Swetambar Jain Tirth - Shri Munisuvratswami

Shadipur, Andaman And Nicobar Islands

The Shri Munisuvrat Swami Jain Mandir, located in Shadipur in Port Blair, stands as a remarkable symbol of Jain faith in one of India’s most remote regions, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dedicated to Lord Munisuvrat Swami, the 20th Tirthankar of Jainism, this Shwetambar Jain temple is not only the primary religious center for the Jain community in the islands but also a unique spiritual landmark due to its geographical isolation and serene surroundings.

The temple is situated on R.G.T. Road in Shadipur, within the premises of the Shree Radha Govind Temple complex, and is easily accessible from the Veer Savarkar International Airport, which lies approximately 4 to 6 kilometers away. Built on a small hillock overlooking the sea, the temple offers a tranquil atmosphere that enhances its spiritual appeal. The white marble structure, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Jain Tirthankaras and religious motifs, reflects traditional Jain architectural principles and craftsmanship. Skilled artisans from Rajasthan were brought in to construct the temple, ensuring authenticity in design and execution. In addition to the main idol of Lord Munisuvrat Swami, the temple also houses shrines dedicated to deities such as Padmavati, Chakreshwari, Amba Devi, Mahalakshmi, and the Navagraha.

Unlike ancient Jain tirths of India, this temple is relatively modern. It was constructed between 2013 and 2015 through the collective efforts and devotion of the small Jain community residing in Port Blair. The consecration ceremony (Pratishtha) was performed on 7 June 2015 in the presence of Jain Acharyas and devotees. Though recent in origin, the temple holds immense significance as it represents the presence and perseverance of Jain dharma in a geographically distant and sparsely populated region. It serves as a spiritual anchor for local Jains and a place of worship, meditation, and community gathering.

The Jain population in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is extremely small, estimated to be between 150 and 300 individuals, with most families residing in Port Blair. These families are primarily migrants or descendants of migrants from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai. Despite their small numbers, they form a close-knit and cohesive community, actively engaged in business, trade, and professional services such as retail, hospitality, and consultancy. Their entrepreneurial presence contributes meaningfully to the local economy.

Religious and social life within this small community revolves largely around the temple. Major Jain festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan are celebrated collectively with great devotion. Regular practices like samayik, pratikraman, and group prayers are conducted within the temple premises. Due to the absence of a large formal Jain संघ, the temple and community affairs are managed by a locally organized Jain Sangh or trust committee. The administration is community-driven, with decisions typically made through consensus among members. There is no widely published or formal list of office bearers, as management responsibilities often rotate among active community members and trustees.

Because of its small size and remote location, the Jain community in the islands faces certain challenges. These include limited availability of strictly Jain food (without onion and garlic), infrequent visits by Jain monks and nuns, and restricted access to Jain educational and religious resources. Many such needs are fulfilled through connections with mainland India. Nevertheless, the community has successfully preserved its religious identity and practices, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

For visitors, the temple remains open daily, generally from early morning (around 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM) and again in the evening (5:30 PM to 8:30 PM). Due to its community-oriented nature, direct contact numbers are not widely published, and most visitors reach the temple directly or through local guidance. It is well known among taxi drivers and residents of Port Blair, making access convenient without prior coordination.

A visit to the temple can be easily incorporated into a short itinerary in Port Blair. After arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, one can visit the temple the same day, followed by other nearby attractions such as the historic Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, or Ross Island. The peaceful ambiance of the temple provides a stark contrast to the tourist activity elsewhere, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and spiritual connection.

In essence, the Shri Munisuvrat Swami Jain Tirth in Shadipur is not merely a place of worship but a powerful testament to the spread of Jainism across India’s farthest frontiers. It reflects the unwavering faith of a small yet dedicated community and stands as a symbol of Jain values such as ahimsa, truth, and non-attachment flourishing even in isolation.

## 🛕 Shri Munisuvrat Swami Shwetambar Jain Tirth, Shadipur – A Complete OverviewThe Shri Munisuvrat Swami Jain Mandir, located in Shadipur in Port Blair, stands as a remarkable symbol of Jain faith in one of India’s most remote regions, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dedicated to Lord Munisuvrat Swami, the 20th Tirthankar of Jainism, this Shwetambar Jain temple is not only the primary religious center for the Jain community in the islands but also a unique spiritual landmark due to its geographical isolation and serene surroundings.The temple is situated on R.G.T. Road in Shadipur, within the premises of the Shree Radha Govind Temple complex, and is easily accessible from the Veer Savarkar International Airport, which lies approximately 4 to 6 kilometers away. Built on a small hillock overlooking the sea, the temple offers a tranquil atmosphere that enhances its spiritual appeal. The white marble structure, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Jain Tirthankaras and religious motifs, reflects traditional Jain architectural principles and craftsmanship. Skilled artisans from Rajasthan were brought in to construct the temple, ensuring authenticity in design and execution. In addition to the main idol of Lord Munisuvrat Swami, the temple also houses shrines dedicated to deities such as Padmavati, Chakreshwari, Amba Devi, Mahalakshmi, and the Navagraha.Unlike ancient Jain tirths of India, this temple is relatively modern. It was constructed between 2013 and 2015 through the collective efforts and devotion of the small Jain community residing in Port Blair. The consecration ceremony (Pratishtha) was performed on 7 June 2015 in the presence of Jain Acharyas and devotees. Though recent in origin, the temple holds immense significance as it represents the presence and perseverance of Jain dharma in a geographically distant and sparsely populated region. It serves as a spiritual anchor for local Jains and a place of worship, meditation, and community gathering.The Jain population in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is extremely small, estimated to be between 150 and 300 individuals, with most families residing in Port Blair. These families are primarily migrants or descendants of migrants from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai. Despite their small numbers, they form a close-knit and cohesive community, actively engaged in business, trade, and professional services such as retail, hospitality, and consultancy. Their entrepreneurial presence contributes meaningfully to the local economy.Religious and social life within this small community revolves largely around the temple. Major Jain festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan are celebrated collectively with great devotion. Regular practices like samayik, pratikraman, and group prayers are conducted within the temple premises. Due to the absence of a large formal Jain संघ, the temple and community affairs are managed by a locally organized Jain Sangh or trust committee. The administration is community-driven, with decisions typically made through consensus among members. There is no widely published or formal list of office bearers, as management responsibilities often rotate among active community members and trustees.Because of its small size and remote location, the Jain community in the islands faces certain challenges. These include limited availability of strictly Jain food (without onion and garlic), infrequent visits by Jain monks and nuns, and restricted access to Jain educational and religious resources. Many such needs are fulfilled through connections with mainland India. Nevertheless, the community has successfully preserved its religious identity and practices, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.For visitors, the temple remains open daily, generally from early morning (around 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM) and again in the evening (5:30 PM to 8:30 PM). Due to its community-oriented nature, direct contact numbers are not widely published, and most visitors reach the temple directly or through local guidance. It is well known among taxi drivers and residents of Port Blair, making access convenient without prior coordination.A visit to the temple can be easily incorporated into a short itinerary in Port Blair. After arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, one can visit the temple the same day, followed by other nearby attractions such as the historic Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, or Ross Island. The peaceful ambiance of the temple provides a stark contrast to the tourist activity elsewhere, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and spiritual connection.In essence, the Shri Munisuvrat Swami Jain Tirth in Shadipur is not merely a place of worship but a powerful testament to the spread of Jainism across India’s farthest frontiers. It reflects the unwavering faith of a small yet dedicated community and stands as a symbol of Jain values such as ahimsa, truth, and non-attachment flourishing even in isolation.
www.jainsamaj.org
R130719

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Address : Shadipur, Port Blair, Andaman And Nicobar Islands - 744106, Tele : 094209-43390

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R05042026

Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation