Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad | Hathesing jain Temple

 Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad

This remarkably elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 lakh rupees by a rich merchant Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jain tirthankar, Shri Dharmanatha. Traditional artisans working in stone belonged to the Sonpura & Salat communities. The Salat community constructed masterpieces of architecture ranging from forts, palaces to temples. The work of the Hutheesing Jain temple is attributed to Premchand Salat. One scholar has remarked, "Each part goes on increasing in dignity as we approach the sanctuary. Whether looked at from its courts or from the outside, it possesses variety without confusion and an appropriateness of every part to the purpose for which it was intended."

Located outside the Delhi Gate, the temple is spread over a sprawling courtyard, a mandapa surmounted by a large ridged dome, which is supported by 12 ornate pillars. The small garbhagruh (main shrine) on the east end reaches up into three stunningly carved spires and encircled by 52 small shrines dedicated to the various Tirthankars. There are large protuding porches with magnificently decorated columns and figural brackets on three outer sides. Also a recently built 78 ft Mahavir stambha (tower) fashioned after the renowned tower at Chittor in Rajasthan, flanks the outer courtyard by the front entrance. Some of the motifs used in the design reminds one of the Sultanate minarets of the Mughal period.

Architecture, Jainism, Temple

The Hutheesing Jain Temple is one of the most famous Jain temples in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is renowned for its stunning white marble architecture, intricate carvings, and peaceful spiritual atmosphere. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dharmanatha, the 15th Jain Tirthankara. ([Wikipedia][1])

- History -

The temple was commissioned by the wealthy Jain merchant Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh and was completed in 1848 by his wife Harkunwar Bai after his death. The construction provided employment to hundreds of artisans during a severe famine in Gujarat, making it not only a religious monument but also a symbol of social service.

- Architecture -

The temple is built in the magnificent Maru-Gurjara (Solanki) architectural style, using fine white marble. It features:

- Beautifully carved pillars and domes

- Ornate balconies and decorative stone screens (jalis)

- A central shrine dedicated to Lord Dharmanatha

- 52 subsidiary shrines (Devakulikas) surrounding the main temple

- Exquisite marble sculptures and detailed craftsmanship throughout the complex

 - Manastambha -

A prominent attraction is the 78-foot-high Manastambha (Tower of Honor) located in the temple courtyard. Inspired by the Kirti Stambha of Chittorgarh, it houses an idol of Lord Mahavira and is considered an architectural masterpiece.

- Significance -

The temple is regarded as one of Ahmedabad's finest heritage monuments and an important center of Jain worship. It represents the rich cultural, religious, and architectural legacy of Gujarat. 

- Visitor Information -

- Location: Near Delhi Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

- Built: 1848

- Deity: Lord Dharmanatha (15th Jain Tirthankara)

- Material: White Marble

- Architecture Style: Maru-Gurjara (Solanki) Style