Kanch Mandir Indore

Kanch Temple, located in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, is a unique Jain temple known all over the world for its stunning glass interiors. This temple, which is over 100 years old, is made almost entirely of glass. From the roof to the pillars, doors, windows, and chandeliers, everything is beautifully decorated with colored glass. Although it is a Jain temple, people from all religions and communities visit it to admire its beauty and peace. The beautiful craftsmanship and mirror work inside the temple leave visitors amazed.

The construction of Kanch Temple began in the year 1903 by Sir Seth Hukumchand, a famous businessman from Indore. He had earlier built a grand mansion called Sheesh Mahal in Itwaria Bazaar, and the Kanch Temple was built next to it. At first, the temple was built as a private place of worship for his family, but later, it was opened to the public. The total cost of construction was around 1 lakh 62 thousand rupees, and nearly 250 workers were involved in building it. The temple is filled with detailed paintings, artworks, and mirror work that show Jain philosophy and spiritual stories.

The temple has many images of Jain Gurus and Munis, along with beautiful scenes from Jain mythology.

A golden chariot and carriage are also kept in the temple, which are used during the annual Rath Yatra.

Important Jain festivals such as Sugandh Dashmi and Collective Kshamavani are celebrated here.

Since the complete consecration (pran pratishtha) of the deities was not done, the temple is also called a Chaityalaya.

The architectural plan of the temple was designed by Seth Hukumchand himself.

The sanctum (inner part of the temple) houses a beautiful idol of Shree Chandrapha Bhagwan, with Adinath Bhagwan (Lord Mahavira) on his right.

The idol of Adinath is made from black onyx stone, which was brought from Jaipur.

The glass used in the temple came from Belgium, and skilled artists from Iran and Jaipur worked on the carvings.

Interestingly, no cement was used in the construction. Instead, lime mixture was used to join the stones.

The mirror work inside the temple creates a 3D effect, making the temple look even more attractive and magical.

By Air: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport, which is 5.8 km away from the temple. Buses and autos are easily available from the airport to reach the temple.

By Train: The closest railway station is Indore Railway Station, about 2.7 km away. You can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Road: The temple is 1.3 km away from Gangwal Bus Stand. State transport and private buses from various cities of Madhya Pradesh stop here.

Kanch Temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of art, history, and devotion. Its glass architecture, historical importance, and peaceful environment make it one of the most visited landmarks in Indore. Whether you're a follower of Jainism or simply someone who appreciates art and culture, a visit to this glass temple is sure to leave a lasting impression.