Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple
The Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple, also known as Mata Shri Chakreshvari Devi Jain Tirth, is an ancient Jain temple believed to be over a thousand years old, dedicated to Goddess Chakreshwari: The Goddess is revered as the Shasan Devi (governing deity) or Adishthanayak Devi of the first Jain Tir thankara, Lord Adinath: The temple is located in Attewali village near Sirhind: The temple's inception is linked to a fascinating legend: A caravan of Jain pilgrims carrying the idol of Mata Chakreshwari Devi from Rajasthan to a temple in Kangra halted here for the night: The next morning, the bullock cart carrying the idol miraculously refused to move: A celestial voice (Aakashvani) proclaimed: “Let this be my place of abode”: To address the devotees' concern about the barren land's lack of water, the Goddess guided them to a spot where digging yielded a permanent and abundant source of water, which is now the sacred Tank: The water from this Tank is considered as holy as the River Ganga: The temple is also significant to the Sikh community as Diwan Todar Mal, the famous merchant who purchased the cremation ground for the younger Sahibzadas, was an ardent devotee of Mata Chakreshwari Devi: The temple today is a full-fledged pilgrim destination with boarding and lodging facilities:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour for Darshan and Reflection: 2-3 Hours including Lunch/Langar (Food) and Complex Tour:Place Type:
Jain Pilgrim Site:
Ancient Temple: ReligiousEntry Fees:
Entry Fee (Free):
No Entry Fee for Devotees: There is generally no entry fee to visit the Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple: It is a place of worship and pilgrimage, and access is free for all visitors and devotees:
Read MoreEntry Fee (Free):
No Entry Fee for Devotees: There is generally no entry fee to visit the Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple: It is a place of worship and pilgrimage, and access is free for all visitors and devotees:
Donations (Seva): The complex is run on voluntary donations (Seva) from the Jain community and pilgrims: These funds are used for the maintenance of the complex, the Dharamshala (lodging), and the communal food service (Bhojan):
Facilities Charges: While entry is free, a nominal charge or donation may be requested for using the boarding and lodging facilities (Dharamshala) for an overnight stay:Timing:
Regular Timings (Daily): The temple is typically open from 6:00 AM to 8:
00 PM daily: The kitchen and food service hours may be restricted, so check locally if you plan to partake in the Bhojan:
Ideal Visit Time:Regular Timings (Daily): The temple is typically open from 6:00 AM to 8:
00 PM daily: The kitchen and food service hours may be restricted, so check locally if you plan to partake in the Bhojan:
Ideal Visit Time: Early mornings (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) are the most peaceful and spiritually charged, ideal for uninterrupted prayer and reflection: The late afternoon is also good for a leisurely visit:
Special Festival Timings: During the annual Fair in October/November, the temple remains open for extended hours, sometimes well into the night, to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims:
Expect heavy crowds during these times:Special Events:
Annual Three-Day Fair (Mela): The most important special event is the annual three-day fair held immediately after Dussehra (Vijayadashami), usually in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November): This fair attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across India and th...Annual Three-Day Fair (Mela): The most important special event is the annual three-day fair held immediately after Dussehra (Vijayadashami), usually in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November): This fair attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across India and the world: The event features religious discourses, special rituals, community meals, and a generally festive atmosphere:
Jain Calendar Festivals: The temple observes all major Jain festivals, including Mahavir Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, usually in March/April), Paryushan Parva (annual period of atonement), and Diwali (Jain New Year), with special prayers, processions, and community programs:Best Photo Spots:
The Sacred Tank's Water and Reflection: The Tank, especially in the morning or late afternoon light, offers a beautiful reflective surface, perfect for capturing the shrine's dome and the sky: Wait for a calm water surface for the best mirror effect:
Read MoreThe Sacred Tank's Water and Reflection: The Tank, especially in the morning or late afternoon light, offers a beautiful reflective surface, perfect for capturing the shrine's dome and the sky: Wait for a calm water surface for the best mirror effect:
The Intricate Glasswork Wall: The detailed interior wall featuring glasswork is a fantastic spot for colorful, close-up photography, especially when illuminated: Use a flash or high ISO to capture the detail in the low-light interior:
The Main Entrance Gopuram/Shikhar: The main entrance structure (or Shikhar of the temple) often features bright colors and intricate modern carvings, offering a grand, high-contrast photo opportunity against the blue sky:
Shoot from a low angle for a dramatic perspective:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Perform Darshan and Offer Prayers: The main activity is to seek the blessings (Darshan) of Mata Chakreshwari Devi and offer prayers and rituals as per Jain tradition:
Arrive early for a peaceful darshan:
Partake in Bhojan/Langar: The temple complex offers excellent facilities, including meals (often in the form of Bhojan or communal meals/Langar) for pilgrims: Partaking in the communal meal is a great way to experience the community spirit:
Collect Sacred Water from the Tank: Devotees can collect the sacred water from the Tank, which is believed to be highly purifying and carries healing properties:
Bring a small container:
View the Glasswork and Newer Shrines: Spend time appreciating the detailed gla...Perform Darshan and Offer Prayers: The main activity is to seek the blessings (Darshan) of Mata Chakreshwari Devi and offer prayers and rituals as per Jain tradition:
Arrive early for a peaceful darshan:
Partake in Bhojan/Langar: The temple complex offers excellent facilities, including meals (often in the form of Bhojan or communal meals/Langar) for pilgrims: Partaking in the communal meal is a great way to experience the community spirit:
Collect Sacred Water from the Tank: Devotees can collect the sacred water from the Tank, which is believed to be highly purifying and carries healing properties:
Bring a small container:
View the Glasswork and Newer Shrines: Spend time appreciating the detailed glasswork depicting the Goddess's life and the architecture of the newer shrines, including the upcoming Lord Aadinath temple:
The intricate carvings are worth a close look:
Explore the Lodging Facilities: If planning an overnight stay, inspect the clean and comfortable Dharamshala (lodging) facilities provided for pilgrims and appreciate the community efforts behind them:
Attend the Annual Fair: If visiting during the three-day annual fair after Dussehra (usually in October or November), participate in the religious functions, processions, and the large gathering of pilgrims:
The atmosphere is highly festive:
Quiet Meditation and Reflection: The peaceful environment, especially near the Tank or in the smaller, quiet corners of the complex, is ideal for quiet meditation and spiritual reflection:
The entire complex encourages inner peace:
Information
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Why Famous:
The Site of a Divine Miracle and Aakashvani: The temple's primary fame rests on the legend of the immovable idol and the subsequent Aakashvani (celestial announcement) that declared the spot as the Goddess's chosen abode: This miracle is the foundation of its sanctity and dr...The Site of a Divine Miracle and Aakashvani: The temple's primary fame rests on the legend of the immovable idol and the subsequent Aakashvani (celestial announcement) that declared the spot as the Goddess's chosen abode: This miracle is the foundation of its sanctity and draws pilgrims seeking divine blessings:
Holy Water Tank of Ganga Equivalency: The water of the temple’s sacred Tank is believed by devotees to be as holy as the Ganga River, a major attraction for those seeking purification and to carry the sacred water home: This belief amplifies the site's spiritual importance beyond the local region:
Historical Patronage by Diwan Todar Mal: The connection to Diwan Todar Mal, a revered figure in Sikh history, elevates the temple’s secular significance and makes it a point of interest for both Jain and Sikh devotees: -
Architecture:
Architectural Evolution from Ancient Shrine to Tirth: The original shrine housing the ancient idol is relatively simple, reflecting its antiquity: Over the years, the complex has undergone continuous development and modern additions, transforming it into a complete Jain Tirth (pilgrimage center):Architectural Evolution from Ancient Shrine to Tirth: The original shrine housing the ancient idol is relatively simple, reflecting its antiquity: Over the years, the complex has undergone continuous development and modern additions, transforming it into a complete Jain Tirth (pilgrimage center):
Contemporary Jain Temple Design: The newer additions feature typical modern Jain temple architecture, characterized by white marble, intricate carvings, and sometimes, a Shikhar (tower) that dominates the skyline: One notable feature is a wall within the temple that showcases intricate glass work, depicting the spiritual powers and legends of Mata Chakreshwari Devi: The upcoming Lord Aadinath temple in the vicinity will add another layer of modern complexity:
Sacred Tank and Water Engineering: The large, sacred Tank associated with the celestial legend is an integral part of the temple's layout and design: It represents an early instance of a planned water source for a religious community: No specific dimensions are available, but its presence underlines the site's environmental and mythological significance: -
How To Reach:
By Air (Nearest Airport): The nearest airport is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Mohali/Chandigarh, which is about 55 KMs away: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Chandigarh to Sirhind via the Chandigarh-Sirhind road, which passes close to the temple:By Air (Nearest Airport): The nearest airport is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Mohali/Chandigarh, which is about 55 KMs away: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Chandigarh to Sirhind via the Chandigarh-Sirhind road, which passes close to the temple:
By Train (Local/Junction Station): The nearest major station is Sirhind Junction Railway Station (SIR), about 7-8 KMs away: A local railway station, Fatehgarh Sahib, is also nearby: From the station, the temple is easily reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi via the Sirhind-Chandigarh Road:
By Road (Direct Access): The temple is located directly on the Sirhind-Chandigarh road (a major state highway), ensuring excellent road access: State and private buses running between Sirhind and Chandigarh can drop you off near Attewali village:
By Local Transport (Auto-Rickshaw/E-Rickshaw): Auto-rickshaws are the most common local transport: Negotiate a round-trip fare from Sirhind Junction or the main market, mentioning Attewali village or the Jain Temple: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season (Excellent): The weather from October to March is the best time for a visit:
The cool, dry climate makes the trip comfortable: This period also includes the time of the major annual fair, offering a vibrant cultural experience:<...Winter Season (Excellent): The weather from October to March is the best time for a visit:
The cool, dry climate makes the trip comfortable: This period also includes the time of the major annual fair, offering a vibrant cultural experience:
Ideal temperatures for travel and outdoor time:
Summer Season (Highly Avoided):
April to June are extremely hot and dry:
Visits are not recommended: If visiting, it must be restricted to the very early morning to avoid the scorching heat:
Monsoon Season (Lush Green): July to September brings rain, making the surroundings green, but the humidity can be high: It is a decent time to visit if avoiding heavy rain:
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning (Sunrise to 9:00 AM) is the most spiritually rewarding time, offering quiet prayer and a cool start to the day: -
Near Tourist Places:
Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib (6. 5 KM) Aam Khas Bagh (6 KM) Rauza Sharif (5 KM) Sant Namdev Temple (3 KM) Floating Restaurant (12 KM) Haveli Todar Mal (6. 5 KM) Ustad Di Mazar (8 KM) Shagird Di Mazar (8. 2 KM) Sirhind Tank (6. 5 KM) Old Fort Ruins (5 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (Footwear and Water):
Carry bottled water: Remove footwear outside the main temple complex and maintain cleanliness and sanctity: The complex may involve long periods of standing or walking barefoot:
Read MoreHealth & Safety (Footwear and Water):
Carry bottled water: Remove footwear outside the main temple complex and maintain cleanliness and sanctity: The complex may involve long periods of standing or walking barefoot:
Packing (Modest Attire): Dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, as is customary in Jain and Hindu temples:
A scarf or shawl can be useful:
Accommodation (Dharamshala Facilities): The temple provides a well-managed Dharamshala (lodging) with boarding facilities: This is highly recommended for pilgrims seeking simple, affordable, and safe accommodation near the site:
Other Different Topics (Respect for Rituals):
Observe the Jain rituals with respect: Silence and sobriety are appreciated within the main shrine area: Ask for guidance if you are unsure about any religious protocol:Reviews
FAQs
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