Swarn Mandir Gwalior

Gwalior is known for being a stronghold of Jain pilgrimage sites, attracting visitors from all over India to visit the temples. Among them is the Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Bada Mandir, also known as the Swarn Mandir. The construction of the temple was completed in the month of Bhadon, Vikram Samvat 1761, taking nearly 45 years to achieve its full glory. The construction of the temple involved the relentless efforts, dedication, and expertise of the finest artisans, architects, and members of the Jain community at that time.

During the temple construction, around two maunds (80 kilograms) of gold were used to enhance the beauty of Swarnakala (art of gold) in the temple. The interior of the dome of the temple is adorned with gold craftsmanship and glasswork, using original gemstones and naturally prepared colors, making it extremely attractive, artistic, and visually appealing. The walls of the temple depict the five auspicious events (panch kalyanak) related to the life of the Tirthankar, using gold embossed and natural colors, portraying the Jain pilgrimage site and stories. The temple also houses a grand Saraswati Bhavan, also known as the Shastrasabha Bhavan, where 48 ancient idols (prachin Pratima), dating back 300 years, are adorned with intricate gold detailing and natural colors, portraying various scenes and Tirthankar.

In the first Vedi (altar) of the temple, the Mool Pratima (main deity’s idol) is of Shri Mahavir Bhagwan, seated in the lotus position. Along with the Mool Pratima, Shri Shantinath Bhagwan, Shri Adinath Bhagwan, Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, Shri Parshvanath bhagwan, Shri Mahavir Bhagwan, and Shri Munisuvratanath Bahgwan are also enshrined. The second Vedi houses Ratanamy Pratima. These idols are placed in silver Samavsharan, and only once a year are anointed with water.

The third Vedi houses the Mool Vedi of the temple, where the Moolnayak Pratima of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan was enshrined in the year 1861. The Garbh Grah (sanctum sanctorum) is adorned with exquisite gold workmanship all around. The fourth Vedi is the oldest Vedi of the temple. During the temple construction, all the idols were initially placed in this Vedi and later moved to other Vedi upon completion of the construction work. In the fifth Vedi, Panch Meru Parvat is enshrined. Initially, there were three Meru Parvat here, but later, inspired by Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Maharaj, additional Meru Parvat were enshrined in the Vedi. The sixth Vedi houses the idol of Shri Jinendra in the Khadgasan posture. In the seventh Vedi, all the idols are acquired from underground in Vijaypur and are exceptionally magnificent and ancient. Furthermore, the other Jain pilgrimage sites are beautifully depicted on the walls of the temple through gold leaf painting.