The Bhandasar Jain Mandir, a beacon of spirituality and architectural splendour, stands proudly in the heart of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was built with 40,000 kilograms of ghee. Dedicated to the fifth Tirthankara, Sumatinatha, this Mandir is not just a place of worship but a testament to the region’s unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Constructed in the 12th century by the wealthy Jain merchant Bhandasa Oswal, the Bhandasar Jain Mandir boasts a captivating history, particularly regarding its unique construction method. During a severe drought, when water was scarce, Oswal opted to use ghee, a form of clarified butter, as a substitute for water in the Mandir’s mortar. Remarkably, around 40,000 kilograms of ghee were utilised, resulting in a foundation that has withstood the test of time.
Even today, it is believed that on extremely hot days, some ghee seeps through the Mandir floor. The Mandir is a stunning three-storey structure built from red sandstone, featuring intricate yellow-stone carvings on its walls, pillars, and mandapa. The sanctum, or garbhagriha, follows a pancharatha design and is topped with a shikhara adorned with karna-amalakas and amalakas.
Its walls are beautifully decorated with leaf paintings, frescoes, and ornate mirror work that illustrate the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, enhancing the Mandir’s spiritual atmosphere. The Bhandasar Jain Mandir serves as both a religious site and a cultural hub. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.