Hathisingh Jain Temple: The Temple of 15th Jain Tirthankara

 In Ahmedabad, History, Temple, Travel

Ahmedabad also known as Amdavad is known for its cultural heritage and textile production. The City is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and has some famous tourist locations. Gujarat has many Jain pilgrimage sites from the 6th century. Formerly known as the capital of Gujarat it has a major cultural influence, due to which this city has an array of mosques, Hindu temples, and Jain Derasars, some of which are centuries old. 

One of the magnificent Jain temples in Ahmedabad is Hathisingh Jain Temple. This architectural gem was built in 1848 by the Hatisingh Family. This temple is dedicated to the fifteenth Jain Tirthankara Dharamanath, his idol made of marble is established in the central sanctum of the temple.

Hathisingh Jain Temple History

hathisingh-jain-temple-history

According to the Hathisingh Jain Temple history, the temple was completed in two years in 1848 AD. A prosperous Jain Trader Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh had planned to build a sacred Jain Temple. However, due to his sudden demise at the age of 49, the construction was further completed under the supervision of his third wife Shethani Harkunwar. 

It is said that the approximate cost to construct Hathisingh Jain Temple Ahmedabad was around 10 Lakhs Rupees. During the severe famine in Gujarat this temple was built, helping many skilled artisans and construction workers financially for two years. Today this temple is managed by the Hathisingh Family Trust.

Hathisingh Jain Temple Architecture

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Located near Delhi Darwaza, Hathisingh Jain Temple architecture is one of the most magnificent architecture in Gujarat. Although the temple is a blend of ancient and modern architecture it is built while keeping all the traditions in mind. The temple is built using stones without cement and steel. Its intricate designs, patterns, and beautiful carvings make the temple stand out and it is regarded as one of the best architectures in Ahmedabad.

This two-storey temple has around 57 spires and 9 domes. The main entrance of the temple has a decorated arched gateway and a paved courtyard that is lined by 52 shrines, each of these shrines has an idol of one of the Tirthankars or Jain saints.

The architecture of the temple makes it look like a haveli. The temple also has some intricate latticework with geometrical and floral patterns. Not only that, the Hathisingh Jain Temple also has a rainwater harvesting system operating today. The two underground tanks supply the water to the temple. 

Just outside the temple is Manastambha which is approximately 78 feet tall. It was built in 2003 in remembrance of the 2500th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The architecture of Manastambha is inspired by the Kirti Stambha at Chittore, Rajasthan. The exterior of the Manastambha has figures of Dikpalas or eight guardians of the eight directions carved on it.

Suggest Read: Explore The Spiritual Beauty Of ISKCON Temple Ahmedabad

Best Time To Visit Hathisingh Jain Temple 

The best time to visit Hathisingh Jain Temple is between November to February. During this time the weather of Ahmedabad is pleasant. You can also visit the temple during various Jain festivals throughout the year, with Paryushan being one of the most significant. 

Restaurants Near Hathisingh Jain Temple

china house
Source: Full Mark S.A.

Being a metropolitan city, Ahmedabad has many famous restaurants and resorts. There are many restaurants near Hathisingh Jain Temple. Below are some handpicked restaurants near the Hathisingh Jain temple 

  1. Kailashpati Restaurant
  2. Premvati
  3. Dosa Hub & Snacks
  4. McDonald’s
  5. Domino’s Pizza
  6. China House
  7. Jugaadi Spot
  8. Oshwal

Top Hotels Near Hathisingh Jain Temple

hyatt-regency-ahmedabad
Source: Hyatt

There are numerous options for top hotels near Hathisingh Jain Temple. However, the following is a curated selection of hotels for your reference.

  1. Hotel Elysian Residency
  2. Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
  3. Hotel Alka Inn
  4. Hotel Cama – A Sabarmati Riverfront Hotel
  5. Lemon Tree Premier – The Atrium

How To Reach Hathisingh Jain Temple

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Source: Logistics Insider

Traveling in Ahmedabad is a cakewalk because of the well-connected roads and railways. You can reach your destination without any hassle. So the problem of how to reach Hathisingh Jain Temple is already sorted.

Via Rail

The nearest railway station to Hathisingh Jain Temple is Ahmedabad Junction. It is around 3.3 km from the temple. If you are planning to travel via Metro then the nearest metro station to Hathisingh Jain Temple Ahmedabad is Shahpur. It is around 2.1 km from the temple.

Via Air

The nearest airport to Hathisingh Jain Temple Ahmedabad is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport which is around 7.1 km from the temple. 

Via Road

The roads in Ahmedabad are well connected with other cities of Gujarat. You can get a rickshaw or a cab to reach Hathisingh Jain Temple Ahmedabad. If you want to go for any pocket-friendly options you can get a bus.

Hathisingh Jain Temple Nearby Places

There are several places in Ahmedabad near Hathisingh Jain Temple that you can visit. Here are some of the nearby attractions to Hathisingh Jain Temple:

1. Manek Chowk

manek-chowk
Source: Ahmedabad Tourism Packages

Located around 2.6km from Hathisingh Jain Temple Ahmedabad, Manek Chowk is known for its round-the-clock operations in different roles. In the morning it functions as a vegetable market, bullion market in the noon, and a street food hotspot in the city from evening till late night.

A few lip-smacking must-try dishes at Manek Chowk are Mahalaxmi Pav bhaji, Balan special Ghotala Dosa, Jamun Shots and Ice cream Pineapple Sandwich for the sweet tooths, try ending the meal with the famous Kamlesh Patel’s Paan, which has been winning hearts since 1967.

2. The Calico Museum Of Textile

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Source: Ahmedabad Tourism Packages

The Calico Museum Of Textile Ahmedabad is around 2 km from Hathisingh Jain Temple. It was started by Sarabhai Family members in their residence located in Ahmedabad in 1983. This is a popular institute dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian Textile heritage.

3. Sabarmati Ashram

sabarmati-ashram
Source: The Indian Express

Sabarmati Ashram is around 3.9 km from Hathisingh Jain Temple. This place was the home of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi for 12 years. The visitors of the ashram are not only the followers of Mahatma Gandhi but also many tourists. The famous Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha. The ashram has more than 35,000 books collection and 250 photographs.

4. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-national-memorial
Source: Ahmedabad Tourism Packages

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is around 2.4 km from Hathisingh Jain Temple. It is a memorial of Sardar Patel and Rabindranath Tagore. The memorial has many photographs of Sardar Patel and Rabindranath Tagore. 

This place originally served as a Mughal Palace known as Moti Shahi Mahal. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during his reign in Gujarat as the governor,  he was just a prince back then.

5. Riverfront Flower Park

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Source: Oasis Designs Inc.

Riverfront Flower Park is around 5.5 km from Hathisingh Jain Temple. It is on the other side of the river. It is the first themed park in Ahmedabad. There are almost 72 varieties of flowers of species in the garden.  

Some of the areas are the Flower Terraces, Flower Valley, Tricone Vatika, Lake Valley, Plant showcase gardens and Rose Garden, a Greenhouse showcasing shade-loving and exotic plants, and a food court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Hathisingh Jain temple?

 According to the Hathisingh Jain Temple history, the temple was completed in two years in 1848 AD. A prosperous Jain Trader Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh had planned to build a sacred Jain Temple. However, due to his sudden demise at the age of 49, the construction was further completed under the supervision of his third wife Shethani Harkunwar.

Which is the biggest Jain temple?

Shree Pavapuri Tirth Dham is the biggest Jain Temple in Rajasthan. It covers an area of 500 acres.

Which is the oldest temple in Jain?

Kulpakji also known as Kolanupaka Temple is the oldest Jain Temple.

Which is the most beautiful Jain temple in India?

 Hathisingh Jain Temple is one of the beautiful Jain temples. Other temples include- Girnar Jain Temple, Hinkar Temple, Ranakpur temple, Palitana temples, Dilwara temples, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Sonagiri temples, etc.

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