Discover Jain Temples of Old Delhi Hidden in Ancient Lanes of Chandni Chowk

Hidden within the labyrinthine bazaars of Old Delhi lies a remarkable treasure that few visitors ever discover: a network of exquisite Jain temples that have survived centuries of tumultuous history. These old Jain temples, tucked away in narrow lanes and bustling markets, represent some of the finest examples of Mughal-era architecture and craftsmanship. Built by wealthy Jain merchants who served as treasurers and bankers to the Mughal court, these Jain Temples of Old Delhi offer an extraordinary glimpse into Delhi's multicultural past, where diverse faiths flourished under imperial patronage.

1. Jain Lal Mandir

Standing as a crimson beacon amidst the chaos of Chandni Chowk, Jain Lal Mandir holds the distinction of being Delhi's oldest surviving Jain temple. Originally constructed during Shah Jahan's reign in what was then called Urdu Bazaar, this magnificent structure houses an idol of Tirthankara Parsvnath dating back to 1491, predating even the Mughal capital itself.

The temple's history mirrors the complex relationship between Mughal rulers and Hindu-Jain places of worship. Built under Shah Jahan's patronage, it faced persecution during Aurangzeb's zealous reign, only to be magnificently restored and expanded by the more tolerant Akbar II. The interior showcases what many consider the finest non-Islamic Mughal architecture in Delhi, featuring intricate paintings and decorative work that rival the grandest palaces.

After Partition, the name 'Urdu Mandir' was quietly abandoned in favour of 'Lal Mandir' (Red Temple), reflecting the changing cultural landscape. Today, the temple is renowned for its unique bird hospital, where injured birds are treated—a testament to the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Where: Directly opposite Red Fort, at the intersection of Netaji Subhas Marg and Chandni Chowk

2. Naya Jain Mandir

Location: Dharampura, near Kinari Bazaar

Built in 1807 by Raja Harsukh Rai, the Imperial Treasurer and an Agrawal Jain from Hisar, this temple broke architectural conventions in a remarkable way. For over 150 years, no temple within Shahjahanabad's walls was permitted to have traditional shikharas (spires)—they were required to sport Mughal-style domes instead. However, Harsukh Rai's influence and wealth allowed him to persuade Akbar II to grant an unprecedented exception.

This temple thus became the first in Delhi to feature a towering shikhara, marking a significant shift in religious architectural freedom. The cost of construction—eight lakh rupees—was astronomical for its time, reflecting both Harsukh Rai's wealth and his commitment to creating something extraordinary.

The interior remains one of Delhi's best-preserved Mughal-era temple spaces, housing a rare illustrated manuscript of Mahapurana by Acharya Jinasena from 1420. According to local legend, no artificial lighting has ever worked within the temple—any attempts at electric lighting or oil lamps are mysteriously extinguished, maintaining the space in its original, naturally-lit state.

3. Jain Panchayati Mandir

Location: Dharampura, between Dariba Kalan and main Dharampura street

Perhaps no temple in Delhi has a more intriguing origin story than this early 18th-century gem. Built around 1743-1745, just years after Nadir Shah's devastating sack of Delhi, it emerged from an act of desperate self-preservation. According to the temple's caretaker in 1916, the structure was originally the haveli of Ayamal, a logistics officer in Muhammad Shah Rangeela's court.

When Ayamal fell from royal favour, fearing confiscation of his property, he ingeniously installed a religious idol in his house and declared it a temple. The fascinating implication is that Mughal authorities would respect religious property more than private holdings—a narrative that challenges common assumptions about religious tolerance in the late Mughal period.

The temple's name 'Panchayati' reflects its community origins, as it was later maintained through collective donations from the local Jain community. Its traditional Mughal dome (predating the shikhara revolution of 1807) and its survival through centuries of political upheaval make it a remarkable testament to both architectural heritage and human ingenuity.

4. Chota Jain Mandir

Location: Kucha-i-Seth, between Dariba Kalan and Dharampura

Built in 1834 during the penultimate Mughal emperor Akbar Shah II's reign, this intimate temple represents the zenith of Mughal-era Jain architecture. Though smaller than its grand neighbours, Chota Jain Mandir compensates with exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful iconography, housing stunning images of Adinatha and Chandraprabh Bhagwan.

The temple's location in Kucha-i-Seth (the Street of Merchants) is particularly significant, as this area was the heart of Delhi's Jain commercial community. The temple's construction coincided with Akbar II's famous initiative to promote Hindu-Muslim unity through the festival Phool Walon ki Sair, reflecting the syncretic cultural atmosphere of the time.

The interior work showcases the sophisticated artistic traditions that Jain merchants brought to Mughal Delhi, with delicate carvings and paintings that demonstrate the prosperity and cultural confidence of the community. The temple serves as an excellent example of how religious architecture adapted to urban constraints whilst maintaining spiritual significance.

5. Bada Jain Mandir

Location: Pahari Dhiraj, Sadar Bazaar area

The impressive two-storeyed Bada Jain Mandir, constructed between 1828-1834 by the benefactor Indraraj Ji, stands as one of Old Delhi's most architecturally ambitious Jain temples. The temple's very name 'Bada' (meaning 'big' or 'great') reflects its imposing presence and significance within the community.

The temple's design showcases the evolution of Jain temple architecture in Delhi, featuring an attractively carved wooden door that leads to a stunning canopy topped by an intricately carved dome on the first floor. The main deity is a striking two-foot-high black idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath, housed within a space that exemplifies the blend of Mughal architectural sensibilities with traditional Jain temple design.

Located in the Pahari Dhiraj area, the temple served the Jain community during a period of relative prosperity and religious tolerance under the later Mughals. Its survival through the traumatic events of 1857 and subsequent urban development makes it a precious repository of Delhi's composite cultural heritage and testament to the enduring faith of the Jain community.

6. Naughara Jain Mandir

Location: Naughara Gali, off Kinari Bazaar Road, near Chandni Chowk

Tucked away at the end of the famous Naughara Gali (Street of Nine Houses), this exquisite Svetambara Jain temple represents perhaps the most visually stunning Jain sanctuary in Delhi. The temple is "lavishly decorated with intricate artwork on its pillars, walls and domes" and claims legendary origins dating back to the Pandavas of Mahabharata times, making it potentially one of Delhi's most ancient religious sites.

Dating to the late 18th century, this triple-storeyed marble structure features a main deity carved in black kasauti stone—a sculpture of Lord Parshavnath, the 23rd Tirthankara. The temple also houses sculptures of other prominent Jain Tirthankaras, including Lord Sumatinath, the 5th Tirthankara.

What sets this temple apart is its location within Naughara Gali, where nine colourful Jain havelis were built in the 18th century, creating a unique architectural ensemble. The temple's peaceful atmosphere contrasts sharply with the bustling chaos of nearby Kinari Bazaar, offering visitors a serene retreat that showcases the sophisticated artistic traditions of Delhi's Jain merchant community.