History: The origins of the Digambar Jain Temple are steeped in the mists of time, harking back to 1656 AD, during the reign of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. According to documented historical accounts, a congregation of Jain merchants and officers had settled in the vicinity of Delhi during the Mughal period. Shah Jahan permitted the Jain community to erect a small shrine but without any ‘shikhar’, just opposite the Red Fort. As documented by Jain historian Balbhadra Jain, it is believed that a Digambar Jain officer in the Mughal army kept an idol of a Tirthankara in his military tent for personal worship. Over time, other Jain soldiers joined in his devotions, culminating in the erection of a small shrine. This modest place of worship gradually evolved into the present temple structure. The temple was once referred to as the “Urdu Mandir”, owing to its location near the Urdu Bazaar, and also as “Lashkari Mandir”—a nod to its origins within a military encampment.
According to legend, Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan’s successor, once prohibited the use of musical instruments within the temple. However, the miraculous sound of drums (nagadas) was said to persist, defying regal orders and inspections. Struck by this divine phenomenon, Aurangzeb eventually rescinded the ban.
Though originally constructed in the 17th century, the present-day temple structures date back to 1878, post the fall of the Mughal rule. Among the temple’s most treasured relics is an idol of Tirthankara Parshvanath (the 23rd Jain Tirthankara), which dates to 1491 AD, installed under the guidance of Bhattaraka Jinachandra and brought by Jivaraj Papriwal. This relic and others were originally preserved in tents before the temple’s formal establishment. Originally a modest structure, the temple was consecrated to Tirthankara Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. Over time, with the patronage of affluent Jain families and the community’s devotion, the temple evolved into an elaborate place of worship. Significant restorations and expansions were carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly under the stewardship of Jain merchants who wished to preserve and exalt their spiritual legacy in the capital city.
Architecture: The Digambar Jain Temple boasts an architecture that is at once restrained and ornate. The temple's facade is fashioned from deep red sandstone, lending it the moniker "Lal Mandir". The structure is adorned with intricately carved shikharas (spires), rising with symbolic elegance to touch the Delhi skyline. The main sanctum sanctorum, located at the heart of the complex, enshrines a white marble idol of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, seated in a lotus posture. This idol is flanked by images of other Tirthankaras and is believed to be over a century old. Measuring approximately 60 feet in length and 40 feet in breadth, the temple complex includes an assembly hall, a devotional area for meditation, and ancillary shrines. Polished stone floors and frescoed ceilings enhance the spiritual ambience, while the gilded domes and painted arches evoke a sense of divine artistry. Of particular note is the Manastambha, or column of honour, erected in front of the temple — a traditional Jain feature symbolizing humility before the omniscient Tirthankaras. Steps ascend to the hall, which is supported by marble columns. This, in turn, leads to the vedi, the gilded throne room, where the image of Tirthankara (prophet) Adinath is venerated.
Activities: Beyond its religious observance, the temple complex is also known for its charitable and humanitarian work, most notably through the Jain Birds Hospital located in the temple’s rear quarters. Founded in 1930 and operating from a purpose-built facility since 1957, following the guidance of Acharya Deshbhushan Maharaj, it treats over 15,000 birds annually, regardless of species. Believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, this hospital embodies the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and is a testament to compassion in action.
The temple also serves as a centre for scriptural discourses, rituals, and festive celebrations, particularly during Mahavir Jayanti, when it is splendidly decorated and teeming with devotees. Festivals like Paryushan, Samvatsari, Deepawali and Jnaan Panchami are observed in the Digambar Jain Temple. Poojas (rituals), arti ceremonies, and lectures on Jain philosophy are conducted regularly. Pilgrims and tourists alike gather to experience the tranquility that pervades the space, a striking contrast to the cacophony of Chandni Chowk outside.
In 1931, the temple witnessed a historic moment when Acharya Shantisagar, a revered Digambar Jain monk, visited Delhi—becoming the first to do so in over 800 years. A memorial commemorates this auspicious occasion.
The temple complex also houses a bookshop, offering literature on Jain philosophy, devotional items, and handcrafted souvenirs. Visitors are requested to remove footwear and leather items prior to entering the sacred premises, in keeping with Jain customs.
Nearby Spiritual Landmarks: Not far from Lal Mandir lie other holy temples, such as the Gauri Shankar Temple, built in 1761 by Appa Gangadhara, a Maratha Brahmin. Another significant Jain temple, the Naya Mandir, located in Dharampura, was constructed between 1800–1807 by Raja Harsukh Rai, then the imperial treasurer. Renowned for its exquisite carvings, the Naya Mandir stands as a “new temple” in contrast to Lal Mandir, yet equally revered.