Home › Near Gujarat › Nakoda
JAIN TEMPLE · RAJASTHANNakoda
A revered Jain pilgrimage at Mevanagar, famous for its Parshvanath temple and the shrine of Nakoda Bhairav.
A great Jain pilgrimage of the desert
Nakoda, at Mevanagar in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, is one of western India’s most important Jain pilgrimage centres, built around an ancient temple to the Tirthankara Parshvanath.
It is especially famous for the shrine of Nakoda Bhairav, a guardian deity to whom pilgrims bring heartfelt prayers, and the complex is a serene expanse of carved marble and quiet devotion.
Drawing Jain families from across Gujarat and Rajasthan, Nakoda sits near Balotra and is an easy addition to a Jodhpur or Barmer route for those on a temple circuit.
The carved marble Jain temple complex at Nakoda.
Reasons to make the time
Sacred Jain tirth
A major pilgrimage to Parshvanath.
Nakoda Bhairav
A revered guardian shrine for prayers.
Marble artistry
Finely carved temple architecture.
Peaceful setting
A calm desert-edge complex.
Top sights in Nakoda
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Visit the main Parshvanath temple.
Pray at Nakoda Bhairav
Offer your prayers at the guardian shrine.
Admire the carving
Take in the marble architecture of the complex.
Walk the grounds
Enjoy the quiet, sacred atmosphere.
Stop at Balotra
Visit the nearby textile town.
When to go
Comfortable weather for this desert-edge tirth.
Cooler and greener, with occasional rain.
Very hot; keep visits to the cooler hours.
🙏 Nakoda is an active Jain tirth — dress modestly and follow temple customs, including rules on leather and photography.
Timings & entry
- The complex keeps daytime worship hours.
- Modest dress is expected; leather items are not permitted inside.
Getting there
By Air
Jodhpur is the nearest airport, around two hours away.
By Rail
Balotra is the closest railhead.
By Road
About 400 km from Ahmedabad; near Balotra off the Barmer road.
Know before you go
Nakoda FAQ
What is Nakoda famous for?
An important Jain pilgrimage at Mevanagar with an ancient Parshvanath temple and the revered shrine of Nakoda Bhairav.
Where is Nakoda?
At Mevanagar near Balotra in Barmer district, Rajasthan, about 400 km from Ahmedabad.
Why do Gujarati Jains visit Nakoda?
It is one of western India's major Jain tirths and a much-loved pilgrimage for Jain families from Gujarat.
What is the nearest town?
Balotra, about 12 km away, with Jodhpur the nearest airport and major city.
Are there temple rules?
Yes, modest dress is expected and leather items are not allowed inside the temple.
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.