Sri Digambar Jain Lal Temple / Lal Mandir - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 5 km from New Delhi Railway Station and 2 km from Delhi Junction, Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is located just opposite the famous Red Fort. This is one of the Delhi's oldest temples of Digambar Jain religion dating back to 17th century.

The Digambar Jain Temple, popularly known as Lal Mandir or Red Temple, was built in 1656 AD using red sandstone. This temple has undergone many alterations and additions throughout the history. The temple is dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. The temple is managed by the Sri Agarwala Digambar Jain Panchyat Trust.

The temple has detailed carvings and beautiful paintwork in the corridors surrounding the main sanctum. This sanctum sanctorum also houses the idols of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara and Lord Adinath, who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The main prayer hall of the temple is located on the first floor.

According to the history, Emperor Jahangir invited many Jain merchants to settle in Delhi and gifted them land in south of Chandni Chowk. The Emperor also allowed them to construct a small Jain Temple. The Mughal did not permit the Jain community to construct a Shikhara for the temple hence the temple Shikhara was built only after the Independence of India in 1947 after which the Lal Mandir was extensively renovated.

The complex also houses a Charity Hospital for Birds and offers free treatment. It also offers services to birds rescued from the accidents and bird hawkers. Every Saturday, a section of the roof is opened and the recovered birds fly away.

This temple attracts large number of devotees who offer fruits, grains and candles. The temple complex also contains a bookstore where one can find interesting literature on Jainism, along with interesting souvenirs related to the Jain faith. Visitors are requested to remove their shoes and leather items before entering the temple.

The important festivals at Digambar Jain Temple are Paryushan, Samvatsari, Deepawali and Jnaan Panchami.

Timing: 5.30 AM - 11.30 AM and 6 PM - 9 PM