The short answer
Mithilapuri Jain Teerth (Dumra): what visitors should know first
A short, quiet visit for Jain pilgrims or anyone curious about Mithila's other faiths. The Dumra temple is new and easy to reach; check access and any sect-specific rules before arriving.
History and context
The story behind Mithilapuri Jain Teerth (Dumra)
According to Wikipedia, Harkhchandji Nahta of Bikaner wished to locate a lost shrine, and his son Lalit Kumar Nahta began the search in 1993 and found the site at Dumra. The trust was registered on 24 May 2006, and temple construction began in 2014 on land donated by Rukmini Devi. The Digambara tradition independently places the teerth at Sursand.
The sources do not reconcile the two claims, and Wikipedia notes mostly Hindi news reports and a 2022 academic paper as references.
Useful facts
Mithilapuri Jain Teerth (Dumra) facts at a glance
- Location
- Dumra, on the Sitamarhi-Dumra road, about 5 km south of the town
- Faith
- Jain (Shvetambara at Dumra; Digambara at Sursand)
- Dedication
- Mallinath (19th) and Naminath (21st) Tirthankaras
- Visitor note
- Follow rules on leather and footwear
- Built
- Construction from 2014; idols installed 2020
Why it matters
Why Mithilapuri Jain Teerth (Dumra) is worth your time
Sitamarhi is known for Sita, but the Mithila region has deep Jain roots as well. Tradition holds that two Tirthankaras, Mallinath and Naminath, were born and practised here, and that makes the area a pilgrimage destination for Jains across India.
The Dumra temple is a recent project: Wikipedia records that a search for the lost shrine began in 1993, the trust was registered in 2006, construction began in 2014 and idols were installed in 2020. It is useful for travellers who want a fuller sense of Mithila beyond the Ramayana story, and for Jain pilgrims who plan a route along these sites.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Two Tirthankaras
Mallinath and Naminath are traditionally linked to Mithila.
- 02
Modern Dumra temple
A new two-storey temple built after a search that began in 1993.
- 03
Sursand alternative
The Digambara site near the Nepal border offers a second perspective.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Shvetambara temple is on the Sitamarhi-Dumra road, so it is easy to add to a day in town. Go in the morning and leave leather items in your vehicle or at the entrance if asked. The temple is a two-storey structure whose construction started in the 2010s, with idols installed in 2020 according to Wikipedia.
The site honours Mallinath and Naminath, the 19th and 21st Tirthankaras, whom Jain tradition places in Mithila. Sit in the hall quietly and read any plaques; there is little else to do on site, so the visit is short.
The Digambara tradition places the teerth instead at Sursand, close to the Nepal border, where annual birth anniversary festivals are held. The two claims are not reconciled, so if you want to visit Sursand as well, ask the Bihar Digambara Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee for current directions and visiting arrangements.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Ask about leather, footwear and photography rules
- Confirm which site your group follows: Dumra or Sursand
- Visit in the morning
- Check stairs and lift access beforehand
- Respect silent prayer areas
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Dumra, about 5 km south of Sitamarhi town, on the Sitamarhi-Dumra road
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; during Janma Kalyanaka days for devotees
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A two-storey temple on a main road; check whether there is a lift or only stairs. Seating arrangements are not documented.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket mentioned. Jain temples often have rules on leather, footwear and photography; follow signs and ask the trust.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Mithilapuri Jain Teerth (Dumra)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A two-storey temple on a main road; check whether there is a lift or only stairs. Seating arrangements are not documented.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Where is Mithilapuri Jain Teerth?
The Shvetambara site is at Dumra, near Sitamarhi; the Digambara tradition places it at Sursand near the Nepal border.
Which Tirthankaras are honoured?
Mallinath, the 19th, and Naminath, the 21st.
Is the temple old?
The Dumra temple is recent, with construction beginning in 2014 and idols installed in 2020, according to Wikipedia.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
