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Jain Temples in Varanasi

Jainism is a very popular culture in India. The followers of this cult are said to be very strict regarding their ethics and values. Being the city of temples, Varanasi has numerous Jain temples. The two most famous Jain Temples of Varanasi are:

Digambar Jain Temple Varanasi

Digambara Jain Temple Sarnath


The Digambara Jain Temple, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, is located to the southwest of the Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath, Varanasi.

The Temple is about 11 kilometers from the main city of Varanasi and can be reached via taxi/auto rickshaw/cycle rickshaw. Following is the route-description of the Temple:

  • Start your journey by heading northeast on NH 29.
  • Turn onto Sanskrit University Road, then Premchand Road.
  • Head towards Gautam Buddha Rajpath Road, and pass by Punjab National Bank on the right.
  • Take the first exit at the coming roundabout and continue up to the Archeological Survey of India Museum.
The Temple will be on your left.
Jain Temple Varanasi
The temple remains open from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm on all days, and the entry is free. The best time to visit is between the months of October and March, while the first week of January is generally considered to be the best time to visit the Temple.

The area near the Jain Temple offers many delicacies with restaurants offering a multitude of cuisines including Chinese, South Indian, and Continental.

While there are not many options for shopping in Sarnath, Varanasi is located just 11 kilometers away, and showcases many complexes such as the PDR Mall on Luxa road, and IP Mall on Kabir Road.

Some of the popular nearby places include:

  1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  2. Tulsi Manas Temple
  3. Durga Temple
  4. Assi ghat
  5. Sarnath Museum
  6. Ashok Lion Capital

History of the Temple

The Jain Temple in Sarnath is one of the most distinguished Jain temples in the country. It was built in 1824 and is said to be located at the spot where Shreyanshnath, the 11th Jain Tirthankara was born.

Shri Parshwanath Digambar and Shwetambar Jain Temples Varanasi


Jain Temple VaranasiShri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Tirtha Kshetra, Bhelupur, is located approximately three kilometers away from the Banaras Hindu University, and four kilometers from Banaras Cantonment.
There are two Jain temples dedicated to Parshvnath, located adjacent to each other (Digambar and Shwetambar). The only difference being that, Digambar Temple has a 75 centimeter tall black idol, whereas the Shwetambar Temple has a 60 centimeter tall white idol.

The temple is about 5 kilometers from the heart of Varanasi, and can be reached from anywhere in the city by taxi, auto rickshaw, or foot. Make sure that you reach after 12 pm and before 9 pm at the night, as the temple remains closed otherwise. The first week of January is considered to be the best time to visit.

There are a variety of restaurants in Bhelupur, plenty of them in a close proximity to the temple. As with most places in India, these restaurants offer a variety of cuisines.

While Bhelupur boasts of many variety shops such as saree stores and an Archie’s, nearby, Varanasi provides bigger shopping centres.

Some of the popular nearby places include:

  1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  2. Tulsi Manas Temple
  3. Durga Temple
  4. Assi ghat
  5. Bharat Kala Bhavan
  6. Ramnagar Fort

History of the Temple


The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvnath, the 23rd Tirthankar of the Jain faith, who was said to be born here, circa 800 BC. The Tirth in which these temples are located finds mention in 14th century texts, and it is the place where the daughter of the king of Kashi was arranged.

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