Jain Mandir World Tour

This itinerary assumes a multi-month spiritual journey (3–6+ months, depending on pace), focusing on key Jain temples and related cultural/main places in each country/state. Travel logically via major airports (e.g., Delhi/Mumbai → Bangkok → Tokyo/Osaka → Melbourne/Sydney → Toronto → major US cities → London → Brussels/Antwerp → back to India). Include time for reflection, vegetarian/vegan Jain-friendly meals, and ahimsa (non-violence) practices.

Phase 1: India (Start – Major Pilgrimage Sites)

Begin in India, the heart of Jainism, covering key tirthas across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and others. Spend 4–6 weeks.

Gujarat (primary hub for Svetambara Jains):
Palitana (Shatrunjaya Hill): Over 800–900 temples on a sacred hill; climb ~3,500–4,000 steps for darshan; most sacred Svetambara site linked to Adinath.
Girnar Hill (near Junagadh): Temples dedicated to Neminath; multi-sect importance.
Ranakpur: Stunning 15th-century marble temple with 1,444 pillars; architectural marvel.
Other: Taranga Hill, Ahmedabad Jain temples.

Rajasthan
Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu): Exquisite 11th–13th century marble carvings; among the world’s finest Jain architecture.

Karnataka
Shravanabelagola: Iconic 57-ft monolithic Gomateshwara (Bahubali) statue; major Digambara site; Mahamastakabhisheka festival every 12 years.

Jharkhand/Bihar
Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hill): 20 Tirthankaras attained nirvana; top pilgrimage for both sects.

Other Key Spots
Pawapuri (Bihar – Jal Mandir for Mahavira’s nirvana), Shikharji area, Moodbidri (Karnataka – 1,000-pillar temple).

Fly out from Mumbai/Delhi to Bangkok.

Phase 2: Thailand

Jain community is small (~600 families, mostly in Bangkok). Focus on Bangkok (1–3 days).

Main sites: Shree Shitalnath Jain Temple (Yan Nawa area, Bangkok) – Active Svetambara temple.
Other: Shree Naminath Bhagwan Jain Temple (Bankhuntien area); explore 3–4 temples if time allows.
Combine with Bangkok’s main attractions (e.g., Grand Palace, Wat Arun) for cultural balance, but prioritize Jain worship and community events.

Fly to Japan (e.g., Tokyo or Osaka/Kobe).

Phase 3: Japan

Very small community; one prominent temple (3–5 days, focus on Kobe).

Kobe Jain Temple (Bhagwan Mahavirswami Jain Temple, Kitano-cho area) – Built in 1985 with sandstone/marble; idol from Mumbai; rare Jain presence in Japan, founded by Gujarati community.
Explore Kobe’s Indian/International vibe; optional nearby Osaka or Kyoto for general sightseeing.

Fly to Australia (e.g., Melbourne or Sydney).

Phase 4: Australia

Growing community; first full traditional marble temple under construction (as of 2025–2026). Focus on Melbourne/Sydney (5–7 days).

Melbourne: Emerging Jain Temple (under construction with Rajasthan marble; check status); existing centers.
Sydney: Jain Temple (Seven Hills, Shwetambar; managed by Sydney Jain Mandal).
Other: Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide centers; often shared with Hindu temples.
Visit main cities (e.g., Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef if extending).

Fly to Canada (e.g., Toronto).

Phase 5: Canada

Stronger presence in Ontario (7–10 days).

Brampton Jain Temple (Bhagwan 1008 Adinath Swamy Jain Temple, Brampton, Ontario) – First traditional Indian-style temple in Canada.
Toronto area: Sri Jain Mandir (Etobicoke); Shri Digambar Jain Mandir; Jain Society of Toronto.
Other: Jain Center of BC (Vancouver – Digambar).
Explore Toronto/Niagara Falls for balance.

Fly to USA (e.g., New York or Chicago).

Phase 6: United States

Largest diaspora Jain temples outside India (~100+ centers; focus on key ones, 10–14 days).

East Coast: Jain Center of America (Queens, New York) – Major hub.
New Jersey: Siddhachalam (first Jain ashram/temple complex in North America); Franklin Township Derasar.
Other highlights: Jain Center of Southern California (Los Angeles); Jain Center of Northern California (San Jose); St. Louis Jain Temple origins; centers in Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Phoenix, etc.
Prioritize East Coast (NY/NJ) then West if time; many in states like California, New Jersey, Illinois.

Fly to UK (London).

Phase 7: United Kingdom

Active communities, especially in London/Leicester (5–7 days).

Leicester Jain Centre/Temple – Major hub.
London area: Potters Bar (Oshwal Centre – large complex with temple); sites in Hounslow, Harrow, etc.
Other: Manchester Jain Temple; Birmingham (Shree Mahavir Swami Jain Temple).
Visit London landmarks (e.g., British Museum for any Jain artifacts).

Fly to Belgium (Brussels or Antwerp).

Phase 8: Belgium

Only one major temple in continental Europe (3–5 days).

Antwerp Jain Temple (Shankheshwar Parshvanath Jain Temple, Wilrijk district) – Built by diamond merchants; key European site with cultural center (Jain Cultural Center Antwerp – JCCA); serene for worship.
Antwerp’s diamond district ties to Jain business community.

Fly back to India (e.g., Mumbai/Delhi).

Phase 9: India (Return – Reflection & Lesser-Visited Sites)

End with closure (1–2 weeks).

Revisit a favorite (e.g., Palitana for reflection) or explore others like Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), Khajuraho Jain temples (Madhya Pradesh).
Conclude in Mumbai/Delhi with community events or rest.

Practical Tips

Best time: October–March (avoid monsoons in India; pleasant elsewhere).
Visa: Check requirements (e.g., India e-visa, Schengen for Europe).
Food: Jain-friendly (no root vegetables in strict paths); many temples offer.
Pace: Allow rest; focus on darshan, meditation, lectures.
Transport: Flights between countries; trains/cars in India.

This covers major known Jain sites; communities evolve, so verify current status via official sites or JAINA (umbrella organization).

This itinerary blends ancient sacred tirthas with modern global Jain expressions for a comprehensive spiritual journey. Safe travels!