Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

History of Digambar Jain Lal Temple

During the rule of Emperor Jahangir, many Jains were gifted plots of land in the southern parts of Chandni Chowk and they had settled within the city of Shahjanhanabad. Those were allowed to build a small Jain Temple within the walled city where they lived. 

When the temple construction was over then the idols were mounted within the temple. The idols got established within the temple by Jivaraj Papriwal. During the Mughal Rule, the topmost part of the temple or the Sikhara was not allowed to be constructed and it was built after India got independence in the year 1947. After India became independent, the temple got renovated completely.

Legend of Digambar Jain Mandir

The Digambar Jain Mandir has a legend associated with it. The sound of musical instruments and the beating of drums (Nagara) that came from within the temple premise used to disturb the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and that is why he ordered to stop them. But even after the musical instruments were not played, the emperor used to hear their sounds.


When he had sent his servant to inquire about it, he was reported that the instruments played by themselves. This mysterious tale is still associated with this Jain temple and till date nobody could actually find out the reason how the instruments’ sound used to be heard by the emperor though nobody played them.

Architecture of Digambar Jain Temple

Digambar Jain Temple is made of red sandstone and that is why it is known as “Lal Temple”. The temple walls have intricate carvings and beautiful paint works. The paint works and carvings are there on the ante-chambers that surround the shrine of Parshavath. There is a huge column named “Manastambha” placed near the temple entrance.

The primary devotional hall of Digambar Jain Temple is in the first floor. The small courtyard of this temple is surrounded by row of pillars. The gilded paintwork of the temple area looks very soothing when the lights of candles and lamps fall on them.

Other Facilities within Temple Complex

Digambar Jain Temple premise runs a charitable medical center for birds. Free treatment is offered here to different kinds of birds. Wounded partridges and other types of birds who are bought by the Jain merchants are brought here so that they can be given proper treatment and get recovered. Squirrels are also treated here because they do not harm birds. Birds of prey like vultures; eagles etc. are not kept here and are treated as outpatients.

Best Time to Reach Digambar Jain Temple

This temple can be visited throughout the year but visitors would enjoy their visit if they come here during the annual events and different important festivals of Jains.

The various festivals that get celebrated at this temple are Deepawali, Paryushan, Jnaan Panchami and Samvatsari.

How to reach Digambar Jain Temple

Being located just opposite to the famous Red Fort, Digambar Jain Temple in New Delhi can be easily reached. The nearest railway station to it is the Old Delhi Railway Station and the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Numerous local buses are available to reach this temple premise from any corners of New Delhi.