After the exit from Lal Quila metro station, the first temple you reach is Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji and then Shri Gauri Shankar temple – both on the left-hand side. Walk further a little and you will reach Esplanade Road (cycle market) again on the left-hand side.
Enter the Esplanade Road and walk straight till you reach Shahi Jama Masjid on the right-hand side.
Raj – The cyclist. I saw him opposite the Red Fort between Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji and Lal Quila Metro Station (Chandni Chowk, Delhi).
Upon query, he enhanced my knowledge that the Bhang (cannabis) he is carrying on his cycle is an offering to the 800-plus-year-old Shri Gauri Shankar temple (built by Apa Gangadhar) nearby. Every day he peddles a cycle from Yamuna bank to deliver it.
The weight of the Bhang is approx. 40 kg and it costs Rs. 500/- only.
Bam Bam Bhole – said I.
An irrevocable Royal Decree issued by Shahenshah Jahangir on 26 February 1605 – This photo was taken at Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
In the royal decree issued by Emperor Jahangir of the Mughal dynasty on 26 February 1605, the killing of cattle and birds was stopped during the holy month of Bhado of Jainism.
The Navigation of Digambar Jain Pilgrimage Places of India including Kilometer by Road – This photo was taken at Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
Built during the reign of Shahjahan, in red Kota stone, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is an ideal paradigm of Jain Sramana tradition and artistic splendor in the heart of the city, Chandni Chowk.
Within the temple premises is a bird hospital, which advocates the Jain principle of non-violence ‘Parasparopgraho Jeevanaam‘, compassion for all forms of life, ‘Live and let Live.’ The complex also houses a Jain Sahitya Sadan which has a great collection of old and new literature. Despite the necessary changes to keep pace with modernization, the temple still retains its magnificence with intricate enamel work and elaborately painted ceilings.
(Source: display-board)
Nearest Metro Station: Lal Quila
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi, built-in 1658 AD.
There are many VEDIS (shrines) in the temple. Such as:
And a few more…
Photography is not allowed inside the temple area.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 5:30 am – 11:30 am/6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Winter: 6:00 am – 12:00 Noon/5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Visitors are strictly not allowed between 12:00 Noon to 6:00 pm
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji gates are closed between 11:00 pm – 5:00 am
Next to Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Ji, in the same complex, there is Charity Birds Hospital where birds are treated for FREE. These birds are treated by specialist doctors. After treatment, birds are moved to larger cages and are finally released into the sky.
Fantastic tour – a thought within.
Click to learn more about Haveli Dharampura.
हवेली धरमपुरा
(गोयल साहब की हवेली)
यद्यपि एक संकीर्ण गली से प्रवेश किया जाता है, सजावटी प्रवेश द्वार के अंदर एक बार हवेली में एक विशाल आंगन के साथ एक विशिष्ट लेआउट होता है जिसके चारों ओर चार मंजिलों पर रहने वाले क्वार्टर होते हैं और ऊपरी मंजिल 19 वीं शताब्दी में बनाई जाती हैं। इस पर मुगल, विक्टोरियन और पारंपरिक हिंदू स्थापत्य शैली का प्रभाव है।
एक अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण ऐतिहासिक क्षेत्र के भीतर और कई प्रतिष्ठित जैन और हिंदू मंदिरों के करीब स्थित, यह हवेली कभी एक धनी व्यापारिक परिवार का निवास स्थान था। हालाँकि, 21वीं सदी तक यह खंडहर हो गया।
हेरिटेज इंडिया फाउंडेशन के सहयोग से विजय गोयल और बेटे सिद्धांत द्वारा छह साल के श्रमसाध्य संरक्षण से अनुचित आधुनिक बदलावों को हटाया गया और जटिल पत्थर के ब्रैकेट, झरोखे, बहु-पत्तेदार मेहराब, नक्काशीदार बलुआ पत्थर के अग्रभागों द्वारा विरासत के चरित्र को बहाल किया गया, लकड़ी के दरवाजे, अन्य सुविधाओं के बीच। हवेली एक बार फिर अपनी अतीत की भव्यता का उदाहरण पेश करती है।
आधुनिक सुविधाओं के साथ, यह संरक्षण प्रयास शाहजहानाबाद की कई हवेलियों के लिए अन्य समान पहलों के लिए एक मॉडल के रूप में काम करने की उम्मीद करता है।
(English to Hindi Translation by Google Translate)
Lotan Chole Kulche Wala is situated at 2353, Chatta Shahji Rd, Chawri Bazar, Old Delhi.
The address mentioned on Google is an old one. Need an update.
Chole Kulche stall was started by Late Shri Lotan Ram Ji in the year 1918.
Earlier they had a roadside stall, but now they have had their own shop running for 3 years.
Reached Chawri Bazar Metro Station and exited towards Chawri Bazar.
Right-turn. Walking towards Hauz Qazi Chowk. Reached.
Walking further straight till I reach Shyam Sweets situated on the right-hand side.
Opposite Shyam Sweets, there is a very narrow/congested lane. Walk inside.
Leave first left-turn. Enter the second left turn. Walk a little and you will reach your destination which is on the left-hand side.
As I am a desi street food lover, early morning breakfast was the plan, especially at Lotan Chole Kulche Wala – a very famous/popular and one of the oldest Delhi street food stalls since 1918 i.e., 103 years old.
Please note: There is no sitting arrangement, yet you will find a fairly large number of people having delicious Chole Kulche.
The best is to find yourself a comfy corner to stand in & have a very famous Lotan Ji Ke Chole Kulche.
Lotan Chole Kulche Wala shop is open from 7 am till 1 pm (365 days).
Certificate of Excellence by Delhi Food Walks.
Best Chole Kulche awarded by Dettol Delhi Street Food Awards 2018.
I asked the price of Chole Kulche.
Two Kulche for Rs. 50 along with Chole. If you want to add Amul butter, then Rs. 15 extra – said the person present.
Three Chole Kulche I had for Rs. 60. It was soft, fresh, hot, and spicy. It just melted in my mouth, and every bite – I relished.
Yes, water is required as the Chole Kulche was spicy.
Rs. 10 for Aquafina chilled water bottle.
Total Rs. 70 I paid and I was satisfied with the breakfast.
Caution: Please suggest to them how much spicy Chole you want? – Normal, Medium, or Teekha (spicy).
They also serve Chole Paani (water) for Rs. 10 but I was not interested as I stay away from spicy food but still would love to say – Ultimate, Yummylicious, Mouth-Watering, Lip-smacking and one of the best Chole Kulche I have ever had in Old Delhi.
Chole is made with boiled chickpeas/secret spices and the Kulcha is made with Maida – White flour.
So if you are in-around Old Delhi, drop at Chawri Bazaar to have Lotan Ji ke Chole Kulche. You will never regret it.
I name it – an iconic/heritage shop. A hidden gem. Must be taken care of by the State/Central Government.
I would suggest – try once to have an experience with our Desi Indian Food.
Do not expect that it will be a fancy shop/restaurant, but yes, little hygiene is required.
The staff is polite, and the service is quick. I highly recommend – Lotan Chole Kulche Wala.
If you walk further inside the lane, you will reach Haveli Dharampura situated at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
The trip to Old Delhi was incomplete if I had not visited Lotan Ji Ke Chole Kulche. Now I am happy, I visited.
Knowledge was enhanced by cousin’s brother that Lotan Chole Kulche Wala also has a stall at Daryaganj.
Nearest Metro Station to Kamala Sweets: Nehru Place