Chulgiri Atishaya Kshetra or Chulgiri Jain Temple is a well-known Jain temple in Jaipur. Perched atop the edge of a mountain that is part of Jhalana Leopard Safari, it offers panoramic views overlooking the Jaipur Agra highway. Among the most popular Jain temples in Jaipur are the Chulgiri Jain Temple, Sanganer Jain Temples, and Arihant Vatika Shwetamber Jain Temple. While Sanganer Jain temple is one of the oldest among these three, Chulgiri is well-known as Digamber Jain Thirth. There are no pictures of idols or Tithankars in this Chulgiri Jain Temple blog; it is aligned with the rules stipulated by the temple management.

All You Need to Know about Atishaya Kshetra Chulgiri Jain Temple Jaipur

Digamber Jains refer to specific terms to identify important Jain temples and sites of religious importance. Thirth Kshetra, Siddha Kshetra, Purana Kshetra, and Atishaya Kshetra. What is the difference between these Kshetras? These can be explained as follows. Thirth Kshetra is a place associated with Panch Kalayanak of Tirthankars. Siddha Kshetra refers to a place where Tirthankars attained enlightenment and became Kevali; some also associate it with attaining nirvana. Atishaya Kshetra is associated with a divine or extraordinary event associated with either a temple, idol, or saints. Likewise, Puarana Kshetra and Gyan Kshetra are additionally used. Chulgiri Jaipur is considered Atishaya Kshetra. The popular opinion is that a Digamber Jain Muni lost his eyesight; his “Sadhana” at Chulgiri restored his vision. The region was referred to as Khaniya in the old days. The Chulgiri temple is situated on a 400-foot-high mountain.

History of Chulgiri Jain Temple

Acharyaratan Deshbhujan Ji inspired the laying of the foundation of Chulgiri Atishaya Kshetra in 1953 with the ceremony of Panch Kalayanak; the name for the place was coined, Chulgiri.

Jain Tirthankar Idols

In 1966, under the patronage of Acharyaratan Deshbhujan Ji, a seven-foot-high “Shyam Varna Khadgasan” idol of Shri Parshwanath was consecrated. Two idols of Shri Mahavir and Shri Neminath Tirthankar were also consecrated in the same hall.

Idols of all 24 Jain Tirthankar, Gandhars, and Kundukucharya “Charan” in white marble can also be found in the courtyard. An enclosure with an idol of Padmavati Devi can be located on the right side of the entrance.

In the basement of the temple called Jinalaya, one can have “Darshan” of idols of 24 Jain Tirthankars. This part of the temple is 40 by 10 feet in dimension and constructed completely with white marble.

In 1982, a large idol of the Tirthankar Mahavir was installed in the rear part of the Chulgiri temple in a courtyard. Made completely out of white marble, the idol is around 20 feet tall. It might remind some of you of the Bahubali statute in Sharavanbelgola, Karnataka; it is 57 feet tall and made of granite. Both are Khadgasan statues.

Facilities At Chulgiri

Chulgiri Mandir has a Jain Dharamshala for Jain Tirth Yatris as well as a Bhojanshala or canteen to facilitate the Teerth Yatris. Jain Dharamshala is usually part of a Jain Tirth. A light breakfast usually Poha and Chai is available at 8 am in the Chulgiri canteen.

How to reach Chulgiri Jain Temple

Chulgiri Jain Temple is situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from the heart of Jaipur city like the Walled City. One can reach the Chulgiri temple Atishaya Kshetra using either of two roads; first one via the historic Ghat Ki Guni road through the Vidhyadar Ka Bagh and Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh or through the Ghat Ki Guni Tunnel.

Read Ghat Ki Guni | In a class of its own

Upon reaching the base of Chulgiri Jain temple mountain, one can either climb the stairs or use the road meant for cars.

Chulgiri Temple stairs

Chulgiri Temple stairs are close to 1000 in number. I reached the Chulgiri temple on top of the hill using stairs in 20 minutes. 30-40 minutes is the norm for an average person to cover 1000 steps ascend of Chulgiri hills.

Chulgiri Temple Road

One can either walk or drive through the road that traverses a distance of 4 km from the base of the Chulgiri mountain to the Chulgiri Atishaya Kshetra. It is a motorable road. The temple management has ensured the road is in excellent condition at all times.

Timing

Chulgiri Jain Temple can be visited from sunrise to sunset. Of course, it is best to visit this temple during the morning hours.

Important information about Chulgiri Jain Temple Atishaya Kshetra

• Chulgiri is a pilgrim and religious site and the management strives diligently to maintain its sanctity. Over the last few years, a massive crowd would flock to Chulgiri Jain Temple to witness the sunrise. To avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims and people who meditate, the temple authorities now restrict the influx of people. Only Jain Yatris are currently allowed to ensure peace and sanctity are maintained. Temple is meant for a specific purpose and we must respect the same. There are many other places where one can witness the sunrise. Here is the list of sunrise points in Jaipur- Local’s guide to the best sunrise places in Jaipur. The information boards effectively explain the same.

• Women and men must dress appropriately and conservatively as expected when entering a Jain temple. Women must cover their heads.

• It is a norm that Yatris take a bath before visiting the temple

• Lockers are available near the entrance to store valuables and mobile phones.

• Parking for cars and bikes is available and well-marked.

• Chulgiri Atishaya Kshetra falls is the Jhalana Leopard Safari area. Leopards are frequently sighted here as well as in the vicinity. Many years ago, before the Jhalana Leopard Safari started, I did an extended trek in Jaipur with a forest officer. The trek started at the Shikaar Audhi in Jhalana and ended at Chulgiri Temple. Both these places are on either end of the same mountain and are part of Aravali Hills. The trail was unmarked; it is impossible to attempt the same currently because of the formation of the Jhalana Leopard Safari rules and regulations. The risk of running into a leopard is much higher now in comparison to a few years ago; there is a rapid rise in leopard numbers in the Jhalana Leopard safari. Here is a picture from that trek.

Chulgiri Jain Temple is a pristine Jain pilgrim site in Jaipur as well as Rajasthan. This Atishaya Kshetra is one of the most visited Digamber Jain Teerth in the region. Other important Digamber Jain Teerth in Rajasthan are as follows:

• Shri Aadinath Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Chandkheri, Kota
• Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Vagolaji, Banswara
• Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Shri Mahaveerji, Karauli
• Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Shri Padampura(Baada)

The Chulgiri temple management is very effective and efficient in its upkeep and improvement of Chulgiri Atishaya Kshetra. I highly recommend visiting Chulgiri to followers of Jainism.