Gomatgiri

Gomatgiri (the revered hilltop Digambara Jain pilgrimage sanctuary established in 1981, renowned for its imposing 21 foot-tall monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali and 24 individual white marble shrines honoring the 24 Jain Tirthankaras) in the commercial capital of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, stands as central India's supreme Jain spiritual and hilltop retreat landmark.

built on a quiet hillock in Nainod village near Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, this hilltop complex replicates the spiritual grandeur of Karnataka's Shravanabelagola, offering peaceful contemplation high above the Malwa plains.

It's the home of the colossal 21 foot freestanding monolith of Lord Gommateshwara carved in meditative Kayotsarga stance, 24 distinct marble shrines with gilded shikharas representing every Jain Tirthankara from Lord Rishabhanatha to Lord Mahavira, panoramic sunset views over approaching flights at Indore Airport, traditional pure vegetarian dining halls, and an intensely uplifting, deeply peaceful spiritual ambiance filled with morning Navkar mantra chants, gentle hill breezes, and quiet prayer courtyards.

It represents a rich Madhya Pradesh Jain religious heritage apex, Ahimsa philosophy, and pilgrimage tourism where sacred hilltop shrines, Rajwada Palace courtyards, Lal Bagh Palace gates, and Krishnapura Chhatris unite in Gomatgiri.

Located in Nainod on Airport Gomatgiri Road, it sits 4 km from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR), 10 km from Indore Junction Railway Station (INDB), 11 km from Sarwate Bus Stand, and 12 km from Rajwada Palace, easily reached by city auto, app taxi, or private vehicle.

The 21 Foot Bahubali Monolith & 24 Tirthankara Temples

Constructed under the guidance of Jain Acharya Vidyasagar Ji, the central statue of Lord Bahubali depicts profound renunciation and non violence, gazing peacefully over the rolling landscape.

Circling the hill summit, 24 individual marble shrines contain intricately carved Tirthankara idols, allowing devotees to complete a full Jain circumambulation (parikrama) in a single visit.

Truth is, watching the golden sun sink below the Malwa horizon from the quiet marble terrace of Gomatgiri while cool evening winds blow is deeply rejuvenating.

Rajwada Palace, Lal Bagh Palace & Krishnapura Chhatris

Rajwada Palace: Explore the seven story 18th century Holkar royal palace blending Maratha, Mughal, and French wooden architecture in old Indore.

Lal Bagh Palace & Chhatris: Tour the opulent European style Holkar palace with Buckingham Palace replica gates and visit riverside royal cenotaphs.

Gomatgiri & Indore Heritage Day Plan

The Sacred Shrines & Royal Holkar Heritage Circuit: Morning start with world famous Indore poha jalebi and sev at 56 Dukan (8:00 AM) -> drive 10 km west to Gomatgiri (8:45 AM to 10:45 AM: offer prayers before the 21 foot Bahubali monolith, complete parikrama across the 24 Tirthankara marble shrines & enjoy panoramic hilltop views) -> drive to central Indore to explore the 7 story Rajwada Palace and the historic Gopal Mandir (11:15 AM to 1:00 PM) -> authentic Malwa thali lunch in town featuring dal bafla (1:15 PM to 2:30 PM) -> afternoon tour of Lal Bagh Palace (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM) -> visit the Krishnapura Chhatris along the Kahn river (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM) -> evening food walk at Sarafa Night Food Bazaar tasting garadu, bhutte ka kees, and jaleba (7:30 PM to 10:00 PM) -> return to hotel.

Visiting Code & Conduct: Leather items (shoes, belts) must be removed before entering the shrine terraces; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is mandatory; pure vegetarian Jain bhojanashala meals are served during fixed morning and afternoon hours; the hilltop is easily accessible via road with ample parking near the base.

After offering prayers at Gomatgiri, explore Rajwada Palace, tour Lal Bagh Palace, or visit the Krishnapura Chhatris.