Located just 13 km from the main city of Jaipur, the Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Mandir (popularly known as Sanghi Ji Temple) is an architectural masterpiece that rivals the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu. Built in the 10th century using magnificent red sandstone, this temple is a core spiritual center for the Digamber sect of Jainism and a must-visit for lovers of ancient Indian art.
🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
As a place of deep religious devotion, the temple is open to all visitors free of charge, provided they follow the traditional code of conduct.
| Category | Details |
| Entry Fee | Free (No Ticket Required) |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily) |
| Ideal Duration | 1 – 1.5 Hours |
| Location | Jain Mohalla, Sanganer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302029 |
🏛️ History & The Underground Mystery
1. Dedicated to Lord Adinath
The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev (Adinath), the first of the 24 Tirthankaras. The main shrine houses a beautiful idol of Lord Parshwanath with a seven-serpent hood, while the central deity of the temple is the ancient idol of Lord Adinath.
2. The Hidden Underground Temple
One of the most fascinating legends of Sanganer is the underground temple located beneath the current structure. It is believed that this subterranean sanctum is guarded by a Yaksha (celestial protector) in the form of a serpent. Access to this area is strictly restricted to high-ranking Digamber saints, who occasionally bring out ancient idols for public viewing during special religious ceremonies.
3. Architectural Grandeur
Standing seven stories tall, the temple’s architecture is a sea of intricate carvings. From the grand entry gate (Torana) to the towering Shikharas (spires), every inch of the red stone is engraved with celestial figures, floral patterns, and geometric symmetry that predates the Mughal era.
🛍️ What to do in Sanganer After Your Visit
Sanganer is not just about the temple; it is the heart of Rajasthan’s handicraft industry.
Kagazi Mohalla: Visit the colony of traditional paper-makers. Sanganer is world-famous for its handmade paper, which is eco-friendly and used in luxury stationery globally.
Block Printing Hub: Watch artisans create the famous Sanganeri Prints. Unlike the dark backgrounds of Bagru prints, Sanganeri textiles use vibrant floral motifs on white or pale backgrounds.
Blue Pottery: Several workshops near Sanganer allow you to see the delicate process of crafting Jaipur’s famous Blue Pottery.
🚗 How to Reach Jain Mandir Sanganer
From Jaipur Airport (2.5 km): The temple is incredibly close to the airport. A 10-minute taxi ride will bring you here.
By Bus: Local “City Star” buses and intercity buses on the Kota-Jaipur highway stop at the Sanganer Bus Stand, which is a short walk from the temple.
By Train: The Sanganer Railway Station is the nearest local stop, while the Jaipur Main Junction is 13 km away.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Season: October to March offers the best weather for exploring the temple and the nearby craft markets.
Daily: Arrive early in the morning (7:00 AM) to witness the morning prayers and enjoy the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere before the heat of the day.
💡 Important Visitor Tips for 2026
Dress Code: To maintain the sanctity of the temple, wear modest clothing. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts.
Leather Items: Like most Jain temples, items made of leather (belts, wallets, bags) are strictly prohibited inside the main temple premises.
Photography: While photography of the exterior architecture is usually allowed, taking photos of the main idols in the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is forbidden.
This “Sanganer Artisan Trail” is the perfect companion to your temple visit. Sanganer is the heartbeat of Rajasthan’s textile industry, and this trail takes you behind the scenes to meet the families who have practiced these crafts for over 500 years.
🗺️ The Artisan Trail: 3-Hour Walking/Auto Route
Start Point: Shri Digamber Jain Temple (Sanghi Ji)
End Point: Kagazi Mohalla
Stop 1: The Block Printing “Karkhanas” (Workshops)
Location: The lanes surrounding the Jain Temple.
The Experience: Simply walk into the open courtyards of the Chhipa community (traditional printers). You will see long tables where men rhythmically stamp intricate floral patterns onto white cotton.
What to Look For: The Sanganeri Print style—usually delicate floral “butis” (motifs) like sunflowers, lilies, and roses on a crisp white background.
Pro-Tip: Many workshops allow you to try your hand at “stamping” a small piece of cloth for a nominal fee or a friendly tip.
Stop 2: The Color Vats (Dyeing Yards)
Location: Near the Saraswati River (Amanishah Nallah) banks.
The Experience: Watch the dramatic process of “washing” and “sun-drying.” Hundreds of meters of freshly printed fabric are spread out on the ground or hung on high wooden poles, creating a sea of color against the desert sky.
Photo Op: The sight of 50-foot-long dupattas flying in the wind is an iconic Jaipur shot.
Stop 3: Kagazi Mohalla (The Paper-Makers’ Colony)
Location: 1.5 km from the Jain Temple (take a 5-minute e-rickshaw).
The Experience: This is the world’s largest center for handmade paper. Visit legacy units like Salim Paper or Kagazi Industries.
The Process: You can see how old cotton rags and waste materials are turned into pulp and then hand-lifted onto screens to create exquisite, textured paper.
Shopping: Their factory outlets sell journals, photo albums, and stationery that look like high-end art, often at 40% less than city prices.
🛒 Sanganer “Direct-from-Source” Price Guide (2026)
Buying directly from the artisans ensures they get the full profit and you get the best price.
| Item | Estimated Price in Sanganer | Estimated Price in City Shops |
| Cotton Dress Material (per meter) | ₹150 – ₹250 | ₹350 – ₹500 |
| Handmade Paper Journal | ₹100 – ₹300 | ₹450 – ₹800 |
| Sanganeri Bedspreads (Double) | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
| Blue Pottery Coasters (Set of 4) | ₹200 – ₹350 | ₹600 – ₹900 |
💡 Logistics & Tips
Best Time: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Most workshops take a lunch break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Avoid Sundays: Many of the smaller artisanal units are closed on Sundays.
Transport: Sanganer is busy and narrow. It’s best to take a cab to the Jain Temple and then use e-rickshaws (₹20-₹40) to move between the printing units and the paper colony.
Sun Protection: You will be spending time in open drying yards; carry a hat and a water bottle.
🍲 Where to Eat in Sanganer
If you get hungry, head to The Anokhi Café (near the airport/Sanganer border) for organic snacks, or try the local LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) outlet for a traditional Rajasthani Thali.
