Sri Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple, also known as 72 Jinalaya or Sri Jai Tribhuvan Parshvadham, is a Jain pilgrimage centre near Medchal Railway Station in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana. A contemporary report published by Deccan Chronicle on 2 December 2013 described it as the third temple of its kind in India, following the 72-Jinalaya temples at Bhuj in Gujarat and Bhinmal in Rajasthan. The report states that the complex was planned in Makrana marble and would contain 102 idols, including those associated with 72 Jinalaya shrines. The complex is associated with the worship of Vardhaman Mahavir, Adinath and Sri Medchal Parshwanath.
Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple (72 Jinalaya), Medchal. Photo: JustDial.
A Jain religious landmark in Medchal. The temple belongs to the Shwetambar Murtipujak tradition of Jainism, according to a temple profile published in a Telangana tourism information resource. The name 72 Jinalaya refers to the complex's distinctive Jain shrine tradition. Its association with Makrana marble and the reported presence of 102 idols were documented in contemporary reporting in December 2013.
The temple is located near Medchal Railway Station. Visitors should confirm current access arrangements, darshan timings, dress requirements and photography rules with temple management before travelling.
I. Historical Overview: The 72-Jinalaya Temple
The Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple is a modern Jain religious complex in Medchal. A report published by Deccan Chronicle on 2 December 2013 described the project as the third 72-Jinalaya temple in India after the examples at Bhuj, Gujarat, and Bhinmal, Rajasthan. The report also described it as a first of its kind in South India.
The temple's identity centres on the 72-Jinalaya concept. The 2013 report described the planned complex as having 72 Jinalaya shrines and referred to 24 past, 24 present and 24 future Jinalayas. This is a religious description reported by the source, rather than an independently established count of separate temple buildings across India.
According to the contemporary report, the pran pratishtha ceremony was scheduled to begin on 8 December 2013 and continue for eight days. The report quoted Pikam Chand, secretary of the Sri Jain Swetambara Sangh, Medchal, regarding the ceremony and the temple's religious significance.
The 2013 report specifically mentioned the presence of Sri Medchal Parshwanath, alongside Adinath and Mahavir Swami. It also named Sankeshwar Parshwanath, Shaktiguru and Dada Gurudev Dadawadi among the other figures associated with the reported total of 102 idols.
The contemporary report identified Makrana marble as the intended construction material. Claims about the exact proportion of marble used, the completion of individual carvings and the dates of later construction phases require additional documentation.
II. Architecture & Deities
Makrana marble is associated with the temple's construction. Makrana, in Rajasthan, is known for its marble. The Deccan Chronicle report documented the material planned for the Medchal complex in December 2013.
The 72-Jinalaya concept is the defining feature of the complex. The contemporary report refers to 72 Jinalaya shrines associated with Jain Tirthankaras. The precise architectural arrangement, including the number and position of individual shrines, should be confirmed through current temple documentation.
A December 2013 report stated that the temple complex would contain 102 idols, including the 72 Jinalaya figures and other religious figures. The additional names cited in the report include Sankeshwar Parshwanath, Shaktiguru and Dada Gurudev Dadawadi. The current inventory has not been independently verified.
The locations of the principal sanctum, any subsidiary shrines and upper-floor worship areas should be confirmed with the temple management. This article does not treat an unverified floor plan or a fixed number of sub-temples as established architectural facts.
Information about dharmashala rooms, eligibility, tariffs, children's grounds, locker facilities and availability should be checked directly with the temple. Previously reported room rates and accommodation restrictions are not presented here as current confirmed information.
III. Festivals & Rituals
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara in Jain tradition. Its date follows the Jain religious calendar and generally falls in March or April. Observances may include prayers, religious gatherings and temple ceremonies. Confirm the Medchal temple's specific programme with its management.
A report published in December 2013 recorded a belief associated with the temple that a devotee who visits five times and performs 108 pradakshinas may have a wish fulfilled. This is a reported religious belief, not a guaranteed outcome or a requirement for ordinary visitors.
Visitor numbers and worship arrangements may vary during festivals and special religious observances. Check the temple's current schedule before planning a visit. Weekday mornings may be worth considering for visitors seeking a quieter experience, subject to opening hours.
IV. Visitor Information – Timings, Entry & Dress
Online listings publish differing opening hours for the Medchal Jain temple. The exact current darshan schedule, entry arrangements and visitor rules should therefore be confirmed directly before departure.
V. Chronology of Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple
- 2 December 2013: Deccan Chronicle publishes a report about the 72-Jinalaya temple project at Medchal, its planned Makrana marble construction and the reported total of 102 idols.
- 8 December 2013: The report states that the pran pratishtha ceremony was scheduled to begin on this date and continue for eight days.
- Subsequent years: The temple remains identified in online temple and tourism resources as a Jain religious site in Medchal. Specific construction milestones after 2013 require additional dated sources.
Key Temple Data
How to Reach Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple
By Rail: Medchal Railway Station is the principal railway reference for the temple. A 2013 report described the temple as being near the station. Confirm the current pedestrian route and station-side access before travelling.
By Road: Medchal is connected to Hyderabad and surrounding areas by road, including National Highway 44. Use a current navigation service for the route to the temple entrance. Do not rely on an unverified distance from the bus stand or a particular railway crossing.
From Secunderabad and Hyderabad: Travel time and distance depend on the starting point, traffic and route. Check current directions before departure.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the principal commercial airport serving Hyderabad. Road transport is required to reach Medchal.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
- Before departure: Confirm darshan timings, dress requirements and photography rules with temple management.
- Arrival: Reach the temple near Medchal Railway Station using a verified route.
- Darshan: Visit the accessible shrines in accordance with temple instructions and worship arrangements.
- Architecture: Observe the permitted areas of the complex and its reported Makrana marble craftsmanship.
- Religious observances: Participate in pradakshina or other practices only where permitted and according to temple rules.
- Before leaving: Check the return route and confirm whether any accommodation or other facilities are available.
This is a flexible outline, not a confirmed timetable. Access to particular shrines and facilities may vary.
Nearby Attractions in Medchal-Malkajgiri District
The following Telangana360 articles cover religious, cultural and nature destinations in the wider Medchal-Malkajgiri area. Distances, opening hours, access arrangements and visitor facilities vary by destination; verify them before travel.
Travel Tips
Before visiting: Check the temple's current darshan schedule, dress requirements, photography policy and accommodation arrangements. The 72-Jinalaya identity, Makrana marble association and reported total of 102 idols are documented in a contemporary report published in December 2013. The same report records a religious belief concerning five visits and 108 pradakshinas. This belief should be understood as a religious tradition rather than a guaranteed outcome.
References & Further Reading
- Deccan Chronicle – 72 Jinyala temples soon in Medchal. Published 2 December 2013. Contemporary reporting on the 72-Jinalaya concept, planned Makrana marble construction, reported 102 idols and the consecration ceremony.
- HereNow4U – Ahimsa Times, December 2013. A contemporary account of the planned Medchal 72-Jinalaya temple and its inauguration.
- Telangana Tourism Information Resource – Vardhaman Mahavir Jain Temple. Background on the temple and the Shwetambar Murtipujak tradition.
- TempleSocial – Sri Jain Temple 72 Jinalay Medchal. Online listing for location and indicative opening hours. Confirm details with the temple.
- Trip.com – Sri Jain Temple 72 Jinalay Medchal. Additional location and opening-hour listing; not a substitute for confirmation from temple management.
- Telangana360 – Medchal-Malkajgiri coverage. Related district articles and destinations.