Kanch Mandir - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 3 km from Indore Junction, Kanch Mandir is a spectacular Jain temple located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Hukumchand Marg, it is one of the prominent religious places to visit in Indore.

Kanch Mandir, literally Glass Temple is built in 1903 by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain, a prominent trader and one of India's industrial pioneers. He built a mansion at Itwaria Bazar called Sheesh Mahal and adjacent to it the Kanch Mandir, both elegantly built using a white stone. Externally, the temple is built as a medieval mansion complete with a canopied balcony and a shikhara. Seth Hukumchand hired craftsmen from Jaipur and some even from Iran to work on the temple.

Also known as the Seth Hukamchand Temple, this Jain Temple exhibits exquisite artwork on glass panels depicting the various aspects of Jainism. The temple is entirely made of glass including the walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, and doors. Along with mirrors, patterned ceramic tiles are also used for decorating the temple. The temple also features delicately crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers. Made from black onyx, the idol of Lord Mahavira is adorned with colorful glass beads.

Also, Kanch Ka Mandir contains paintings that describe the historic events which include the consecration of the temple with portraits of the family members of Seth Hukumchand. Also, tourists can see 50 murals on glass in the temple, depicting the various stories of Jainism. The temple serves as a central institution for Indore Jains, some processions start or terminate at the Kach Ka Mandir. Jain festivals like Sugandh Dashami, Collective Kshamavani, and Annual Ratha Yatra are celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Kach Ka Mandir.

The best time to be at this temple is during the sunrise when the rays of the sun create a mind-blowing effect on the glass and leave the visitor with a view that you wouldn't forget for a long time.

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free