72 Jinalaya Jain Temple: A Marble Marvel
My recent stay at White Sands Bay in Mandvi included two must-see attractions: the Vijaya Vilas Palace, the summer residence of the Maharao of Kutch, and the breathtaking 72 Jinalaya Jain Temple on the Bhuj – Mandvi main road. Located roughly 12 kilometres (a scenic 20-minute drive) from the resort, 72 Jinalaya stood out even among the many remarkable Jain temples I’ve visited in Gujarat, including Shree Girnar Tirth, Shantinath, Palitana, Mahudi Temple, and Songadh Tirtha.
The first hint of the temple’s grandeur came from the parking lot, where its immaculate white marble facade gleamed in the sun. But the true spectacle unfolded upon entering – a breathtaking display of architectural artistry that promised an unforgettable experience. Joining me on this exploration were my guide, Shanker, and my driver, Vijay. Their expertise proved invaluable throughout the visit, as they illuminated the temple’s rich history and architectural intricacies at every turn.
My acquainted guide, Shanker, explained that the temple complex is known locally as “Bauter Jinalaya,” a colloquial term derived from “Bahattar Jinalay,” which translates to “72 Jinalaya” in Hindi. Shanker further elaborated that the full name is “Adishwar Bauter Jinalay Mahatirth.” Vijay, my driver, was eager to point out the architectural marvels. “The intricate white marble work beautifying the walls, pillars, and the inner domes – these are just some of the hallmarks of this temple,” he enthused. He also mentioned the presence of a 72 Deris dedicated to Lord Mahavir within the complex. Outside the main temple stood a structure built from red stone. As I entered the main complex, I noticed several shrines adorned with murals depicting Jain deities. A flight of steps then led me into the heart of the main temple.
Spanning an impressive 80 acres, the 72 Jinalaya complex unfolds in a unique layout. Seventy-two individual shrines, each crafted from white marble in an octagonal design, surround a central temple building. Vijay, my driver, informed me that the central structure pays homage to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. “These 72 surrounding shrines,” he elaborated, “are dedicated to other Tirthankaras and feature idols from various Jain pilgrimage sites across India.” The intricate details and artistry embellishing the white marble were truly awe-inspiring. Construction on the complex began in 1982, and according to Shanker, my guide, some of the intricate work remains ongoing. He shared that some of the artisans have dedicated over two decades to the carvings, meticulously passing on their skills and intricate techniques to younger generations who continue the work with the same dedication.
Our exploration continued within the main complex. Shanker, my guide, emphasized the temple’s significance to Jains, explaining it was built in memory of Gun Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj. He also noted the presence of on-site accommodations in the “Dharmshala” and a large dining facility called the “Bhojanalaya.” Meanwhile, Vijay, with his local knowledge, chimed in with additional details. He reiterated the presence of 72 Deris dedicated to Lord Mahavir within the complex. He also highlighted the architectural marvels, pointing out the intricate carvings on the dividers and columns, the stunning work adorning the inner domes, and other captivating features of these shrines. He further mentioned and showed me the main sanctum sanctorum, which houses a towering 6-foot idol of Adiswar Bhagwan.
Our visit was conducted with a sense of reverence, as temple staff politely requested silence and a refrain from videography. This tranquillity underscored the sacred nature of the site. For those seeking a more immersive Jain experience, Shantinath Jain Ashram lies in close proximity to 72 Jinalaya. The Ashram offers additional facilities such as Jain Vadi (a rest house for Jain pilgrims), Pathshala (a religious school), and Upashraya (a place for religious austerities).
Address: 72 Jinalaya, Talwana Village, Mandvi Taluka, Kutch
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
While 72 Jinalaya is undoubtedly a highlight, a visit to Mandvi itself should not be missed. The city boasts a wealth of attractions, including the serene Topansar Lake, the historic Rukmavati Bridge, the scenic wind farm beach, the vibrant Bandhank Bazaar showcasing Kutchi handicrafts, the fascinating shipbuilding yard, and the iconic lighthouse. Reaching Mandvi is a breeze – ST buses and jeeps depart from Bhuj’s central transportation area roughly every 30 minutes. For exploring the local area, rental cars can be readily hired in Mandvi itself.
