Bhandasar Jain Temple is a 15th-century Jain temple in Bikaner famous for its painted interiors, mirror work, and the local legend of ghee mixed into its walls.
The temple is located in Bada Bazaar near Lakshminath Temple and is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Jain Tirthankara. Many visitors come here to see the detailed wall paintings, carved pillars, and old Jain artwork spread across three floors. The temple is also known as one of the oldest Jain temples in Bikaner.
Quick Information About Bhandasar Jain Temple
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bada Bazaar, Bikaner |
| Built In | 15th Century |
| Dedicated To | Sumatinath |
| Built By | Seth Bhandasa Oswal |
| Famous For | Frescoes, mirror work, and ghee mortar legend |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
Historical Background of Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner
Bhandasa Oswal built Bhandasar Jain Temple in the 15th century to honor Sumatinath, the fifth Jain Tirthankara of Jainism.
The temple was created when Bikaner was growing and became important to Jain religion in the old city. There are tales about the use of ghee in mixing mortar for the temple; its use made it popular throughout Rajasthan. The temple is still one of the oldest of its kind in Bikaner.
You can also explore other historic landmarks like Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace during your Bikaner trip.
What Rituals Take Place at Bhandasar Jain Temple?
Morning prayers at Bhandasar Jain Temple include darshan, Jain chants, lamp offerings, and silent worship before the temple becomes crowded.
- Devotees pray before the idol of Sumatinath.
- Visitors remove shoes before entering.
- Leather items are discouraged inside the temple.
- Early morning offers a quieter darshan experience.
- Ask temple staff before taking photos inside prayer areas.
Was Bhandasar Jain Temple Built Using Ghee?
Local legends say builders mixed ghee into the temple mortar instead of water during construction, which made the temple famous across Rajasthan.
Historians are unable to completely state if the claim is true or not, yet this story is still one of the most discussed facts about the Bhandasar Jain Temple. Many visitors frequently inquire about the ghee construction story during their visit.
Bhandasar Jain Temple is often included in lists of unique places to visit in Rajasthan because of its unusual construction story.
Interesting Fact: Ghee Foundation of Bhandasar Jain Temple
Local legends say workers mixed ghee into the temple mortar, making Bhandasar Jain Temple unique among Bikaner shrines. The ghee walls of the Bhandasar Jain Temple are one of the unique features of Jain temples.
Architectural Beauty
Bhandasar Jain Temple features painted frescoes, mirror inlay work, carved pillars, and richly decorated multi-level interiors. There are three floors in the temple. Every floor has something more wonderful to see. The ceilings and walls are decorated with red, green, and gold patterns.
Top Artistic Features You Must See
There are a few unique things to see in Bhandasar Jain Temple. You may explore the highlights of the artwork in the Jain temple.
- Paintings: There are paintings on the walls. This artwork describes events from the Jain religion.
- Leaves and Flowers: They’re not real. They are carved or painted onto the walls!
- Glass and Mirrors: The walls have pieces of shiny glass stuck into them. If the sun shines on them, they twinkle like stars.
- The tiny details adorn even the smallest aspects of the temple. Moreover, painters worked to get everything perfectly done.
Visitors interested in temple architecture in Rajasthan can also explore the Dilwara Temples and the Ranakpur Jain Temple.
What Are Bhandasar Jain Temple Timings?
Bhandasar Jain Temple usually opens from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM for darshan and prayers.
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning | 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Evening | 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM |
Morning hours are usually quieter for photography, prayer, and exploring the temple interiors.
Is There an Entry Fee for Bhandasar Jain Temple?
Entry to Bhandasar Jain Temple is usually free for visitors and devotees.
Visitors can donate voluntarily for temple maintenance and religious activities. Photography rules may vary in some inner sections, so asking temple staff before taking pictures is recommended.
Visitor Guidelines: Cultural Etiquette at Bhandasar Jain Temple.
This is a sacred site. There are a few temple-visiting rules you also need to follow to be respectful.
- Remove your shoes before entering.
- Wear modest clothing that covers your body.
- Be quiet and softly spoken.
- Don’t bring leather items in (such as leather belts or wallets).
- Be humble and follow Jain temple cultural etiquette. The temple is not just beautiful. It’s where people speak with God.
How to Reach Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner
If you have a question that how to reach Jain temple Bikaner or directions to Bhandasar Jain Temple? Do not worry, it’s a convenient route.
- By Road: You can get a taxi, rickshaw, or an auto-rickshaw from any point in the city.
- By Train: The railway station for Bikaner is very near-2 km away.
- By Air: Bikaner Airport at Nal is the nearest airport, located around 15 km from the temple.
You must arrive early in the morning. You can see sunshine lighting the walls. It makes the temple even more charming. You can also add Lalgarh Palace Bikaner on your trip to Bikaner.
Where Is Bhandasar Jain Temple Located?
Bhandasar Jain Temple is located in Bada Bazaar in the old city area of Bikaner, near the historic Lakshminath Temple.
You can reach the temple easily by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local transport, as it is about 2 km from Bikaner Junction railway station.
Best Time to Visit Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner
The best time to visit Bhandasar Jain Temple is October to March. That’s also when the weather is mild and pleasant. You won’t get too hot exploring. Make an effort to arrive early in the morning.
It’s not about when to visit Jain temples in Bikaner, however, it is about the right time. That way, you can appreciate the calmness. Also, spend your time admiring all the charming artwork.
Explore other Bikaner Spots
- Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lalgarh Palace
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Karni Mata Temple
FAQs
Seth Bhandasar Oswal built the temple in the 15th century. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara.
Bhandasar Jain Temple is famously said to be built using ghee instead of water in the mortar mix.
The temple generally opens at 5:00 AM and remains accessible until 1:00 PM, then again from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
Bhandasar Jain Temple is famous for its painted interiors, mirror work, Jain frescoes, and the local legend of ghee used in construction mortar.
Bhandasar Jain Temple is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Jain Tirthankara in Jainism.
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