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JAIN TEMPLEHutheesing Temple
A serene masterpiece in white marble — the city's finest Jain temple, raised by a merchant family in 1848.
White marble, carved like lace
Set behind a quiet gate north-east of the old city, the Hutheesing temple is Ahmedabad’s most beautiful Jain shrine — a composition in white marble dedicated to Dharmanath, the fifteenth Tirthankara. A paved courtyard ringed by 52 small shrines surrounds the central temple, every surface carved with figures, flowers and fine geometric bands.
It was built in 1848 by the wealthy merchant Sheth Hutheesing and completed, after his early death, by his widow Harkunvar — reputedly as famine relief, giving work to hundreds of craftsmen.
A tall, ornate Manastambha (column of honour), added in 1903 and inspired by the tower at Chittorgarh, rises just outside, completing one of Gujarat’s loveliest temple ensembles.
Every pillar and bracket worked in fine relief.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
The temple as drawn by 19th-century visitors.
Sheth Kesarisinh Hutheesing commissions the temple; he dies before it is finished.
His widow Harkunvar completes it, reputedly employing famine-struck craftsmen.
The 52-foot Manastambha, inspired by Chittorgarh's tower, is added outside the gate.
Cared for by the Hutheesing family trust and admired as a marble masterpiece.
Reasons to make the time
Marble artistry
Carving so fine it reads like lacework across pillars, domes and brackets.
The Manastambha
An ornate column of honour modelled on the famous tower at Chittorgarh.
Calm & free
A peaceful, ticket-free courtyard away from the city's bustle.
Living faith
An active Jain shrine with daily ritual and quiet devotion.
A photographer's dream
White marble and deep-cut shadow reward patient, respectful framing.
52 shrines
A ring of small marble shrines encircles the central temple.
What to look for inside
The marble shrine
The white-marble central temple and its courtyard.
Carved pillars
Figures, flowers and fine geometric relief.
An early view
How visitors saw it in the 19th century.
How to spend an hour or two
Circle the courtyard
Walk the ring of 52 shrines that frames the central temple.
Study the carving
Look closely at the pillars and ceilings — the detail rewards slow eyes.
See the Manastambha
Step outside the gate for the tall, ornate column of honour.
Watch the light
Marble glows softly in morning and late-afternoon sun.
Observe the ritual
If you visit at prayer time, watch quietly and respectfully.
Read the story
Learn how a widow completed her husband's vision as famine relief.
Domes, pillars and brackets in carved white marble.
A Jain temple in flawless marble
Built entirely of imported white marble, the temple follows the classic Jain plan: a richly carved central shrine, a domed assembly hall on intricately worked pillars, and a surrounding cloister of 52 devakulikas (subsidiary shrines). The carving blends figural panels, lotus medallions and crisp geometric bands, all cut in shallow, confident relief.
The later Manastambha outside the gate adds a vertical flourish — a slender, many-tiered column covered in sculpture. Together they show 19th-century Gujarati craftsmanship at its absolute peak, carrying forward a temple-building tradition centuries old.
Imported white marble throughout
52 surrounding shrines
Domed, pillared assembly hall
1903 Manastambha column
When to go
Cool and bright — the most pleasant time to be out across Ahmedabad.
The city greens up and the heat breaks with brief, refreshing showers.
Hot and dry, often 40°C+. Best enjoyed early morning or after sunset.
⏰ Come mid-morning or late afternoon, when low sun warms the marble and the courtyard is quiet.
Timings & entry
- Open daily through the day for visitors
- Remove footwear and any leather items before entering
- Dress modestly out of respect for worshippers
- A calm 30–45 minute visit is ideal
- No entry fee to visit the temple
- Photography may be restricted inside the shrine — ask first
- Maintain silence near the central altar
- Menstruating women are traditionally asked not to enter the inner shrine
Getting there
By Air
SVP International Airport is about 8 km away — roughly a 20-minute cab ride.
By Rail
Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) is around 2 km from the temple.
By Road
It sits near Delhi Darwaza; autos and app-cabs reach it easily.
Shooting the temple
MARBLE & LIGHT
White stone, deep shadow and intricate relief
Best light
Soft morning or late-afternoon sun gives the marble warmth and depth.
What to shoot
Pillar carvings, the domed ceiling, the shrine ring and the Manastambha.
Be respectful
Ask before shooting inside; never photograph people at prayer.
Mind the white
Expose for the bright marble so the carved detail doesn't wash out.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Manek Chowk
By night the old jewellers' square turns into a buzzing street-food bazaar.
Law Garden Khau Galli
An evening lane of carts serving Gujarati chaat, sandwiches and sweets.
Old City stalls
Fresh fafda-jalebi, dabeli and khaman in the lanes of the walled city.
A vegetarian city
Ahmedabad is famously veg-friendly — expect superb thalis and farsan.
Hutheesing Temple FAQ
Where is the Hutheesing Temple?
In the Bardolpura area of north-east Ahmedabad, near Delhi Darwaza, about 2 km from the railway station.
Who built it?
The merchant Sheth Hutheesing began it in 1848; his widow Harkunvar completed it.
Which deity is it dedicated to?
Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jain Tirthankara.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free.
What are the timings?
It is generally open through the day, roughly 10 AM to 6 PM.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing; you must remove shoes and leather items before entering.
Can I take photos?
Outdoor photography is usually fine; ask before shooting inside the shrine.
What is the Manastambha?
A 52-foot ornate 'column of honour' added in 1903, inspired by Chittorgarh's tower.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I get there?
It's near Delhi Darwaza, ~2 km from Ahmedabad Junction; autos and cabs reach it easily.
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