STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
RAJASTHAN - Info / Snippets
* 26 Oct 2026
The Bhandasar Jain Temple dates back to the 15th century and is
traditionally associated with a wealthy Jain merchant named Bhanda
Shah, also known as Bhandas Oswal. Construction is generally believed to
have begun around 1468, making the temple an important part of
Bikaner's historical and religious heritage. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara of Jainism. Its history reflects
the religious devotion, craftsmanship, and architectural traditions of
the Jain community in Rajasthan. The temple is renowned for its
intricate wall paintings, frescoes, and mirror work, as well as its
unique construction method.
The Bhandasar Jain Temple is believed to have been built using nearly
40,000 kg of ghee mixed into its mortar, giving rise to a
local legend. This practice is said to have been inspired by a mockery
faced by the merchant Bhanda Shah, who was known for saving a tiny drop
of ghee. He vowed to use kgs of ghee to construct the temple just to
prove that he was not a miser. Bikaner developed in the arid Thar Desert
region, where water has historically been a valuable resource. This has
contributed to stories about the temple's unusual construction
techniques, including the popular claim that ghee was used in place of
water during the preparation of its mortar. However, the precise
construction method and the quantity of ghee mentioned in local accounts
are not firmly established historical facts. The temple's construction
continued for decades after Bhanda Shah.
Source: Bhandasar Jain Temple: The 550-year-old Bikaner temple famous for its ghee mortar mystery, Newspoint
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