The Thubon Jain Temples sit in a quiet village on the bank of the Aur river in Chanderi tehsil, Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh. Reached by a 28 km road from the weaving town of Chanderi, this Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra is known for a group of medieval temples and, above all, for a towering standing image of the first Tirthankara, Adinatha (Rishabhanatha). Pilgrims and heritage travellers come for the scale of the carving and for the older Pratihara-era shrines scattered around the site.
Thubon (also spelt Thubonji or Thuvonji), in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, is a Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra built around roughly 26 Jain temples and a colossal standing statue of Adinatha. Chanderi, 28 km away, is the practical base for visiting.
Key takeaways
- Thubon is a Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra in Chanderi tehsil, Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh (PIN 473446), about 28 km from Chanderi town.
- The main draw is a standing (kayotsarga) colossus of Adinatha in Temple No. 15; Jain sources describe it as roughly 28 feet tall and traditionally dated to Vikram Samvat 1672 (1615 CE). Published heights vary, so treat the figure as approximate.
- The site holds about 26 Jain temples of different periods, alongside older Shaiva and Vaishnava shrines that the ASI’s temple survey dated mostly to the 10th–12th centuries.
- Best time to visit is October to March, matching the official season advice for nearby Chanderi; April–June is very hot (above 40 °C).
- Nearest airport is Gwalior (about 214 km from Chanderi, per Incredible India); Lalitpur Junction (about 40 km) and Ashoknagar are the usable railheads.
About Thubon Jain Temples and quick facts
The Thubon Jain Temples are a cluster of medieval shrines in Thubon village, Chanderi tehsil, Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh, today run as a Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra. The village sits on the western bank of the Aur (Urr) river, a tributary of the Betwa, with a second stream, the Lilawati, nearby. Do not confuse this Thubon with the town of Chanderi itself, which has its own separate Digambar Jain temples; Thubon is a distinct site on the Chanderi–Ashoknagar road.
An “atishaya kshetra” is a Jain pilgrimage place associated with miraculous events (atishaya); the Thubon trust describes its images as famous for such local beliefs. According to the Jain tirth trust listing, the site today has 26 temples (25 old and one new), while the archaeological record counts many more structures on the ground, Jain and non-Jain.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Thubon village, Chanderi tehsil, Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh; PIN 473446 |
| Type | Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra; group of medieval temples |
| Signature sight | Standing Adinatha colossus in Temple No. 15 (approx. 28 ft, per Jain sources) |
| Number of temples | About 26 Jain temples, plus older Shaiva/Vaishnava shrines |
| River | Aur (Urr), a tributary of the Betwa |
| Base town | Chanderi, 28 km away |
| Best season | October to March |
Thubon has interested archaeologists for over a century. According to the archaeological account on Puratattva, the antiquarian M. B. Garde reported the site in the early 20th century, C. B. Trivedi brought it back to scholarly notice in 1990, and the ASI’s Northern Region Temple Survey Project carried out the first serious survey in 2010–11, grouping the standing and ruined temples into five clusters. If you are planning a wider Jain and temple-art circuit, it pairs naturally with other sites in our Madhya Pradesh travel guide.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Thubon is October to March, when the weather across this part of Madhya Pradesh is cool and dry enough for unhurried temple visits. Incredible India gives the same October–March window as the best season for neighbouring Chanderi, and notes that April to June is the hottest stretch, with highs above 40 °C. The southwest monsoon brings rain roughly July to September.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, dry (best) | October–March | Pleasant days, cool nights; ideal for sightseeing and photography |
| Hot | April–June | Very hot, often above 40 °C; start early, carry water |
| Monsoon | July–September | Rain spells, humidity; greener landscape but check road conditions |
For a Jain pilgrimage visit, many travellers also time their trip to coincide with a festival or a panchkalyanak event announced by the kshetra; confirm dates directly with the trust before fixing travel, as these are not published on a fixed annual calendar.
How to reach Thubon
Thubon is reached by road, with Chanderi (28 km) as the usual base and Ashoknagar as the district headquarters and railhead. There is no airport or railway station at Thubon itself, so plan for a road leg of 30 minutes to an hour from Chanderi.
By air: The nearest airport is Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal at Gwalior (GWL), which Incredible India lists as about 214 km from Chanderi. Bhopal and Indore airports are the larger alternatives for connections; from either, you would continue by road or rail. If you are flying into the state capital, see our Bhopal travel guide for onward planning.
By rail: Lalitpur Junction (LAR), in Uttar Pradesh, is the nearest major station at about 40 km from Chanderi, according to Incredible India. Ashoknagar (ASKN), on the Bina–Guna line, is the district’s own station; Jain trust listings put it around 32 km from Thubon. Train services, names and numbers change, so check current timings on IRCTC or NTES before you book.
By road: Chanderi is connected by well-maintained roads to Bhopal, Indore and Jhansi. From Chanderi, a local taxi or bus runs toward Ashoknagar via Amared, passing Thubon. There is no direct long-distance public transport to the village, so a hired car or taxi from Chanderi or Ashoknagar is the simplest option.
| From | Mode | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chanderi (base town) | Road | 28 km |
| Ashoknagar (district HQ, railhead) | Road/rail | About 32 km |
| Lalitpur Junction (LAR) | Rail | About 40 km (to Chanderi) |
| Gwalior airport (GWL) | Air | About 214 km (to Chanderi) |
What to see at the Thubon Jain Temples
The highlight is the standing Adinatha colossus in Temple No. 15, the image that gives Thubon its reputation. Jain sources describe it as a kayotsarga (upright, “body-abandonment”) figure of Adinatha (Rishabhanatha), the first Tirthankara, roughly 28 feet tall and traditionally dated to Vikram Samvat 1672 (1615 CE). Reported heights differ between sources — one gives a much larger figure — so treat the exact measurement as approximate and verify on site.
Around this central shrine stand the other Jain temples, several holding large Tirthankara images. Trust and heritage listings single out big standing figures of Shantinatha and Parshvanatha as especially notable, along with images of Ajitanatha, Chandraprabha and further Adinatha statues of varying sizes. Because individual heights are reported inconsistently, it is best to read the on-site plaques rather than rely on a single number.
Beyond the Jain group, Thubon rewards anyone interested in early temple architecture. The ASI survey recorded clusters of older Shaiva and Vaishnava temples — named locally as the Sitamarhi, Gargaj, Kuti-area and other groups — mostly in the pancharatha, mandapika style and dated to about the 10th–12th centuries, from the Pratihara and Kachchhapaghata period. Many are ruined or missing their shikhara (tower), but the carved doorways repay a slow look.
| Spot | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Temple No. 15 (Adinatha colossus) | The tall standing Adinatha image; the site’s signature sight | 30–45 min |
| Shantinatha and Parshvanatha shrines | Large standing Tirthankara images noted by heritage sources | 30 min |
| Older Shaiva/Vaishnava temple groups | Pratihara-era carved doorways and ruined shrines (10th–12th c.) | 45–60 min |
| Chanderi town (28 km) | Fort, Jama Masjid, Koshak Mahal, handloom weaving | Half to full day |
Suggested itinerary
Thubon is a half-day visit best folded into a Chanderi trip. A two-day plan works well for most travellers.
- Day 1 — Chanderi: Arrive and settle in Chanderi. Spend the day on the fort, Jama Masjid, Koshak Mahal and a handloom workshop; the town’s own Digambar Jain temples are worth an hour.
- Day 2 — Thubon: Drive out early (about 28 km) to the Thubon Jain Temples. See the Adinatha colossus in Temple No. 15, the Shantinatha and Parshvanatha shrines, and the older temple groups. Return to Chanderi for lunch, or continue to Ashoknagar for onward rail connections.
Pilgrims making a longer Jain circuit often combine Thubon with other kshetras in the Bundelkhand–Malwa belt; add a day if you plan to include Deogarh (near Lalitpur) or sites around Ashoknagar.
Where to stay
The simplest accommodation at Thubon itself is the Jain kshetra’s own guest facilities. According to the trust listing, the kshetra offers rooms, a hall and a mess (bhojanalaya, a community dining hall), typical of a Digambar atishaya kshetra; book ahead by phoning the trust, especially around festivals.
For more choice — hotels, heritage stays and MP Tourism options — base yourself in Chanderi, 28 km away, and day-trip to Thubon. Ashoknagar town also has basic hotels near the railway station. The indicative nightly bands below are planning estimates (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking.
| Type | Where | Indicative price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim rooms / dharamshala | Thubon kshetra | Nominal donation; confirm with trust |
| Budget hotels | Chanderi / Ashoknagar | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Mid-range / heritage | Chanderi | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Upper mid-range | Chanderi (incl. MP Tourism property) | ₹4,000–₹6,500 |
Food to try
Expect simple vegetarian food at Thubon, in keeping with a Jain pilgrimage site. The kshetra’s mess serves plain satvik (pure vegetarian, often without onion and garlic) thalis to pilgrims; carry snacks and water for the day as options in the village are limited.
In Chanderi and Ashoknagar you will find standard Madhya Pradesh vegetarian fare — poha (flattened rice, steamed and tempered) for breakfast, dal-baati (baked wheat dough balls with lentils), kachori, and jalebi (deep-fried syrup-soaked sweet). Many Jain travellers prefer to eat at the kshetra or at Jain-run eateries to be sure of the dietary rules.
Budget breakdown
A visit to Thubon is inexpensive; the main costs are the road transfer and your Chanderi stay. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a two-day Chanderi-based trip, assuming shared transport and mid-budget lodging. It is indicative only (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lodging (1 night) | ₹1,000–₹3,500 | Budget to mid-range, per person sharing a double |
| Thubon day-trip taxi | ₹800–₹1,500 | Chanderi round trip, shared; split across the car |
| Meals (2 days) | ₹400–₹800 | Vegetarian thalis and snacks |
| Local transport / entry | ₹100–₹300 | No ticket charged at the kshetra; small donations |
| Approx. total | ₹2,300–₹6,100 | Excludes long-distance travel to Chanderi |
Permits, rules and photography
No special permit is required to visit Thubon — it is an open Jain pilgrimage site, not a restricted or ticketed monument. As a Digambar Jain kshetra, ordinary temple etiquette applies: dress modestly, remove footwear and any leather items before entering shrines, and maintain quiet around worshippers. There is no entry fee for darshan; the kshetra runs on donations.
Photography of the temples is generally allowed, but ask before photographing inside sanctums or during rituals, and respect any signs the trust posts. Drone use at heritage and religious sites in India is restricted and needs prior permission under DGCA rules; do not fly one here without clearing it with the authorities and the trust. There is no ILP, PAP or forest/park permit involved at this site.
Practical tips
- Carry cash: Mobile network and UPI can be patchy in the village. Draw cash and fuel in Chanderi or Ashoknagar before heading out.
- Start early: Light is best in the morning for the standing colossus, and you avoid the midday heat outside winter.
- Timings: The trust does not publish fixed visiting hours; plan for daylight hours and phone ahead (the kshetra lists a contact number) to confirm access and any aarti schedule.
- Health: The nearest well-equipped hospitals are in Ashoknagar and Chanderi; carry a basic kit and any personal medicines.
- Solo and women travellers: The site is a calm pilgrimage village; standard precautions apply. Arrange return transport in advance, as the area is rural and quiet after dusk.
- Packing: In winter, carry a light layer for cool mornings; in summer, sun protection and plenty of water.
Nearby places
Thubon fits neatly into a Chanderi-centred itinerary, and the surrounding region has strong heritage and craft draws.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Chanderi | 28 km | Fort, Jama Masjid, Koshak Mahal and famous Chanderi handloom weaving |
| Ashoknagar | About 32 km | District headquarters; railhead and services |
| Lalitpur (UP) | About 40 km (from Chanderi) | Major railhead; gateway to Deogarh’s Jain and Gupta-era temples |
For a broader route through the state’s forts, temples and Jain sites, see our Madhya Pradesh travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Thubon Jain Temples located?
The Thubon Jain Temples are in Thubon village, Chanderi tehsil, Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh (PIN 473446), on the bank of the Aur river. They lie about 28 km from Chanderi town on the road toward Ashoknagar, and are run as a Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra.
How tall is the Adinatha statue at Thubon?
Jain sources describe the standing Adinatha (Rishabhanatha) colossus in Temple No. 15 as roughly 28 feet tall, in the kayotsarga (upright) posture, and traditionally dated to Vikram Samvat 1672 (1615 CE). Reported heights vary between sources, so treat the figure as approximate and check the on-site plaque.
How do I reach Thubon?
Reach Thubon by road from Chanderi, about 28 km away, usually by hired taxi or local bus toward Ashoknagar. The nearest major railhead is Lalitpur Junction (about 40 km from Chanderi) and the district station is Ashoknagar; the nearest airport is Gwalior, about 214 km from Chanderi per Incredible India.
What is the best time to visit Thubon?
The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather in this part of Madhya Pradesh is cool and dry. This matches Incredible India’s season advice for nearby Chanderi. Avoid April to June, when daytime temperatures often exceed 40 °C, and check road conditions during the July–September monsoon.
Is there an entry fee or permit for the Thubon Jain Temples?
No entry fee or special permit is required at Thubon; it is an open Digambar Jain pilgrimage site supported by donations, not a ticketed monument. Normal temple etiquette applies — modest dress, remove footwear and leather. Drone photography needs prior DGCA permission and the trust’s consent.
How many temples are there at Thubon, and how old are they?
Jain trust listings count about 26 Jain temples (25 old and one new). These belong to several periods, broadly from around the 12th to 17th centuries, and stand alongside older Shaiva and Vaishnava shrines that the ASI survey dated mainly to the 10th–12th centuries, from the Pratihara and Kachchhapaghata era.
Last updated and sources
Thubon suits Jain pilgrims and anyone drawn to medieval temple art and large stone colossi, ideally visited on a cool-season day-trip from Chanderi. Go between October and March, and confirm access and any festival dates with the kshetra before you travel.
Last updated: 31 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Incredible India, Chanderi (incredibleindia.gov.in); Puratattva, “Thobon — An Obscure Pratihara Site” (puratattva.in), citing the ASI Northern Region Temple Survey 2010–11; Jain Tirth Tourism listing for Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Thuvonji (jaintirthtourism.com); Chanderi.org, Thubon (chanderi.org); Jain Heritage Centres, Thuvanji (jainheritagecentres.com). Accessed September 2026.
