Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Bikaner Jain Temple’s Legend Says Ghee Replaced Water
The Bhandasar Jain Temple is an old temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
It is dedicated to Lord Sumatinath, an important figure in Jainism.
People say it was built starting around 1468.
A local legend says workers mixed ghee into the mortar instead of water because water was scarce.
The story says they may have used as much as 40,000 kilograms of ghee.
Another legend links the donation to merchant Bhanda Shah.
The temple has colorful stonework, mirrors, painted walls and patterned ceilings.
The Archaeological Survey of India protects it today.
Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner is a roughly 550-year-old, three-storey temple dedicated to Lord Sumatinath, Jainism’s fifth Tirthankara.
Local tradition says builders used up to 40,000 kilograms of ghee in mortar instead of water, amid water scarcity.
Construction is said to have begun around 1468 CE under Jain merchant Bhanda Shah, also known as Bhandasa Oswal.
The temple is built from red sandstone and yellow stone and features mirror work, floral pillars, geometric ceilings and Jain-themed frescoes.
The Archaeological Survey of India protects the temple as a heritage structure.
- Who
- Jain merchant Bhanda Shah, also known as Bhandasa Oswal, is said to have started the temple’s construction.
- What
- The Bhandasar Jain Temple is a three-storey Jain temple associated with a local legend that ghee was used in its mortar instead of water.
- When
- Construction is said to have begun around 1468 CE; the temple is described as about 550 years old.
- Where
- Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.
- Why
- According to local tradition, water scarcity inspired the use of ghee in the mortar.
Legend and belief
Reported historical details
Ghee used in construction
Legend and belief
Local tradition says builders used ghee instead of water in the mortar, and that traces may seep out on the hottest summer days.
Reported historical details
The article presents the ghee account as local tradition and legend, not as a confirmed construction record.
Reason for the ghee donation
Legend and belief
One legend says Bhanda Shah donated a large quantity of ghee after an architect mocked him for saving a small spilled drop.
Reported historical details
Another account attributes the use of ghee to water scarcity in the region.
- Temple
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
- Location
- Bikaner, Rajasthan
- Estimated age
- About 550 years
- Construction date
- Said to have begun around 1468 CE
- Ghee in mortar
- Local tradition says up to 40,000 kilograms were used
- Dedication
- Lord Sumatinath, Jainism’s fifth Tirthankara
- Protection
- Protected as a heritage structure by the Archaeological Survey of India