 during the Mughal era, the temple has been a center of Jain worship in Delhi for over 350 years. The temple survived the turbulent history of Delhi, including the British colonial period and the events of 1857. The Jain Birds Hospital was established later as part of the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) extended to all living beings.
Sacred Heritage
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
New Delhi, Delhi
State:Delhi
District:New Delhi
Why This Temple Matters
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated to Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
- Nagara (Red Sandstone) architecture
- Built by the Mughal Era (1656) dynasty
- Located in New Delhi, Delhi
- Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
Quick Facts
- Location
- New Delhi
- Presiding Deity
- Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
- Architecture
- Nagara (Red Sandstone)
- Dynasty
- Mughal Era (1656)
- Timings
- 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Best Time
- October to March offers pleasant weather. The temple is open year-round.
Overview
The oldest Jain temple in Delhi, built in 1656 and famous for its vibrant red architecture and Charity Birds Hospital.
History & Legacy
Architecture
Key Features
The temple is built of red sandstone in the Nagara style, with three floors and intricately carved pillars and ceilings. The upper floors house the main sanctum with marble idols of Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras. The temple is designed for both worship and community gatherings.
Religious & Cultural Significance
The temple is the oldest and most important Jain temple in Delhi. Its location opposite the Red Fort gives it historical prominence. The Jain Birds Hospital is a unique institution that embodies the Jain principle of compassion for all creatures. The temple is a living example of Delhi's multi-religious heritage.
Daily Rituals
Daily worship follows Jain Digambar traditions. Morning and evening bhakti (devotional singing) sessions are held. Special ceremonies are performed on full moon days.
Festivals & Celebrations
Festival
Mahavir Jayanti (the birth of Lord Mahavira) is the most important festival. Diwali, Paryushan, and Akshaya Tritiya are also celebrated with special prayers.
Interesting Facts
Oldest Jain temple in Delhi, red sandstone architecture, Jain Birds Hospital, opposite Red Fort location
How to Reach & Visitor Tips
Located opposite the Red Fort in Chandni Chowk, accessible by metro (Chandni Chowk station). Combine with a visit to the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid area.
Nearby Attractions
Red Fort (across the road) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chandni Chowk market (adjacent). Gauri Shankar Temple (1 km). Jama Masjid (1.5 km). Raj Ghat (3 km) is Mahatma Gandhi's memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jain Birds Hospital?
A.
It is a charitable hospital within the temple complex that treats injured and sick birds, embodying the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).
When was the temple built?
A.
The temple was built in 1656 during the Mughal era, making it over 365 years old.
Answers are based on verified information. Site rules may change — verify locally before visiting.
Sources & References
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
"Ministry of Tourism — official destination information"
View SourceLinks Last Checked
30 September 2026
Related Temples
Same State
Akshardham Temple
A massive Hindu temple complex displaying millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and…
Chhatarpur Temple
A massive marble temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, featuring both North and South Indian…
Kalkaji Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Kalka Devi, believed to date back to the Satya Yuga…
Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place
One of the five ancient temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi, famous for its…
Yogmaya Temple Mehrauli
One of Delhi's few surviving ancient temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas and…
Gauri Shankar Temple Delhi
Historic 18th-century Shaivite temple in Chandni Chowk founded by Maratha soldier Appa Gangadhar, enshrining a…
Visiting as an International Traveller
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official authority for this site before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies are set by each site — confirm before travelling.
Entry rules for international visitorsWho can enter, permits, and what to expect at the gate.Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected — a sign of respect, not a restriction.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March offers pleasant weather. The temple is open year-round.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple vocabulary and ritualsDarshan, pradakshina, prasadam, aarti, hundi and mandapa.Currency, donations and queuesCash, UPI, donation etiquette and how long entry queues take.Photography etiquetteSignage, flash, selfie sticks and photographing other visitors.Festival crowds and safetyAdvance booking, road closures, belongings and offline maps.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
Continue Reading
Rules change — confirm current policies with the site's authority before you travel.
Site-verified visitor data pending. See our sources and methodology.
By Naveen singh negi
Updated: July 2026
Related:Delhi TemplesLord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)Nagara (Red Sandstone) StyleMughal Era (1656)Methodology
Delhi
Mughal Era (1656)
Jain Temple
Explore More Sacred & Heritage Sites
Related heritage monuments, regional traditions, and pilgrimage connections.
UNESCO Temple Heritage Sites
UNESCO 1987Cultural Heritage
Tamil Nadu
Great Living Chola Temples — Brihadeeswarar Temple
The principal temple of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO site, a masterpiece of Dravidian…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1984Cultural Heritage
Odisha
Sun Temple, Konark
A 13th-century Sun Temple built as a giant stone chariot with 24 wheels, drawn by…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Karnataka
Hampi Group (Virupaksha Temple)
The Virupaksha Temple is the most iconic monument of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Explore Temple
Famous Temples You May Like
Delhi
Yogmaya Temple Mehrauli
One of Delhi's few surviving ancient temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas and…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Gauri Shankar Temple Delhi
Historic 18th-century Shaivite temple in Chandni Chowk founded by Maratha soldier Appa Gangadhar, enshrining a…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, this masterpiece of Nagara style was one of India's…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Jhandewalan Devi Mandir
One of Delhi's oldest and most revered Shakti shrines, named after the ritual flags (Jhandas)…
Explore Temple
Explore More in Delhi
Delhi
Akshardham Temple
A massive Hindu temple complex displaying millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Chhatarpur Temple
A massive marble temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, featuring both North and South Indian…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Kalkaji Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Kalka Devi, believed to date back to the Satya Yuga…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place
One of the five ancient temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi, famous for its…
Explore Temple
Heritage Fact
"The Lingaraja Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture."