Who built the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

The temple was built in 1848 by Hutheesing Kesarisinh, a Jain merchant, in memory of his son. It is one of the most prominent Jain temples in the city.

What is the architecture of the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

The temple is built in white marble in traditional Jain style, with a central dome, a mandapa supported by 52 carved pillars, and a large courtyard. The carvings include floral and geometric patterns.

Is photography allowed at the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

Photography is allowed in the courtyard and garden area of the Hutheesing Jain Temple. It may be restricted inside the main shrine; check the signs at the entrance before taking pictures.

What are the opening hours of the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

The temple is open daily, but hours may vary. Check the current schedule before your visit. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to go.

What should I wear to visit the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting the Hutheesing Jain Temple. Remove your shoes before entering. It is customary to cover your head inside the main shrine.

What other attractions are near the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

Nearby sights include Sabarmati Ashram, Calico Museum of Textiles, Bhadra Fort, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, and Dada Harir stepwell. The Sabarmati Riverfront is also close.

Temple guide · East Ahmedabad

Hutheesing Jain Temple

Q: What is the Hutheesing Jain Temple?

It is a white marble Jain temple in Ahmedabad, built in 1848 and dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Dharmanath. It is known for its intricate carvings and peaceful courtyard.

Q: Where is the Hutheesing Jain Temple located?

It is on Shahibaug Road in Ahmedabad, about 1.6 km from Shahibaug and 2.1 km from Kalupur and Relief Road. It is 2 km from the city centre and 5.8 km from the airport.

A white marble Jain temple completed in 1848, dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Dharmanath. It stands on Shahibaug Road.

Built: 1848
Dedicated to: 15th Tirthankara Dharmanath
Architecture: White marble, Jain style
Nearest area: Shahibaug, 1.6 km

History and significance

The Hutheesing Jain Temple was built in 1848 by a wealthy Jain merchant, Hutheesing Kesarisinh, in memory of his son. The temple is dedicated to Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankara of Jainism. It is one of the most prominent Jain temples in Ahmedabad, known for its intricate white marble carvings and serene atmosphere. The temple was constructed during a period when Jain patronage of architecture flourished in Gujarat, and it remains a fine example of the craftsmanship of that era.

The temple complex includes a main shrine, a large courtyard, and a series of smaller shrines. The main sanctum houses a marble idol of Dharmanath, seated in a meditative posture. The temple's design follows traditional Jain temple architecture, with a central dome and a mandapa (pillared hall) supported by 52 intricately carved pillars. The marble work is delicate, featuring floral patterns, geometric motifs, and depictions of Jain deities. The temple also has a small museum that displays Jain manuscripts and artefacts, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of the community.

What to see

The main attraction is the white marble temple itself, with its detailed carvings and spacious courtyard. The central shrine has a large marble idol of Dharmanath, seated in meditation. The pillars in the mandapa are carved with scenes from Jain mythology and daily life. The temple also has a small museum displaying Jain manuscripts and artefacts, which is worth a brief stop. The courtyard is paved with marble and offers a calm space to sit and reflect.

Outside the main shrine, you can walk around the cloisters, which have smaller shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras. The temple complex is well maintained, with clean marble floors and a peaceful ambience. The surrounding garden area offers a quiet spot to sit and rest. Photography is allowed in the courtyard but may be restricted inside the main shrine; check the signs at the entrance. The overall atmosphere is one of serenity, making it a good place for a short break from the city's bustle.

Main shrine with marble idol of Dharmanath.
52 carved pillars in the mandapa.
Small museum with Jain manuscripts.
Cloisters with smaller shrines.
Peaceful courtyard and garden.

How to get there

The temple is on Shahibaug Road, about 1.6 km from Shahibaug and 2.1 km from Kalupur and Relief Road. It is a straight-line 2 km from the centre of Ahmedabad and 5.8 km from the airport. You can take an auto-rickshaw or app cab from anywhere in the city. The nearest metro station is on the Blue Line; check the current route map for the closest stop. From the railway station at Kalupur, it is a short auto ride of about 10 minutes.

If you are driving, there is limited street parking near the temple. The area can be busy, especially during peak hours. The temple is also accessible by AMTS or BRTS buses; get off at the Shahibaug stop and walk for about 15 minutes. For those coming from the airport, a cab is the most convenient option. The road to the temple is well paved, and the neighbourhood is residential, so the approach is straightforward.

When to go and how long to allow

The temple is open daily, but check the current opening hours before your visit. The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and the marble gleams in the soft winter light. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for avoiding crowds and for photography. The temple can be busy during Jain festivals, such as Paryushan or Mahavir Jayanti, when special ceremonies take place.

Allow about one hour for a thorough visit. If you wish to explore the museum and sit in the courtyard, you may need up to 90 minutes. The temple is not large, but the details in the carvings reward a slow pace. Combine it with other nearby sights for a half-day trip. Avoid the midday heat from March to June, as the marble can become very warm and the courtyard offers little shade.

Best months: November to February.
Avoid midday heat from March to June.
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the visit.
Check for festival crowds.

Nearby sights

The temple is close to several other attractions. Sabarmati Ashram is about 3 km away, on the west bank of the river. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Shahibaug is a short drive; note that it requires a booked guided tour. The Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza are in the old city, about 2 km south. These sites are part of the UNESCO-listed Historic City of Ahmedabad and are worth exploring on the same day.

Other nearby places include the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its stone jali windows, and the Dada Harir stepwell. The Sabarmati Riverfront is a pleasant walk or cycle ride. You can also visit the Kankaria Lake, a 15th-century lake with a garden and zoo, about 4 km away. The area around Shahibaug has many food stalls and restaurants, but remember that Gujarat is a dry state. Carry water, especially in summer.

Sabarmati Ashram (3 km).
Calico Museum of Textiles (Shahibaug).
Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza (2 km).
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (2.5 km).
Dada Harir stepwell (3 km).

Practical tips

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a place of worship. Remove your shoes before entering the temple. Photography is allowed in the courtyard but may be restricted inside the main shrine; check the signs. The temple can be crowded on weekends and during festivals, so plan accordingly. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome. You can buy small souvenirs or books at the temple shop.

The area around Shahibaug has many food stalls and restaurants, but remember that Gujarat is a dry state. Carry water, especially in summer. The temple is wheelchair accessible in the courtyard, but steps may be an issue in the main shrine. It is customary to cover your head inside the main shrine, so carry a scarf or shawl. The temple is a working place of worship, so maintain silence and respect the rituals.