Mahila Samaj Digambar Jain Temple, Satghara
The temple holds a special place among Jain devotees, notably for its unique history of being managed by a women’s society, earning it the name Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple Mahila Samaj.
All religious functions and rituals at the Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple are managed by the local Jain community and temple devotees, independently from other Jain Panchayat committees in Chandni Chowk. The current temple is managed by an appointment manager, who ensures the smooth operation of temple activities with the support of the local community. The name is as follows:
Introduction
Located in the historic and culturally rich Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple in Satghara, Dharampura, stands as an ancient and revered religious site, over 125 years old.
“The temple holds a special place among Jain devotees, notably for its unique history of being managed by a women’s society, earning it the name Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple Mahila Samaj.”
A prominent woman from this society, who managed the temple, later embraced Jain asceticism and became a Sadhvi. After her passing, a new management committee was formed, currently led by Shri Pradeep Kumar Jain, the temple's manager. Women continue to play a significant role in the temple's religious activities, preserving its rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Shri Pradeep Kumar Jain shares that the area was originally home to seven Jain families, giving it the name ‘Satghara’ (meaning seven homes). Over time, some families moved away, leaving only three to four Jain families in the vicinity today. The temple was initially established as a Chaityalaya in 1903 and was later redeveloped into a Shikarbandh temple in 1940. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a beautifully crafted Maan Stambh, symbolizing the temple’s spiritual significance. The temple houses five Vedis (altars), with the main Vedi dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan, whose idol is carved from black stone in the Padmasana posture. Additional idols include those of Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, Shri Neminath Bhagwan, Shri Shantinath Bhagwan, and Shri Mahavir Bhagwan, all intricately carved from stone. The temple also features a Choubisi made of silver, idols of the 24 past Tirthankars adorned with precious gems, and other ancient idols, creating a mesmerizing spiritual experience. The walls are adorned with exquisite Jain paintings, crafted using gemstone dust and gold, adding vibrancy and grandeur.
Jain Samaj
Part of a cluster of 11 Jain temples in Chandni Chowk, Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple is easily accessible near Vijay Goel’s Haveli and close to the iconic Jama Masjid. It showcases classic Digambar Jain architecture with serene ambiance, drawing around 25-30 daily visitors. Regular rituals like Abhishek and Shantidhara are performed by dedicated community members including Shri Vivek Jain, Shri Monu Jain, Shri Atul Jain, Shri Manoj Jain, Shri Vikrant Jain, and Shri Akshat Jain. Women actively participate in all temple activities, including religious rituals, decoration, and preparation of Nirvan Laddoos. Major Jain festivals, especially the birth and Nirvana Kalyanaks of the 24 Tirthankars, are celebrated with great devotion.
History
Delhi, India's capital, is a hub of historical, political, and cultural significance. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, its ancient roots trace back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Delhi evolved as a prominent political and commercial center during the Delhi Sultanate and is home to numerous historical monuments such as the Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and India Gate. It also boasts revered religious sites like the Birla Mandir, Akshardham Temple, and Jama Masjid, making it a vibrant blend of ancient heritage and modernity.
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All religious functions and rituals at the Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple are managed by the local Jain community and temple devotees, independently from other Jain Panchayat committees in Chandni Chowk. The current temple is managed by an appointment manager, who ensures the smooth operation of temple activities with the support of the local community. The name is as follows: