Jain Temple

Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple (the historic 1904 Shwetambar Jain Derasar on Malabar Hill along Walkeshwar Road) in South Mumbai (celebrated globally across Jain pilgrimage and sacred fresco art as one of India's most elaborately painted Derasars dedicated to Bhagwan Adinath), world famous for its twin carved stone elephants, pure 24 karat gold leaf zodiac dome paintings, black marble idol of Lord Rishabhdev, and an intensely peaceful spiritual atmosphere), located in Mumbai in Maharashtra, stands as Mumbai's supreme Jain architectural sanctuary.

Erected in 1904 by philanthropist Babu Amichand Panalal, this two storey marble temple offers pilgrims, historians, and art lovers a tranquil retreat amidst the urban bustle of South Mumbai.

It's the home of the sacred Garbhagriha enshrining the idol of first Tirthankara Lord Adinath decorated with diamond eyes and a silver crown, the upper level ceiling dome embellished with intricate astrological planets and celestial musicians, the cool white Makrana marble floors, and an intensely peaceful, deeply calming temple ambiance filled with the aroma of burning sandalwood incense, the soft chanting of the Navkar Mantra, and gentle ocean breezes drifting from Back Bay.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Jain pilgrimage heritage apex, classical stone architecture, and spiritual art tourism where gold leaf murals, marble elephant carvings, Banganga Tank heritage, and Mumbai travel circuits unite in Babu Amichand Panalal Jain Temple.

Located along Walkeshwar Road on Malabar Hill, it sits 4 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), 3 km from Grant Road Railway Station, 20 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), 1 km from Hanging Gardens, 1 km from sacred Banganga Tank, and 3 km from Marine Drive, easily reached by taxi or local train.

The 24K Gold Leaf Zodiac Dome & Marble Elephants

At the entrance stand two colossal stone elephants carved from solid rock, symbolizing royal dignity, purity, and spiritual welcoming into the sacred sanctuary of Lord Adinath.

The upper floor assembly hall features a grand painted dome illustrating the 12 signs of the zodiac (Rashis), mythological Jain Tirthankara lives, and celestial Gandharvas painted with vegetable dyes and real 24 karat gold leaf.

Truth is, gazing upward at the shimmering gold leaf astronomical frescoes while standing on the cool marble floor will make you marvel at the craftsmanship of 20th century Indian artisans.

Malabar Hill, Banganga Tank & Hanging Gardens

Sacred Banganga Tank: Located 1 km down the hillside sits the historic 12th century Banganga water tank, where freshwater springs gush within footsteps of the Arabian Sea.

Hanging Gardens & Kamla Nehru Park: sitting high on the Malabar Hill ridge nearby are the terraced Hanging Gardens and the iconic 'Old Woman's Shoe' at Kamla Nehru Park, offering panoramic sunset views over Marine Drive.

Jain Temple & Malabar Hill Heritage Day Plan

The Malabar Hill & Coastal Heritage Trail: Morning darshan at Babu Amichand Panalal Jain Temple (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM: admire marble elephant sculptures, examine gold leaf ceiling frescoes & offer quiet prayers) -> walk down to ancient Banganga Tank and Walkeshwar Temple (9:15 AM to 10:45 AM: experience 12th century stone heritage & feed temple swans) -> explore terraced Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park (11:00 AM to 12:30 PM) -> coastal lunch in Chowpatty -> visit historic Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in Gamdevi (2:00 PM to 3:30 PM) -> sunset stroll along Marine Drive promenade and Queen's Necklace (4:30 PM to 7:00 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Leather items (belts, wallets, shoes, bags) are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees; maintain absolute quiet inside meditation areas; photography of the sanctum idol is restricted.

After exploring the artistic treasures of Babu Amichand Panalal Jain Temple, visit Banganga Tank, explore Hanging Gardens, or tour Marine Drive.