Lonavala is known for its verdant hills, misty mornings, and relaxed vibe. But apart from its waterfalls and trekking trails, the town also has a place of calm and spiritual significance — the Shantinath Jain Temple.
This serene white-marble shrine is not only a place of religion but also a beautiful work of art depicting ancient Jain architecture and principles. If you want to lend your journey some meaning, this temple is a must-visit.
A Peaceful Retreat with Spiritual Roots
The temple is constructed in the name of Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara of Jainism. His name reflects the meaning of “lord of peace,” and that serenity is not hard to sense when you step into the temple grounds.
Built according to Digambar Jain customs, the temple offers regular prayers and ceremonies that draw both residents and tourists. Early morning hours witness devotees engaged in silent prayers, sacrificing rice and flowers, or reciting the Namokar Mantra — all performed in a soft, peaceful manner.
If you’re planning a day of quiet temple visits across the hills, it’s best to hire a car in Lonavala for a relaxed and convenient trip.
Architectural Grandeur: A Testimony to Craftsmanship
The architecture of the Shantinath Jain Temple in Lonavala is a beautiful synthesis of South Indian and traditional Jain temple styles. The temple’s design is inspired by traditional South Indian Jain sites of worship, as seen in its employment of reinforced concrete as a means of strengthening the structure.
The facade, usually gold-painted, shines brightly in the morning sun, giving it the nickname “Golden Temple” among locals.
Intricate Carvings and Symbolic Sculptures
Step inside, and you’re welcomed to a feast for your eyes. The Ashtamangala (eight auspicious symbols), the Ashta Pratiharya (eight wonderful events in a Tirthankara’s life), lions, and elephants are among the Jain mythological motifs that adorn each pillar, arch, and wall.
The central altar, or vedi, is a work of white marble, with painted carvings showing the sixteen auspicious dreams of Shantinath’s mother—a story at the heart of Jain mythology.
The Towering Shikhar
A characteristic feature is the shikhar of the temple, standing 31 feet higher than the sanctum. It is based on the shikhar of Mel Sithamur Jain Math and represents spiritual rise.
The tower houses a brass statue of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira, highlighting the temple’s broad devotion to Jain spiritual leaders.
The Idols and Their Significance
The sanctum contains an imposing idol of Lord Shantinath, with the beneficent deities Yaksha and Yakshini guarding him. The pedestal of the altar is engraved with scenes and symbols describing the Tirthankara’s life and merits.
Other altars are devoted to Manibhadra Kshetrapal Maharaj (a Yaksha), Padmavati Devi (a Yakshini), and Saraswati Devi, goddess of wisdom, whose idol contains the sacred Jain scripture Jinvani.
A Lonavala cab service makes it even easier and hassle-free to visit this serene shrine.
When and How to Visit: Planning Tips
The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. No entry fee is charged, but it is essential to adhere to some rules:
- Take your shoes off while entering
- Dress modestly; knees and shoulders should be covered.
If you want to get the most out of your stay, steer clear of local travel confusion by booking a ride via a trusted car rental app, which provides you with door-to-door convenience.
Easy Ways to Reach Shantinath Jain Temple
The temple lies close to Tungarli on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. Follow these easy ways to reach:
By Air
Pune International Airport (PNQ), about 70 km away, is the closest airport to Shantinath Jain Temple. You can take a cab or rent a car from there to travel to Lonavala.
The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather. Getting around Lonavala is most convenient when you book cabs via a reliable car rental app for the day.
By Train
Lonavala Railway Station, about 1.4 km away, is the closest railway station to Shantinath Jain Temple. From there, you can opt for a local auto-rickshaw to get to the temple in less than 5 minutes.
If you have other things lined up in your itinerary, opt for a Lonavala cab service to drive around town smoothly.
By Road
If you’re travelling by car from Mumbai (approximately 85 km) or Pune (approximately 68 km), you’ll have a picturesque ride with plenty of hills, waterfalls, and twisty roads. Once you’re here, you can hire a car in Lonavala to get around, with the Shantinath Jain Temple as one of the stops on the way.
Wrapping Up
The Shantinath Jain Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a calm haven that blends faith, art, and history. Whether you’re a curious traveller, an art enthusiast, or someone looking for a quiet moment, this temple provides a place to stop and reflect.
If you’re planning a relaxed and memorable trip to Lonavala, book with Savaari Car Rentals. Their reliable and comfortable rides make visiting the temple and other local attractions easy and enjoyable, all at your own pace.