About Sarnath Jain Temple
Sarnath Jain Temple, also known as Shreyanshnath Jain Temple, is a Jain temple located in Singhpur village near Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It marks the birthplace of Shreyansanatha, the 11th Jain Tirthankara. The present white-marble temple, built in the 19th century, houses an idol of Shreyansanatha and is an important pilgrimage site for Jains visiting the Sarnath Buddhist circuit.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a peaceful white-marble temple complex with ornate pillars, domes and carved interiors set in a quiet garden area in Singhpur. The main shrine houses a standing idol of Tirthankara Shreyansanatha. The surroundings are calm with open courtyards and shaded areas for prayer and meditation. The temple is located close to Sarnath's Buddhist sites and can be explored on foot within the complex.
Key highlights
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Birthplace of the 11th Jain Tirthankara Shreyansanatha
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Main shrine with idol of Shreyansanatha in white marble
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Ornate pillars, domes and traditional Jain architectural details
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Peaceful temple courtyard and garden setting in Singhpur
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Important Jain pilgrimage site within the Sarnath heritage area
History of Sarnath Jain Temple
The temple marks Singhpur, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Shreyansanatha, the 11th Jain Tirthankara. Jain tradition associates Sarnath with three other Tirthankaras as well. The present Digambar Jain temple was constructed in 1824 and has been maintained as a key Jain pilgrimage shrine in the Varanasi region.
Culture & Context
The temple is a significant pilgrimage destination for Digambar Jains and an important religious site within the Sarnath cultural landscape, which is also revered in Buddhism. It hosts Jain festivals and prayers, particularly on Mahavir Jayanti and the birth anniversary of Shreyansanatha.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, about 25 km away. Taxi and cab services connect the airport to Sarnath. |
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