If you are a devotee of Sumatinatha, the 5th Tirthankara, then this i the right place for you. A beautiful, pristine white temple tapered with red sandstone borders, this majestic-looking temple is one of the many famous tourist attractions in the city of Bikaner. The Bhandasar Jain Temple, also known as Bhanda Shah Jain Temple, is in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This temple is important not only for its religious purposes but also for its artwork and craftsmanship. These fantastic designs show how talented and creative the artists were as it was built so long ago, a time when there was no technology like we have now.
Bhandasar Jain Temple History
Image Credit: Malakarmithun for Wikimedia Commons
This magnificent temple was built in 1468 AD by a wealthy merchant, Bhandasa Oswa, who was Jain. Naturally, the temple was named after him. However, it was only completed after he died in 1514 AD. Though this temple attracts tourists from around the world for its craftsmanship and intricate artwork, another small yet important detail also attracts visitors.
People believe that during its construction, instead of mortar, 40,000 kilograms of ghee was used, which locals believe oozes out of the walls on exceptionally hot days. People often visit this sight to pray and seek peace. Not only due to its religious significance but also its location, it makes one feel at peace. With a backdrop of a beautiful blue sky scattered with clouds, it is a sight to behold.
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The Architecture Of The Bhandasar Jain Temple
Image Credit: Vivek B Govindaraju for Wikimedia Commons
This temple is known for its unique and creative approach towards artwork. The three-storey building is made up of red sandstone and various wall paintings. There are different kinds of craftsmanship that you can see when you visit this place. Gold-leaf work, sculpted pillars, floral designed pillars, beautiful frescoes, mirror work, and many more. The temple’s ground floor consists of a statue of Lord Sumatinath made of white marble, placed on top of a silver throne that stands at a height of 2 feet. The sandstone used on this floor is embellished with beautiful sculptures.
The first floor is slightly more straightforward than the ground floor. However, the second floor is intricate and elaborate. This floor holds the sanctums to a variety of deities. If you wish to see a spectacular view of the city, the temple’s first and second floors offer a great view from the balconies built on these floors. There are specific rules that tourists, devotees, and pilgrims must follow – no leather items are allowed inside the temple. It can be a bag, a watch, shoes, belts, or accessories. There is a storage place right outside for you to place your items, visit the temple, and at the time of leaving, you can collect them from the front.
Places To Visit Near Bhandasar Jain Temple
Whether you are a pilgrim or just a curious traveller, there are many places to visit near Bhandasar Jain Temple. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit around it:
1. Lallgarh Palace
Image Credit: Madelon van de Water Noledam for Wikimedia Commons
The Lallgarh Palace comes from the Rajputana heritage, built in the early 20th century with magnificent-looking domes of red sandstone, it embodies the grandeur of the era and the royal family. The architecture shows the different influences India has faced such as Rajput, Mughal, and European. This beautiful palace with its larger-than-life ambiance has been turned into a hotel today, allowing people to experience royalty.
Built in the early 20th century, by Maharaja Ganga Singh, you can witness the spectacular architecture in its intricate balconies, latticework, and filigree work. It is a perfect getaway place where you can be pampered for a few days, which you deserve from your stressful everyday life. The palace, now a hotel, is surrounded by courtyards and kush, green lawns giving off a serene aura for guests to relax in.
Best Time To Visit: October and February
Entry Fee: INR 10 onwards
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2. Station Road
Image Credit: Souvik Sarkar for Wikimedia Commons
You might think the name ‘Station Road’ might have something to do with the city’s station. However, it has more to do than that. It connects the station to the very heart of Bikaner. This place is perfect for just about anyone. Anyone and everyone can find something here for themselves. The entire road is bullying with shop vendors and hawkers, hotels, eateries, and many more things for you to explore. It is not only a connection from one place to another but a place of much cultural significance. It is not only a convenient way for travellers to navigate to their new destinations but also a place of growth and respect where people can learn about the locals, their lifestyle, and their culture.
You can do many things while visiting or just passing through the station road, like shopping for traditional crafts, trying out their local cuisine, and many more things. It allows one to fully experience Bikaner while also leading you to various famous places the city offers. Immerse yourself in the history of Bikaner and its spectacular views.
Best Time To Visit: October through March
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach Bhansasar Jain Temple
There are many ways to reach Bhandasar Jain Temple. Let’s explore some of the best options for it:
By Air: The Jodhpur International Temple is the closest airport to Bikaner, with flights coming in and out of all major cities of India. The temple is 231 km away, and it would take approximately 4 hours to reach. You can hire a taxi or cab from the airport to the temple.
By Rail: If you enjoy watching the beautiful landscape while comfortably traveling with friends and family, then the train is your best option. The Bikaner Junction Railway Station is only 2.5 km from the BHandasar Jain Temple, making it extremely convenient and easy for people to travel without wasting time on the road.
By Road: The roads to the Bhandasar Jain Temple are fairly well-connected to different parts of Rajasthan. You can take whatever the road is the most convenient for you to travel on. You can always take the local bus or hire a taxi. For short distances, you can also ride the auto-rickshaws in the city.
Further Read: Things To Do In Bikaner
Now that you have all the information you need to visit the magnificent city of Rajasthan, hurry and book your trip to Bikaner . Enjoy tranquillity amidst the beautiful artwork of the locals. It is an excellent place to explore and rejuvenate with your friends and family. Whether you are a spiritual traveller or love exploring the surroundings, these places will amaze you!
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Cover Image Source: Vivek B Govindaraju for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhandasar Jain Temple
What is the Bhandasar Jain Temple famous for?
The Bhandasar Jain Temple is famous for its amazing architecture, and beautiful artwork. It is one of the most popular Jain temples all over India, and it was built for the fifth Jain Tirthankara, Sumatinath by a wealthy Jain merchant.
Is there a fee entry for Bhandasar Jain Temple?
No, there is no entry fee. You can enter whenever you want but they do take donations for the restoration and maintenance of the temple.
Are there any festivals or events celebrated at the Bhandasar Jian Temple?
Yes, there are quite a few festivals that are celebrated like the Mahavir Jayanti, and Paryushan. During these festivals, many devotees, locals, and pilgrims attend to watch all the ceremonies and rituals.
What are the visiting hours?
The temple is open to people from 5 am to 1 pm. After a short break, it opens again around 5:30 pm till 11:30 pm.
Who built the temple?
A wealthy merchant by the name of Bhandasa Oswal commissioned the construction of this temple. People believe that the temple was built with 40,000 kilograms of ghee rather than mortar which is believed to ooze out of the walls during hot days.
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