The Chintamani Jain Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in Surat, Gujarat, India. It was built in 1699 AD during the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The temple has a deceivingly simple exterior, but is remarkably crafted from inside. The beautiful vegetable dye paintings covering the wooden pillars topped with carved brackets are a sight to behold. The paintings depict Acharya Hemachandraji, a Jain preacher, poet and philosopher, and King Kumapal of the Solanki dynasty.
How to Get There:
The Chintamani Jain Temple is located in the Moraji Nagar area, which is almost in the middle of Surat and hence easy to access from any part of Surat. You can hire a taxi or rickshaw to get to the temple.
What to Expect:
As you enter the temple, you will be greeted by the sight of the simple yet elegant exterior. Don't let the exterior fool you though, because the real beauty lies inside the temple. The interiors are adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful paintings made from natural vegetable dyes.
There are also a number of shrines dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) inside the temple. The temple is a peaceful place where you can relax and meditate.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Jainism is a religion of non-violence, so please be respectful of the temple and its surroundings.
- It is customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Opening and Closing Timings:
The temple is typically open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, it is always best to check with the temple authorities before you visit.
Additional Information:
- There is no entry fee to visit the Chintamani Jain Temple.
- There are a number of other Jain temples in Surat that you can also visit, such as the Shree Simandhar Swami Jain Temple and the Shree Parshwanath Jain Temple.
I hope this travel description helps you plan your visit to the Chintamani Jain Temple.