 Built under the administration of the ‘Cotton King’ – Seth Hukumchand Jain, a prominent trader and leader of the Jain community for over 50 years, the Hukumchand Jain Temple is an elegant white stone temple. The temple was built in the 20th century and is primarily a Jain Temple as the name suggests and is a wonder in glass.This is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira which defines the influence of Jainism in Indore.
Architecture of Hukumchand Jain Temple Having few similarities with the dazzling Sheesh Mahal in Amber Fort of Rajasthan, the Hukumchand Jain Temple is also an exemplary unique masterpiece. The temple is built adjacent to one of Hukumchand’s mansion at Itwaria Bazar. The temple is designed as an old medieval Jain mansion on the outside, which has a canopy balcony and a shikara. The interior of the temple is entirely covered by multi-coloured glass and mirrors and has mosaics including the floor, columns, walls and the ceilings. Hukumchand had hired skilled craftsmen from Jaipur as well as Iran to work on the temple. The inner sanctum or the Garbhagriha of the temple houses the idols of the Jain Tirthankaras which are flanked by mirrors on both sides, thus creating an optical illusion where their images can be seen in the mirror infinite times. The charisma of the temple is further intensified with the delicately crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers. The temple boasts of more than 50 murals depicting Jain stories and jain concepts like ashta-karma, sapta-vyasan etc. They also show Samhorshan or the preaching hall of Lord Jina and depict scenes of conversion to Jainism, torture of sinners in the afterlife and 19thcentury court life. The uniqueness of the temple arises from the fact that it is too showy and extravagant to a shrine of a religion which advocates simple living. The colourful glass beads and raised sculptures gives a 3D effect to the temple. The idol of Lord Mahavira, who is the founder of Jainism, is made from a shimmering black onyx. The temple is a place of interest and attraction for both the Jain pilgrims as well as tourists. Visiting Information on Hukumchand Jain Temple The nearest railway station from the temple is the Indore Junction, which is at a mere distance of about 3 km. The Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is the nearest to the Hukumchand Jain Temple at a distance of about 6 km. |
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Hukumchand Jain Temple
| Also known as Kanchka Mandir, the Hukumchand Jain Temple is an architectural glass marvel dedicated to Lord Mahavira. |
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