Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh!

The historic Hanumantal Jain Temple is located on Hanuman Taal, one of the main centres of Jabalpur in the ancient past. Originally built in the year 1686, the temple underwent renovations in the 19th century. This religious structure gained widespread importance after Acharya Shantisagar (first Digambar) visited the temple in the year 1928.

Hanumantal Temple houses a remarkable idol of Lord Adinath and several other sculptures belonging to the Kalachuri period. There are also images belonging to the Mughal, Maratha and the British era. With 22 shrines of various deities, it is reputed as the largest Jain temple in the country. The grand structure looks more like a fortress that has survived the test of time. The picturesque sight of Hanumantal Temple standing tall against the water body enthrals visitors with its charm. The main room is decorated with glasswork and contain the idol of Padmavati, the much revered Jain Goddess. No doubt, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of Jabalpurians.

The Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir is a historical monument and a place of worship in the Jain religion that is situated on the water front of a water body known as Hanuman Taal, which alternated as the city centre of Jabalpur in medieval times. Hanuman Taal was the centrifuge around which Jabalpur city grew and the Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir, established in 1686 has grown in prominence to become the largest functioning Jain temple in India presently. Built in 1686 it was renovated once in the 19th century and has stood the test of time since.

The Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir is a very unique architectural structure that stands resoundingly tall against the waterfront overlooking it, drawing a magnificent silhouette against the background like a fortress with towering structures to act as a watch tower. However in actuality it is an independent Jain temple that houses images of various Jain deities and has seen times change during changing hands of rulership over India from dynasty rule to Mughal invasion and British occupation.

The Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir has 22 shrines dedicated to various deities in Jain religious philosophy, including one sanctum which houses the shrine of Padmavati, the revered Jain goddess. The Bada Mandir holds a special status among temple in the Jain faith and it draw millions of pilgrims to its premises in celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, the largest religious festival in the Jain calendar. It is the main Jain temple in Jabalpur but devotees flock to the temple grounds from all over the state and the length and stretch of the Indian sub continent. Being vicinity of Jabalpur city, visiting Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir is not very difficult, it's well connected by road network and one can easily reach via Cab/Taxi/Buses.