A long standing seat of Jain learning, whose main temple holds idols spanning five centuries across twelve shrines.
The Chanderi area has long been a major centre of Jain culture, and in particular of the Parwar Jain community. The Jain Bhattarakas of the Mula Sangh, Balatkara Gana, maintained a seat at Chanderi that flourished for several centuries. In previous centuries the town formed part of Gwalior State, and it draws both tourists and pilgrims for its handicrafts, its natural setting and its history.
The principal monument of this tradition in the town is the Choubeesee Bara Mandir, an artistic and unusual example of temple architecture. Its front part is called the Bara Mandir and the rear part the Choubeesee Mandir, with the Bara Mandir the older of the two.
The front portion of the temple and the older of its two parts. On one of its pillars is an inscription written in V.S. 1350, which is the firmest dating evidence anywhere in the building and worth finding.
The rear portion of the temple carries the Choubeesee name. Many beautiful idols of the 13th to 18th centuries are installed across the twelve shrines of the temple, which means a single visit covers five hundred years of sculpture.
The temple's spire is circular, which is unusual, and it is described as excellent work. Step well back in the courtyard to see it properly against the sky.
This is an active place of worship as well as a historic temple, so the usual courtesies apply. The twelve shrines reward an unhurried visit.
October to March is the comfortable season in Chanderi generally. Mornings are the usual time for worship and the quietest hours for seeing the shrines, and the circular spire is best photographed in the softer light of early or late day.
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