Located right opposite the massive Red Fort in Chandni Chowk, and popularly known as Lal Mandir or the Red Temple, since entirely constructed of striking red sandstone, Shri Digambar Jain Temple, the oldest and best-known Jain temple in Old Delhi, is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism and a testament to the city's rich cultural and religious tapestry. Built in 1656 by an influential Jain merchant named Rai Bahadur Seth Lal Chand, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the temple has been renovated and expanded over the centuries, preserving its cultural and architectural heritage, and stands as a symbol of devotion and spiritual unity in the country. The temple complex, a serene oasis amidst the chaos of Delhi, is a harmonious blend of architectural splendour, intricate carvings, and divine tranquillity.

In addition to the Shri Digambar Jain Temple, the primary, as well as the main temple, built in 1656 and housing the idol of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, along with the idols of Rishavanatha, also known as Adinath and Lord Parashvanath, the temple complex also contains a charitable medical centre for birds, in accordance with the ideology inspired by Lord Mahavira’s message of live and let live. Built in 1956, it is the only institution of its kind that treats almost fifteen thousand birds every year.

The Manastambha, a tall carved marble pillar of honour, representing a traditional Jain monument, signifying the shedding of pride before entering a sacred space, greets visitors in the open courtyard, acting as a beautiful, serene prelude to the stunning red edifice of the Red Temple. The two-storey edifice, equipped with three red sandstone spires, features soothing white marble, fluted columns, and contains the main devotional area on the first floor, accessible by ascending to the terrace after crossing a small courtyard, surrounded by a balcony guarded by a row of pillars.

The halls of the temple are lined with intricately carved pillars and columns, frequently embellished with fine geometric motifs, floral designs, and brackets, supporting the chambers that surround the primary shrine, while the ceilings are typically vaulted, featuring colourfully painted and gilded frescoes, adorned with mirrored glasswork that beautifully contrast with the white marble. The main devotional area contains three separate chambers that house the tranquil idols of three major Tirthankaras, namely Rishavanatha, also known as Adinath, Parshvanatha, and Mahavira. However, although its principal central deity is often venerated as Lord Parshvanatha or Lord Mahavira, the temple complex hosts a multitude of marble idols.

The complex of the temple houses the Charity Birds Hospital, which earned widespread acclaim for its free, compassionate avian care, treating about 15,000 injured, sick, and orphaned birds entirely free of charge. Built in 1957, under the instructions of Acharya Deshbhushan Maharaj, the hospital is equipped with general wards, an ICU, and dedicated caretakers to rehabilitate everything from pigeons and crows to raptors. Furthermore, the hospital segregates its vegetarian patients from the non-vegetarian, carnivorous predators, such as eagles, hawks, and hawks, which are accommodated on the first floor.

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Delhi vibrantly celebrates several major Jain festivals, of which the most notable is the Mahavira Jayanti, celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April), when special Pujas of the deities are performed, along with grand processions with Ratha Yatra through Chandni Chowk, and cultural programmes detailing the teachings of the Tirthankaras. Apart from that, Paryushan Parv and Daslakshan Parv are also two more sacred festivals in Jainism, dedicated to spiritual upliftment and self-purification, when the temple extends its visiting hours, and devotees engage in fasting, meditation, and reading of scriptures, which concludes with Kshamavani, a day dedicated to seeking forgiveness from all living being. However, Deepawali holds special significance as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana; when the temple is spectacularly lit with thousands of lamps.