A modern Digambar Jain temple in Thiruvanmiyur serving the growing Jain community in south Chennai.
History
As Chennai expanded southward, the Jain community established the Shri Adinath Digambar Jain Temple to serve families in the OMR and Thiruvanmiyur corridor. Built in the early 2000s, the temple is dedicated to Adinath (Rishabhadeva), the first Tirthankara. The temple has become a cultural anchor for the Jain families in south Chennai, hosting religious education classes, meditation sessions, and community celebrations.
Architecture
The temple is a modern structure with traditional Jain design elements. A white marble shikhara rises above the entrance, and the sanctum houses a seated marble idol of Lord Adinath. The meditation hall features minimalist design with polished stone floors and soft natural lighting, reflecting the Jain emphasis on simplicity and inner contemplation. The complex includes a Jain pathshala (religious school) and a vegetarian community kitchen.
Visiting Information
Located near Thiruvanmiyur junction, accessible by MRTS and bus. The temple is peaceful and uncrowded on most days. Mahavir Jayanti and Das Lakshan Parva are the main festivals.
Festivals
Mahavir Jayanti
March/AprilThe birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir is celebrated with abhishekam of the Adinath idol, a community procession through Thiruvanmiyur, and a vegetarian feast. Children participate in drawing and essay competitions on Jain values.
Das Lakshan Parva
August/SeptemberThe 10-day festival of virtues is the primary annual celebration. Each day focuses on one of the ten dharmas (supreme virtues), with community members reflecting on forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, and non-attachment.
Akshaya Tritiya
April/MayCommemorates the first-ever act of charity in Jain tradition, when King Shreyansha offered sugarcane juice to Lord Adinath, ending his year-long fast. The temple distributes sugarcane juice to devotees on this day.
Events & Activities
Jain Pathshala
EducationalWeekend religious education classes for children covering Jain philosophy, ethics, stories of the Tirthankaras, and the practice of non-violence, taught by community volunteers.
Meditation Sessions
SpiritualRegular Preksha Dhyana (Jain meditation) sessions held in the temple's meditation hall, open to practitioners of all backgrounds seeking mindfulness and inner peace.
Location
Explore Thiruvanmiyur
Discover more about the Thiruvanmiyur neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
Other Heritage Sites
Shri Mahavir Digambar Jain Temple
A prominent Digambar Jain temple in Chennai, serving the city's Jain community with regular worship services and cultural events.
Shri Parshwanath Swetambar Jain Temple
A historic Swetambar Jain temple in George Town, built by Jain merchants who traded in the bustling Mint Street area.