Budhi Chanderi Digamber Jain Temple, Chanderi - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 19 km from Chanderi, Budhi Chanderi is a historical site located at Nidanpur near Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular places of heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit tourist places near Chanderi.

Situated on the right bank of the Urr River, Boodhi Chanderi was a large settlement of the Gurjara Pratiharas and possibly their capital. Earlier called Chandrapuri, it was first discovered in 1865 by Alexander Cunningham, the first director of the Archaeological Survey of India. Later, the German traveler Claus Boone also visited the place. The ASI Museum of Chanderi was associated with the place of Budhi Chanderi.

The site consists of the ruins of around 55 Jain temples, most of which are in ruins. The temples here are believed to have been built between the 9th - 11th centuries by the Pratihara kings. The architecture is similar to that of the Badoh Pathari Jain temple. Surprisingly, some of the structures possibly saw restoration during the Bundela period as some of the superstructures have features of the Bundela architectural style. One inscription, dated to the beginning of the 16th century, has been found carved on a sati pillar which mentions the name of the place as Nasirabad, after the ruler Nasiruddin Khilji. This implies that a small settlement might have existed even during the Muslim rule and it might not have been as abandoned as it is today.

The ASI has collected more than 2500 artifacts from Budhi Chanderi and its surrounding areas, most of which are preserved at the Chanderi Museum. Beautiful artistic Idols of 24 Tithankars are established in the separate sanctum at the place, each Idol was built with a stone having color as per the original character of Tirthankar. These Idols were installed in the year 1893. Other Idols in the temple of the 13th century are artistic and scenic.

Boodhi Chanderi is reached by first going 12 km along State Highway No. 19 and then turning west for a 7 km long off-road track. As the spot lies within dense forest and away from habitation, travelers should go in a group. The place also affords a great natural landscape with the Urr River and the Vindhyachal hill range.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free