Nestled in the tranquil neighborhood of South Extension Part II in New Delhi lies Choti Dadabari Jain Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for followers of the Jain faith and a hidden architectural gem in the bustling heart of the capital. This serene temple, managed by Shri Jin Kushal Suri Jain Khartargachh Dadabari Trust, holds deep spiritual and historical significance. Though it may seem small in name—'Choti' meaning ‘small’—its legacy, aura, and role in Jain heritage are anything but.
Dedicated to the rich philosophical teachings and pious lifestyle of Dada Gurudev Jinachandra Suri Ji, a 12th-century Jain Acharya of the Kharatara Gaccha (a sect within the Shvetambara Jain tradition), the temple has become a sacred hub of rituals, meditation, and spiritual elevation. From mystic legends and miracles to awe-inspiring rituals, Choti Dadabari is a blend of living faith, timeless history, and intricate Jain architecture.
🏛️ Historical Significance and Origins
The Kharatara Gaccha sect has long been associated with staunch discipline, devotion, and scholarship. Choti Dadabari specifically pays homage to Dada Gurudev Jinachandra Suri Ji, revered for his spiritual achievements and efforts in spreading Jain dharma during the 12th century. His life and teachings, preserved through oral traditions and ancient manuscripts, continue to guide the rituals and spiritual practices observed at the temple.
Dadabari temples are usually established where revered Jain acharyas or saints have either visited, preached, attained samadhi, or performed some spiritually significant act. The Delhi Choti Dadabari follows this tradition, making it a sacred location that connects modern spiritual seekers with their historical roots.
🏗️ Architectural Elegance
The temple’s architecture is a blend of ancient Jain motifs with subtle contemporary design elements. The marble façade, with its polished and carved reliefs, is adorned with celestial dancers, musicians, and intricate geometric patterns. The temple opens through a majestic entrance flanked by symbolic white marble elephants, representing spiritual strength and purity.
Inside the sanctum (Garbha Griha), the main deity is Lord Dharmanatha, the 15th Tirthankara, alongside idols of Lord Shantinatha and Lord Neminatha. The idol chamber (also called Gambhara) exudes sanctity and calm, with gentle lighting and fragrant incense enhancing the divine ambiance.
A rare and sacred attraction is the Charan Paduka—a marble slab depicting the footprints of Dada Gurudev—believed to hold immense spiritual energy.
🧿 Mystical Elements and the "Miracle of the Saffron Water"
In 2014, the temple drew nationwide attention due to a mystical phenomenon where saffron-colored water began oozing from the sacred Charan Paduka. Thousands flocked to witness what was widely perceived as a divine miracle. For the Jain community and spiritual seekers, it was a moment of reaffirmation—a symbol of divine presence and blessings of Dada Gurudev. The temple's tranquil environment was charged with emotion, prayer, and faith during this period.
🕉️ Puja, Rituals, and Aarti
The temple maintains a rich tradition of daily and festival-based rituals rooted in Jain Agamas (scriptures). Some key devotional practices include:
Manglik and Snatra Puja: Morning rituals performed with sacred water, sandalwood paste, flowers, and rice grains offered to the idols.
Aarti (Light Ceremony): Held twice daily—morning and evening—with devotees singing Jain stutis (hymns) and waving camphor flames.
Abhishek (Holy Bathing of Idols): Special abhisheks are conducted on Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti, and during Chaturmas, when spiritual activities intensify.
Meditation and Pratikraman: Devotees engage in reflective practices, especially during Paryushan, to seek forgiveness and self-purification.
Satsangs and Pravachans: The temple hosts regular spiritual discourses by Jain monks and scholars, drawing a devoted audience from across the NCR region.
🌼 Jain Festivals Celebrated
Several major Jain festivals are celebrated at Choti Dadabari with grandeur:
Paryushan Mahaparv: The most sacred Jain festival, observed with fasting, scriptural study, meditation, and Samvatsari Pratikraman.
Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrating the birth of the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira, with grand processions (rath yatras), temple decoration, and community service.
Kartik Purnima & Paush Dashmi: Observed with special pujas, bhakti bhav, and religious talks, emphasizing detachment and spiritual austerity.
Diwali (Jain New Year): Marks the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira and the beginning of the Jain calendar year. Lamps are lit in the temple to signify inner awakening.
📿 Devotee Life and Community
The temple is a spiritual anchor for thousands of Jain families in Delhi NCR, especially those from the Khartargachh lineage. Devotees often describe the temple as a source of inner peace, offering clarity and direction in a chaotic world.
The trust regularly organizes:
Ayambil Tapas (fasting retreats)
Diksha functions (initiation into monkhood)
Seva programs (charity, food drives)
Tirth Darshan Yatras (pilgrimages)
The Gurudev Jin Kushal Suri Trust ensures the upkeep of the temple and the continuation of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities aligned with Jain ethics.
📍 Travel and Visit Information
Location: 248, Masjid Moth Road, South Extension II, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
Landmark: Opposite Ansal Plaza, easily accessible by road and metro
Nearest Metro Station: AIIMS (Yellow Line)
Dress Code: Modest traditional clothing required. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and tight dresses are not permitted.
Entry Guidelines: Devotees wishing to enter the inner sanctum (Gambhara) must take a ritual bath and wear puja-specific clothes (panch-kalyanak vastra or traditional dhoti/saree).
🗣️ Language and Cultural Practices
The temple services are often conducted in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Gujarati, catering to a wide demographic of Jain followers. Satsangs and discourses often include pravachans (sermons) delivered by visiting monks and nuns (sadhus and sadhvis), sometimes hosted in the temple courtyard under tents to accommodate large gatherings.
🪔 A Living Testament of Jain Dharma
Choti Dadabari Jain Temple is more than just a religious structure—it is a living testament to the teachings of Jain Acharyas, a space where the past meets the present, and faith meets architecture. In the fast-paced life of Delhi, the temple offers a sanctuary of silence, self-reflection, and spiritual fulfillment.
Its mystical stories, sacred traditions, detailed rituals, and ever-present aura of Dada Gurudev make it one of the most respected and spiritually powerful Jain temples in northern India. For every devotee, seeker, or curious traveler, a visit to Choti Dadabari is a journey inward—to the self, to simplicity, and to the eternal truths of Jainism.
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