Kanch Mandir

The Kanch Mandir, as the name suggests, is a temple which is entirely made up of glass and mirrors. It is also known as the Seth Hukamchand Temple, as it was built by the "Cotton King" Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century. It is primarily a Jain temple and is a wonder in glass. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors, everything here is entirely adorned with glass. The Kanch Mahal has always been an object of interest for almost all the Hindu rulers in India.

The dazzling Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort of Rajasthan is an exemplary piece of art and provides a breathtaking sight. The Kanch Mahal of Indore is somewhat the same. The major difference being that it is a temple rather than a palace. Owing to its beauty, the palace attracts a number of tourists. Kanch Mandir is located quite close to the Rajwada. The temple is decorated with thousands of mirrors with patterned ceramic tiles.

The charisma of the temple is further intensified with the delicately crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers. The interiors of the Kanch Mandir are just mesmerizing. The temple boasts of more than 50 murals depicting Jain stories. They also depict scenes of conversion to Jainism, torture of sinners in the afterlife and 19th century court life. The Kanch Mahal is quite different from all the other such monuments in the country.

Its uniqueness arises from the fact that it is too showy and splendid to be the shrine of a religion which advocated simple living. Infact, not just simple living, rather austerity. The colorful glass beads and raised sculpted figures give a special 3D effect to the temple. The idol of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism is made from shimmering black onyx. The temple is a place of interest for both the Jain pilgrims as well as the tourists. The temple is situated on Jawahar Road near the Rajwada and opens at 10:00 am.