Kanch Mandir

Jain temple entirely encased in mirror glass — one of India's most visually striking religious buildings

Kanch Mandir (the Glass Temple) is one of the most unusual religious buildings in central India, a Jain temple built in the early 20th century and entirely encased in coloured mirror glass — floor, ceiling, columns, walls, and even the steps. The mirrors are in rich jewel tones of blue, green, red, and gold, and when the interior is lit the effect is dazzling, almost overwhelming.

The temple is dedicated to Jain principles of non-violence and is a serious working religious site, so visitors must be respectful; leather items are generally not permitted inside. Remove shoes at the entrance. The building is in the old city area near the Rajwada, easily visited as part of the same walk. Photographs inside are generally allowed but check with the caretaker first.

things to do sight
A story
Kanch Mandir was built in the early 20th century by Seth Hukumchand, a wealthy Jain merchant who was also responsible for introducing the first textile mills to Indore. The entire temple was fitted with millions of pieces of coloured mirror glass imported from Belgium and Germany — a decision that shocked contemporaries who expected stone or marble in a place of worship. The effect, especially in candlelight, is like being inside a kaleidoscope.