Hutheesing Jain Temple

The Hutheesing Jain Temple stands on Delhi Darwaja Road in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a short walk from Delhi Darwaja. It is dedicated to Dharmanatha, the fifteenth tirthankara, and was completed in 1848 by the merchant Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh. Built in white marble, the temple is entered through a carved gateway into a large courtyard. In the centre stands the main sanctuary with its domed mandapa, surrounded by fifty-two subsidiary shrines set into a cloistered corridor, each holding a seated tirthankara image. A tall Manastambh, or pillar of honour, rises in the courtyard in front of the sanctuary. The temple follows the Maru-Gurjara tradition of western India, and its surfaces are covered in dense carving. Ceilings, pillars, brackets and doorways show floral patterns, dancing figures, celestial musicians and geometric bands. The intricate ceiling of the main hall, with concentric rings of carved marble, is a frequent photographic subject. Visitors spend their time walking the cloister, studying the shrine images and watching devotees perform worship. Darshan runs roughly from 5:30AM to 7:30PM daily, and visits typically take 45 to 60 minutes. Entry is free. Because it is an active place of worship, visitors dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered and remove shoes at the entrance. Leather items and, in some Jain temples, certain other articles may be restricted, so visitors should follow the instructions on signs. Mornings are calm and offer soft light, while festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan bring large crowds. Photography rules can vary in the sanctum, so visitors should ask before taking pictures inside. The temple is about five minutes on foot from Delhi Darwaja and close to the Calico Museum.