Soniji Ki Nasiyan is a Jain temple in Ajmer, Rajasthan, that was built in the late 19th century by Seth Moolchand Soni, a Jain businessman. It is also known as Ajmer Jain Temple or Lal Mandir (Red Temple), as it is made of red sandstone. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Visit during Ajmer tour Package
The main attraction of the temple is the Swarna Nagari (City of Gold), a chamber that contains gold-plated wooden figures depicting various scenes from Jain mythology and history. The temple is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, as it has a blend of Persian, Arabic and Indian styles. Here are some details that will help you plan your visit to Soniji Ki Nasiyan:
Location of Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Soniji Ki Nasiyan is located on Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer city, which is about 135 km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Ajmer is well-connected by road, rail and air to other major cities in India. The temple is situated near the Akbari Fort and Museum and the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is about 2 km from the main central Ajmer railway station and 500 metres from the central jail.
Timing/Entry Fees Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Soniji Ki Nasiyan is open to visitors throughout the year. The timings are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days. There is no entry fee to visit Soniji Ki Nasiyan, but photography is not allowed inside the temple.
How to Reach Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Soniji Ki Nasiyan can be reached from Ajmer city by various modes of transport. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw from Ajmer to Soniji Ki Nasiyan. The bus fare is around Rs. 10 per person and the taxi fare is around Rs. 100 per trip. You can also take a cycle-rickshaw or walk from Ajmer to Soniji Ki Nasiyan. The cycle-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 20 per person and the walking distance is about 2 km.
Things to Do/Must See Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Soniji Ki Nasiyan has many things to do and see for travellers of all interests and faiths. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Soniji Ki Nasiyan:
- Pray at the sanctum sanctorum, which contains the idol of Lord Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinatha or Agnideva. The idol is made of white marble and has a serene expression.
- Visit the Swarna Nagari (City of Gold), which is a chamber behind the temple that contains gold-plated wooden figures depicting various scenes from Jain mythology and history. The chamber was built between 1870 and 1895 by artisans from Jaipur, based on a manuscript by Acharya Jinasena. The chamber covers an area of 44 feet by 22 feet and uses 1000 kg of gold for its decoration.
- See the Panch Kalyanak (Five Auspicious Events), which are five stages in the life of Lord Rishabhanatha: conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. The figures show these events in detail and are accompanied by inscriptions in Hindi and English.
- View the inscriptions on the walls and pillars of the temple, which contain verses from Jain scriptures and praises for Seth Moolchand Soni, who built the temple.
- Visit the nearby attractions such as Akbari Fort and Museum, which is a fort built by Akbar that houses a museum with various artifacts and paintings; Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is one of the most sacred shrines for Muslims in India; Ana Sagar Lake, which is an artificial lake built by Anaji Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan; Taragarh Fort, which is a hill fort that offers a panoramic view of Ajmer city; and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, which is a historical mosque built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in the 12th century.
Significance of Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Soniji Ki Nasiyan is significant for its spiritual, historical and cultural value. It is a place where you can experience the faith, devotion and generosity of Jainism, which is one of the oldest religions in India. It is also a place where you can witness the legacy of Seth Moolchand Soni, who was a prominent Jain businessman and philanthropist in Ajmer. It is also a place where you can appreciate the beauty and artistry of the Indo-Islamic architecture, which combines elements from Persian, Arabic and Indian styles.
FAQ’s
Q: What are some of the other Jain temples near Soniji Ki Nasiyan?
A: Some of the other Jain temples near Soniji Ki Nasiyan are:
Nareli Jain Temple, which is a modern temple that has 24 miniature temples on a hill and a main temple with a marble idol of Lord Adinatha.
Mahavira Jain Temple, which is an ancient temple that has a black stone idol of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Digambar Jain Temple, which is a temple that has a white marble idol of Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.
Q: What are some of the best places to stay in Ajmer?
A: Some of the best places to stay in Ajmer are:
Hotel Mansingh Palace, which is a luxury hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities and views of the Ana Sagar lake. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool and a spa.
Hotel Regal, which is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites with basic amenities and services. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop and a banquet hall.
Hotel Chitvan, which is a boutique hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with contemporary decor and facilities. It also has a restaurant, a garden, a pool and a library.
Q: What are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Ajmer?
A: Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Ajmer are:
Prasad (offering), such as chadar (cloth), flowers, perfume and sweets, that are blessed by the Dargah Sharif and given to the devotees.
Spices, such as saffron, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, that are grown in Rajasthan and have a rich aroma and flavour.
Handicrafts, such as leather products, pottery items, marble articles and paintings, that are made by local artisans and reflect the culture and tradition of Rajasthan.
Textiles, such as bandhani (tie-dye), leheriya (wave pattern) and gota patti (golden lace), that are dyed and embroidered by skilled craftsmen and have unique patterns and colours.
Conclusion
Soniji Ki Nasiyan is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in spirituality, history, culture or art, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Soniji Ki Nasiyan. It is a place where you can experience the peace, grace and blessings of Jainism, which is one of the oldest religions in India. Soniji Ki Nasiyan is a place that you should not miss when you visit Ajmer.
