Swetambara Jain Temple is one of the most important Jain Mandirs (temples) in the city. The first Jain temple in South India with 3 gopurams and 5 doors, it has marble carvings based on the principle of the famous ‘Dilwara’ temples.
About Swetambara Jain Temple :
Swetambara Jain Temple has the distinction of being the first Jain temple in the Southern India. The principal deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of the Jains’. The Jain temple bears impressions of the famous Dilwara temples. The temple structure has been built employing marble and provided with beautiful glass work. The structure as such differs from other buildings in that the iron has been totally avoided in the construction purpose. The idol inside the temple is made of quartz that has been finely cut and represents the green God. The central hall has been provided with extensive glass work that makes it glow with a spectrum of colors. The temple structure comprises of three gopurams and delicately carved doors (a total of five doors).
Some other interesting facts associated with the Jain temple are like, the architects, stone carvers and the workers employed in the construction of the temple were all hired from Rajasthan. The Jain priests travel all the way from North India to the mentioned Jain temple so as to provide discourses about the faith.
Attractions Of Swetambara Jain Temple In Chennai :
- Swetambara Jain Temple is one of the most important Jain Mandirs (temples) in the city. The first Jain temple in South India with 3 gopurams and 5 doors, it has marble carvings based on the principle of the famous ‘Dilwara’ temples. The main deity of the temple is Lord Parsvanatha who is the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism.
- The tempe is built only of marble and does not contain any ironwork. For its construction, architects, carvers and workers were brought in from Rajasthan.
- According to Jain scriptures the colour of God was green. So in order to have a special idol made, quartz was selected from the Chellur mines near Tumkur, Karnataka. The idol was made with tools used for cutting precious stones like diamonds.
- The main prayer hall has exquisite glass work, a rare sight in South India.
- Another unique feature of this Jain temple is that Jain acharyas (priests) walk all the way from North India to visit and stay here for ‘Chatur Masa’. (‘Chatur Masa’ is a period of four months when Jain acharyas stay and give discourses on Jainism to the devotees).
Location Swetambara Jain Temple In Chennai :
The Swetambara Jain Temple is located in the Kutchery Road, Mylapore, Chennai. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Mahavir. From Mylapore Tank bus stop, go to the Kutchery Road (walkable).
