Anantnath Digambar Jain Temple
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
The Anantnath Digambar Jain Temple in Ayodhya's Golaghat quarter is a janma-kalyanak shrine — a temple marking the auspicious birthplace of a Tirthankara. It is dedicated to Anantnath (Anantanatha), the fourteenth Tirthankara of the present cosmic half-cycle (avasarpini) in Jain tradition. According to the Jain scriptures, Anantnath was born in Ayodhya to King Sinhasena and Queen Suyasha of the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty, the same solar lineage that Jain and Hindu traditions alike hold in deep reverence. His emblem (lanchhana) is the falcon, and devotees venerate him as one who conquered the endless bonds of worldly attachment — the name Anant meaning 'endless' or 'infinite'.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Jain dharamshala bhojanalayas near the Ayodhya Jain temples – satvik pure-vegetarian thalis for pilgrims; confirm dining timings on arrival as these are community-run kitchens.
- ✦Ram Rasoi and bhandaras around the temple town – free, freshly cooked pure-vegetarian meals served to pilgrims; hours vary, so check locally.
- ✦Pure-veg mishthan bhandars near Golaghat and the ghats – kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda; Ayodhya's eateries are vegetarian, but confirm the specific outlet on arrival.
- ✦Hanuman Garhi area sweet and snack stalls – traditional pure-vegetarian pilgrim fare a short auto ride away.
About
The Anantnath Digambar Jain Temple in Ayodhya's Golaghat quarter is a janma-kalyanak shrine — a temple marking the auspicious birthplace of a Tirthankara. It is dedicated to Anantnath (Anantanatha), the fourteenth Tirthankara of the present cosmic half-cycle (avasarpini) in Jain tradition.
- According to the Jain scriptures, Anantnath was born in Ayodhya to King Sinhasena and Queen Suyasha of the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty, the same solar lineage that Jain and Hindu traditions alike hold in deep reverence.
- His emblem (lanchhana) is the falcon, and devotees venerate him as one who conquered the endless bonds of worldly attachment — the name Anant meaning 'endless' or 'infinite'.
- What gives this modest temple its outsized spiritual weight is Ayodhya's rare distinction in the Jain sacred geography: the city is traditionally counted as the birthplace of five Tirthankaras — Rishabhanatha (Adinath), Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath and Anantnath.
- This shrine completes that revered set of five birthplace temples, and Jain pilgrims following the kalyanak circuit make a point of offering darshan here.
- The sanctum enshrines a white-marble Digambar idol of Anantnath seated in the meditative padmasana posture, unadorned in the ascetic Digambar manner, its downcast eyes and serene composure inviting quiet contemplation rather than spectacle.
- Marble flooring, simple pillared halls and the soft sound of devotees' recitation give the interior a hushed, meditative calm.
- The temple sits within walking distance of the Saryu riverfront, and pilgrims often fold it into a wider Ayodhya circuit alongside the other Jain kalyanak shrines and the city's principal temples.
- It is a peaceful, unhurried stop — a place to sit, reflect and absorb Ayodhya's layered devotional heritage away from the busier lanes.
- Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian holy city, so pilgrims are wonderfully well served.
- Around the Jain temples and the ghats you will find pure-vegetarian mishthan bhandars serving kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda, and many Jain dharamshalas run satvik bhojanalayas offering simple, freshly cooked thalis.
- As with any community-run kitchen, it is worth confirming timings and dining arrangements on arrival.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Golaghat locality, near the Saryu ghats, Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: In the Golaghat locality of Ayodhya, near the Saryu ghats and within the cluster of the city's Jain kalyanak temples. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station, an auto-rickshaw costs about ₹60–100 (15–20 minutes). From the Ram Ki Paidi ghats it is a short cycle-rickshaw ride or a pleasant riverside walk. Shared autos ply the main Ayodhya routes; ask for the Golaghat / Jain mandir stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anantnath and why is this temple in Ayodhya important?
Anantnath is the fourteenth Tirthankara of the present age in Jain tradition, believed to have been born in Ayodhya to King Sinhasena and Queen Suyasha of the Ikshvaku dynasty. This temple is his janma-kalyanak shrine — a temple marking his birthplace. It matters especially because Ayodhya is traditionally counted as the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, and this shrine completes that revered set of five birthplace temples for Jain pilgrims.
What are the timings of the Anantnath Digambar Jain Temple?
The temple is reported to open roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, sometimes with a midday break. Aarti and puja timings vary through the year and are extended on Jain festival days, so it is best to confirm the current schedule locally before you visit.
Is there an entry fee for the temple?
No, entry is free. Like most temples in Ayodhya, this Digambar Jain shrine welcomes visitors of all faiths without any admission ticket. Please dress modestly, remove footwear before entering, and maintain quiet reverence inside the sanctum.
How do I reach the Anantnath Jain Temple in Ayodhya?
It lies in the Golaghat locality near the Saryu ghats, within the cluster of Ayodhya's Jain kalyanak temples. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station an auto-rickshaw takes about 15–20 minutes and costs around ₹60–100. From the Ram Ki Paidi ghats it is a short cycle-rickshaw ride or a pleasant riverside walk.
What can I see inside the temple?
The sanctum enshrines a white-marble Digambar idol of Anantnath seated in the meditative padmasana posture, unadorned in the ascetic Digambar tradition. The interior has simple marble flooring and pillared halls with a calm, contemplative atmosphere. His symbol is the falcon. It is a quiet, reflective shrine rather than a grand monument — ideal for a short, peaceful darshan.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Ayodhya is an entirely vegetarian holy city, so you are well served. Jain dharamshalas near the temples run satvik pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, pilgrim kitchens and bhandaras offer freshly cooked meals, and pure-veg mishthan bhandars near Golaghat and the ghats serve kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda. As these are often community-run, confirm dining timings when you arrive.
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