175-year-old Hutheesing Temple in Ahmedabad is an architectural marvel every history buff must visit

Constructed in 1848 by the mercantile family of Hutheesing, the Hutheesing Temple in Ahmedabad is renowned among the Jain devotees. The temple bathes in superior architectural shades for its an amalgamation of ancient Maru-Gurjara temple style (style of West Indian temple architecture from 11th-13th centuries from Gujarat/Rajasthan, under the Chaulukya dynasty) and modern architectural elements of haveli.

Situated outside the Delhi Gate in Ahmedabad, the historical landmark in the form of the temple is built of white marble. It has well-wheeled and defined structural features, comprising a main gateway porch, a sprawling courtyard, a stupendous ridged dome with huge magnificent pillars enveloping a sacred mandapa, carved balustrades, exquisite jali work, overarching balconies, and so on.

Commissioned by the wealthy businessman Shet Hutheesing Kesarisinh, the construction was overseen and completed by his wife Shethani Harkunvar 175 years ago.

The Hutheesing Jain Temple was said to be built as a dedication to Lord Dharmanatha, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. Its intricate construction required hundreds of skilled artisans employed for some two years at the site, during which it was implemented. Thus, it provided employment to numerous people at the time when there was dire need of the same, for the temple was erected during a severe famine in Gujarat. The attribution of the chief temple architect is often credited to Premchand Salat.

The detailed carvings engraved on the temple walls make for an architectural delight, while the scientific construction enables the structure to be used for rainwater harvesting. From the frontal ornate facade on the gateway, three cathartic sanctuaries in the temple, to the courtyard with equidistant rows of columns and pillars encompassing around 52 devakulikas (secondary shrines), the structure is a rich reminder of Ahmedabad's marvellous past and a major tourist attraction today.

Location: Hutheesing Jain Temple, Camp Rd, Madhupura, Ahmedabad