Location | Bikaner

Highlights & Special Significance

The Ghee Legend	According to local lore, the temple was constructed using an astonishing 40,000 kilograms of clarified butter (ghee) instead of water in the mortar, a testament to the founder’s immense wealth and profound devotion. Locals even suggest the ghee still oozes from the walls on extremely hot days.
Artistic “Jewel Box” Interior	The temple’s interior is a stunning kaleidoscope of color, earning it the moniker of a “jewel box” of art. Virtually every surface—walls, pillars, and ceilings—is covered in intricate frescoes, leaf paintings, and exquisite mirrorwork (known as usta art).
Stunning Frescoes	The vibrant wall paintings depict scenes from Jain mythology, including detailed illustrations of the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, floral motifs, and geometric designs, all enhanced by gold leaf embossing that glitters under the light.
Panoramic City Views	The upper floors of the temple offer breathtaking, commanding views of the old Bikaner city skyline, providing a fantastic photo opportunity.

Architecture and Design

The temple is a prime example of the North Indian Nagara style of temple architecture, blended with local Rajputana influences.

• Structure: It is a towering, three-storied structure predominantly built from red sandstone and white marble.
• The Sanctum: The ground floor houses the main sanctum (garbhagriha), where a beautiful white marble idol of Lord Sumatinath rests on a silver throne. The structure is built on a Pancha Ratha (five projection) ground plan.
• Detailed Carvings: The red sandstone walls and pillars are adorned with intricate yellow-stone carvings featuring floral arabesques and sculpted figures.
• Multi-Spired Shikhara: The superstructure features a tall, multi-spired tower (shikhara), a distinctive element of the Shekhari style, adding to the temple’s grandeur.

History & Dedication

• Dedicated to: Lord Sumatinath, the 5th Jain Tirthankara.
• Founder: Commissioned by a wealthy Jain merchant named Seth Bhandasa Oswal.
• Construction Period: Construction began in 1468 AD and was finally completed after the founder’s death, around 1514 AD.
• Legacy: As one of Bikaner’s oldest and most historically significant Jain temples, it remains an enduring symbol of the Svetambara Jain faith and the merchant community’s patronage of the arts. It is currently a National Protected Monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Visitor Information

Location	Bada Bazaar area, Old City, Bikaner, Rajasthan (near the Lakshminath Temple)
Entry Fee	Free
Timings	0500 hrs to 1300 hrs & 1730 hrs to 2330 hrs (daily)
Best Time To Visit	October to March
Visitor Tip	As a place of worship, visitors are required to remove all leather items (shoes, belts, bags, etc.) before entering the temple premises. Photography is generally allowed.