Introduction
The city of Ajmer is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. As an ancient city, historical places are very commonly found over there. Generally, when it comes to historical sites in the entire Rajasthan, it instantly evokes a vision of forts and royal palaces. However, some temples are also historical sites. A famous Jain Temple in Ajmer called Digambar Jain temple/Nasiyan temple is one of them, where you can have an incredible experience. So let us take a virtual tour of this temple before actually visiting it.
About Digambar Jain Temple, Ajmer
Though there are multiple religious and historical sites in Ajmer, some of them hold a very prominent position in the city. Apart from Bajrang Garh, Dargah Sharif, and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, The Nasiyan Jain Temple is widely recognized as a unique structure with a unique style of architecture.
There are two major sects in Jainism, Shwetambar and Digambar. This temple is devoted to the Digambar sect of the Jain religion.
Jainism is one of the most peaceful religions in the world, which has twenty-four teachers also known as Tirthankaras - the people who had gained or attained all the knowledge or who got the salvation (Moksha) while living, and they also preached the same to the people.
The very first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha, who is also known as Adinath. His magnificent idol has been blessing the sanctum sanctorum of the temple for years.
Red stones were used in its construction. Mainly the exterior is entirely red-colored. Therefore, this temple is also known as Lal Mandir or Red temple (English). It is an enormous structure. When you enter the temple through the large red sandstone entrance after removing the footwear, you will get to witness the Swarn Nagri.
Swarn Nagri is the main attraction of the temple. Mostly, people visit the temple for this only. It is a kind of museum where you can find multiple wooden objects of Chariot, Peacock, and Elephant. You can also find the tiny models of Jain temples and the golden city of Ayodhya.
Each of the objects depicts Jainism and is covered with a golden layer. This Swarn Nagri is in a large hall that is decorated with gemstones and other precious metals like Gold (Mainly) and Silver. The artifacts in this golden hall are so mesmerizing. This Swarn Nagri or Golden City gives this temple another name, Golden Temple. Yes, This Nasiyan Jain temple is also known as Golden Temple because of the Swarn Nagri, which exists inside the temple.
The mind-blowing structure of this Jain temple was constructed in the year 1864 under the supervision of Rai Bahadur Seth Moolchand and Nemichand Soni. And it is still maintained by the Soni family. Therefore this temple is also very popularly known as Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan. Even most of the people call it Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan only.
It is a must-visit and most visible tourist attraction in the city of Ajmer.
How to reach
This temple is on the main road of Ajmer. That is why it is very easy to get there. If you are not in Ajmer, you can reach through the following ways -
By Bus - To reach the Ajmer, you can get the bus from anywhere in India. Bus services are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and any other city of India to Ajmer.
By Train - Trains are also available, and it is the simplest way to reach Ajmer.
By Air - You can also reach an airplane. Kishangarh Airport is the nearest airport from where you can either get a bus to Ajmer or hire a taxi directly for Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan or any other destination in Ajmer.
After arriving at Ajmer, you can easily get an auto for the Nasiyan Jain temple from anywhere in Ajmer. However, Hiring a personal vehicle is the best option.
Other Places to visit near Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan
Dargah Sharif - It is a white marble tomb complex of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty. It is also a pilgrimage site for Muslims. However, people of all religions are welcomed over there.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra - It is a wonderful structure built within two-and-a-half-days. This structure is one of the oldest mosques in India.
Ana Sagar Lake - It represents the natural beauty of Ajmer. Boat riding and admiring an exquisite view of the sunset is the best thing to do over there. There is a pathway which surrounds it where you can spend some amazing time.
Daulat Bagh - It is the most visited and famous garden in the city. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll over there, truly under nature.
Nareli Tirth - This place is similar to the Nasiyan Jain temple because it is also a Jain temple, which is dedicated to the Digambar sect of Jainism. It is also a pilgrimage site for Jains.
