Shri Digambar Jain Prachin Bada Mandir - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 2 km from Hastinapur Bus station, Shri Digambar Jain Prachin Bada Mandir is a Jain temple complex located in Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, it is the oldest Jain temple in Hastinapur, and among the important places to visit as part of Hastinapur tour packages.

Situated on a 40 ft high hillock, Bada Digambar Jain Mandir in Hastinapur is built in 1801 under the aegis of Raja Harsukh Rai, the imperial treasurer of Emperor Shah Alam II. The temple is dedicated to Shri Shantinatha, the 16th Jain Tirthankara. Hastinapur is believed to be the birthplace of 16th, 17th, and 18th Jain Thirthankaras namely, Shantinatha, Kunthunatha, and Aranatha respectively. Also, it is believed that Hastinapur is the place where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha ended his 13-month-long penance after receiving sugarcane juice from King Shreyans.

The temple complex encloses a centrally located Mukhya Shikhara surrounded by a group of Jain temples dedicated to various Tirthankara, mostly built in the late 20th century. The main temple stands on a 4th high plinth and is topped with an artistically built long spire. The interior is covered with gold paintings depicting stories from Jain scriptures and it is believed that approximately 7-8 kg of gold was spent in embellishing the interiors. Inside this temple is a 32 feet tall idol of Bhagwan Shantinath sitting in a padmasana posture that draws a huge number of devotees every year from all over the country.

The temple complex has many other temples that are notable and worth visiting. Built-in 1955, Manastambha is a thirty-one feet high structure, situated outside the entrance of the main temple complex. Trimurti Mandir has three alters - lest alter comprises a 12th-century old Shri Shantinatha idol in Kayotsarga posture, Shri Parshvanatha idol in the center, and a white color magnificent idol of Bhagwan Mahaveer in the right altar. Samavasarana Rachna, a magnificent structure with 992 small monuments is also a major attraction.

Another popular structure inside Bada Digambar Jain Mandir is Nandeeshwara Dweep which was constructed in the 1980s. The temple represents an aspect of Jain cosmology where on both sides of Nandeeshwar Dweep, idols of Bhagwan Shantinath & Arahnath are installed in two altars. Shri Neminath Temple, Bhagwan Arahnath Temple, Shri Adinath Temple, Shri Kunthunath Temple are must-visit temples located in the same premises. Shri Bahubali Temple, Jal Mandir, Kirti Stambha & Panduk Shila are also worth seeing. There is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Ambika, recovered from a nearby canal with an image of Shri Neminath carved on the head of the goddess is installed.

The temple has a Dharamshala for an overnight stay and other basic facilities. The temple also serves as a Jain Gurukul which offers free quality education to underprivileged Jain boys up to 12th Standard. The Gurukul is equipped with hostels for all the students.

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Entry: Free