The Jain Bird Hospital

In the Digambar Jain Temple complex at Chandni Chowk is situated one of the most unique and interesting hospitals, and the only one of its kind in Delhi – the Jain Bird Hospital. As the name suggests the patients admitted here are only birds with separate wards for different species like sparrows, parrots, domestic fowls and pigeons. There is even a research laboratory and an intensive care unit for the more serious patients.

The people, especially Jain businessmen of the area, bring the birds that are usually wounded by fowlers, ceiling fans or by other means for treatment and relief. The hospital admits a maximum of sixty injured birds on a day, which are then treated, bathed and given a nutritious diet so that they recover soon after which they are released once again.

One interesting fact about the hospital is its reluctance to treat non-vegetarian birds or scavengers, owing to the Jain religion’s aversion towards consumption of non-vegetarian items. Since the patients get treated free of cost, it would be a good idea for visitors to contribute something towards the hospital upkeep fund.

Address – Digambar Jain Temple Compund, Opposite Red Fort, Delhi

How to Reach – The best way to reach is to take a metro from Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) to Chandni Chowk and a rickshaw from there onwards. One could also take an auto or a bus to Chandni Chowk (not recommended due to the traffic situation in Old Delhi)