Kanch Mandir, or the “Glass Temple,” is a Jain temple in Indore built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain. Its mansion-like exterior and richly decorated glass interior make it a distinctive stop for learning about Jain temple art in the city.
- Location: Indore, near Rajwada.
- Known for: Glass panels, mosaics, mirrors and three black-onyx Tirthankara statues.
- Before visiting: Confirm current hours and visitor rules with the temple or local authorities.
What makes Kanch Mandir distinctive
Kanch Mandir stands out for combining traditional Jain ornament with extensive use of multicoloured glass and mirrors. Construction began around 1903, according to the Indore district administration, and artisans from Jaipur and Iran worked on the temple.
From outside, the temple is shaped like a medieval mansion, with a canopied balcony and a shikhara. The district administration describes its ornamentation as drawing on old and medieval Jain styles, while the glass and mirrors added a distinctive innovation.
The temple is near Rajwada, another historic landmark in Indore. A guide to Rajwada Palace can help you place the temple in the wider context of the city’s heritage.
What can you see in the temple’s glasswork?
The interior’s glass panels and mosaics cover floors, pillars, walls and ceilings. Madhya Pradesh Tourism describes glass doors, paintings and murals, as well as glass lamps and cut-glass chandeliers overhead. Murals depict Jain scriptures and stories from the Mahabharata.
In the main sanctum, mirrors on both sides of the Tirthankara idols create the appearance of endlessly repeated images. Madhya Pradesh Tourism identifies three black-onyx statues in the glass room as Adinath, Shantinath and Chandraprabha.
The layered reflections and detailed surfaces are central to the temple’s character. Take time to look across the different parts of the interior, while following any instructions in place during your visit.
How do you plan a visit to Kanch Mandir?
Kanch Mandir is in Indore, near Rajwada; Bada Ganpati Temple lies a short distance to its west, according to Incredible India. You can use these nearby landmarks to orient yourself, then confirm the route that suits your starting point.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30–18:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Opening information differs between listings: one gives daily hours of 10:30 AM–6:30 PM, while another gives darshan hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The district administration’s temple page does not publish visiting hours, ticket fees, photography rules, footwear rules or accessibility information. Before you go: check the official site before you go, and confirm current hours and visitor rules with the temple or local authorities.
Vinayak Chathurthi is listed by Madhya Pradesh Tourism as a major temple festival celebrated in August and September. If you are fitting the temple into a wider city day, plan around the festival and nearby landmarks.
Kanch Mandir is about 3.0 km from Hotel Purva, which offers rooms in the central city.
FAQs
What does Kanch Mandir mean?
Kanch Mandir means “Glass Temple.” It is a Jain temple in Indore known for its glass and mirror decoration.
Which Tirthankara statues are in the glass room?
The three black-onyx statues are Adinath, Shantinath and Chandraprabha.
Are photography and footwear rules confirmed?
They are not published on the Indore district administration’s temple page. One other listing says photography is not allowed, so confirm the current rules before your visit.