A prominent Digambar Jain temple in Chennai, serving the city's Jain community with regular worship services and cultural events.
History
Chennai's Jain community, though small, has a distinguished presence dating to the medieval period when Jain merchants traded along the Coromandel Coast. The Shri Mahavir Digambar Jain Temple serves as the primary centre of Digambar Jain worship in the city. The temple was built in the mid-20th century and has been progressively expanded and renovated. It hosts the annual Mahavir Jayanti celebrations with processions and community gatherings.
Architecture
The temple features a white marble exterior with a shikhara (spire) in the North Indian Nagara style, distinct from the Dravidian temples that dominate Chennai's skyline. The inner sanctum houses a marble idol of Lord Mahavir in the padmasana (lotus) posture. The temple complex includes a meditation hall, a library of Jain philosophical texts, and a community hall used for religious discourses.
Visiting Information
Located in the Anna Nagar area. The temple is open to visitors of all faiths. Mahavir Jayanti (March/April) and Paryushana Parva (August/September) are the major festivals. Vegetarian food is served during community events.
Festivals
Mahavir Jayanti
March/AprilThe birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, is the most important Jain festival. A grand procession (rath yatra) carries an idol of Lord Mahavir through the streets, and the temple hosts special pujas, discourses, and a community feast of pure vegetarian food.
Paryushana Parva
August/SeptemberAn eight-day festival of spiritual awakening, fasting, and self-reflection. Devotees observe strict dietary restrictions, attend daily discourses on Jain philosophy, and practice forgiveness. The final day, Kshamavani (forgiveness day), sees community members asking each other for forgiveness.
Diwali
October/NovemberFor the Jain community, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha (liberation) by Lord Mahavir. The temple is illuminated with lamps, and special pujas are conducted at dawn.
Events & Activities
Jain Philosophy Discourses
SpiritualRegular discourses on Jain philosophy, ethics of non-violence (ahimsa), and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, conducted by visiting monks and scholars from across India.
Location
Explore Anna Nagar
Discover more about the Anna Nagar neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.