Introduction to the Dimapur Jain Temple

Dimapur Jain Temple is in Dimapur, Nagaland. It belongs to the Jain community. The SD Jain Samaj, Dimapur, administers and maintains it. The Dimapur Jain Temple is a spiritual center imparting the values of Jainism, emphasizing truth and non-violence.

History of the Dimapur Jain Temple

Before India's independence, most of the Jain families settled in Kohima, Nagaland. All of them belonged to the Digambara sect of Jainism. In 1920, eight Sethi families, who were non-Naga settlers, built the first Jain temple in Kohima.

Due to the Japanese invasion during World War II, these Jain families moved to Dimapur in 1944. They built the Dimapur Jain Temple, SD Jain Charitable Hospital, and SD Jain School. Shri Phulchand Sethi was the first secretary of the SD Jain Samaj, Dimapur, and he held the post until 1976. Shri Udayram Ji Chabra was the first president of the SD Jain Samaj, followed by Shri Jethmal Sethi.

The Architecture of the Dimapur Jain Temple

The eight Sethi families built the Dimapur Jain Temple in 1947. The back portion of the Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1989. The temple's glasswork is remarkable. The Jain community accesses this architecturally well-built temple.

The architecture of the Dimapur Jain Temple blends native and Jain styles with intricate carvings and significant stonework. Though much of the temple's original structure has suffered the ravages of time, the gateway retains its originality, capturing visitors' attention with its detailed ornamentation and firmness.

The statues of Adinath, Bahubali, and Bharat Swami stand tall at the rear portion of the temple. Shri Suparshmati Mataji conducted the Panch Kalyanak of the temple idols in 1989. The first floor of the temple houses the Chaubisi, idols of all the twenty-four Tirthankaras of the Jain religion, and the Samavsaran (preaching hall). Mahavir is the main deity in the Dimapur Jain Temple. The temple conducts daily prayers and events from 7.00 am onwards. The Jain community also runs a charitable clinic called Shri Digamber Jain Charitable Clinic.

Festivals in the Dimapur Jain Temple

The Dimapur Jain Temple grandly celebrates the Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan festivals. On these festive occasions, people from the Jain community visit the temple and worship the deities.