All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places

Author(s): B C Nagraj
Publisher: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006742/1

Page #1

ALL INDIA
JAIN TEMPLES TOURIST PLACES
AND
Published by: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore
- Shri Bharatwarshiya Digamber Jain Mahasabha, Lucknow

Page #2

ALL INDIA JAIN TEMPLES
- AND TOURIST PLACES
Released on the occasion of 2600th Birth Anniversary of Bhagawan Mahaveera
Editor B.C. NAGARAJ
ITI JAINS ASSOCIATION 780, 7th Cross, 10th Main, BSK I Stage, 2nd Block,
Bangalore-560 050.
&
SHRI BHARATWARSHIYA DIGAMBER JAIN
(Teerth Sanrakshini) MAHASABHA
Shri Nandeeshwara Flour Mills Compound Mill Road, Aish Bagh, Lucknow - 226004. Ph: 0522-267287

Page #3

ALL INDIA JAIN TEMPLES AND TOURIST PLACES, Edited by B.C. Nagaraj Published by: ITI JAINS ASSOCIATION, 780, 7th Cross, 10th Main, BSK I Stage, 2nd Block, Bangalore - 560 050. and SHRI BHARATWARSHIYA DIGAMBER JAIN (Teerth Sanrakshini) MAHASABHA Shri Nandeeshwara Flour Mills Compound Mill Road, Aish Bagh, Lucknow - 226004. Ph: 0522-267287
P.P. IV + 94, 2001
Cover Page : Sri Sahasraphani Parshwanatha, Bijapur.
Price : Rs. 40/
Books Available at: M/s. Anekar Stationeries No. 230, 10th Main, 7th Cross, Hanumanthanagar, Bangalore-560 019. Ph:080-6524349
DTP by : SANMATHI GRAPHICS 1214, 'Sanmathi' 2nd Main, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-560 040. 0:3358596, 3106655
Printed by : PRINTSWORTH No. 16/4, 1st Cross, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore-560 027.. ©:2239087

Page #4

From the Publishers desk...................
ITI Jains Association is a small group of about 35 members formed during 1981 amongst Jain employees in ITI Limited, Bangalore. The Association has been striving to do its best to the Jain society at large in its own humble ways.
Apart from other activities, the Association has brought out to its credit, three editions of the most popular "Jain Directory of Bangalore" ( In 1985, 1991 and 1998) three tourist guides namely "Jain Pilgrimages of India" in Kannada and "Jain Temples and Tourist Places of Karnataka" in Kannada and English separately. These issues of our Association, we are happy to say are very well received by our Jain brethren in and outside Karnataka. The same responses have encouraged us to bring out this "All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places" which we are placing in your hands now.
This book is broughtout in commemoration of the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahaveera.
The book contains briefly the description of the Jain Temples and Tourist Places of all states of India and map indicating the location of these places roughly. We are happy to mention in this connection that some of the personal experiences of the editor and other members of the Association who visited these places in the recent past are also incorporated. The places indicated are mostly accessible.
We are thankful to the continued active support rendered by Shri Rajakeerthi and Shri B. Nagendra Kumar, secretaries of our Association, Shri Virendra Kumar Bakliwal and Shri Ashok Kumar Sethi, Bangalore for their untiring efforts in bringing out this publication. Also we are grateful to Shri S.B. Vasantharajaiah for his valuable guidance in this connection. We are thankful to those who have encouraged us by giving the advertisements.
We earnestly, hope that this "All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places" will be well received and useful to all. NIRMAL KUMAR SETHI
H. V. INDRA KUMAR President
President Shri Bharatwarshiya Digamber Jain
ITI Jains Association Mahasabha, Lucknow.
Bangalore.

Page #5

Padmavati Devi
SRIRANGAPATNA

Page #6

CONTENTS
Pg Nos.
Jain Dharma - A Glance 2. Siddakshetras 3. Delhi 4. Uttar Pradesh 5. Bihar 6. West Bengal 7. Assam and North Eastern States 8. Kashmir & Himachal Pradesh 9. Haryana, Punjab & Uttarpradesh 10. Rajasthan 11. Gujarat 12. Madhya Pradesh 13. Orissa 14. Maharashtra 15. Andhra Pradesh 16. Karnataka, Goa 17. Tamilnadu 18. Kerala 19. Tour Itineraries 20. Distance - Different Capital Cities 21. Tourist Offices

Page #7

With Best Compliments from
Shri Datta Trading Company
Wholesalers of Edible Oil, Tea and Soaps
1949, "D" Shaniwar Peth, Near Corporation,
KOLHAPUR, MAHARASHTRA Ph. (0231) 527911, 528011, 528111
(093 HAPUR, Meth, Near

Page #8

JAINA DHARMA A GLANCE :
One who renounce the world and achieve nirvan, salvation is Jina'. Worshippers of Jina are called as “Jains” and Dharma the path preached by Jina is known as “Jain Dharma”. The 24 Thirthankaras starting from Bhagawan Rishabha Deva renounced the world, achieved salvation and have shown the path of salvation to mankind. The 23rd Thirthankar Parshwanath & 24th Thirthankar Mahaveer are historical persons. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan states that “Jainism prevailed even before Vardhamana or Parshwanatha. The Yajurveda mentions the names of three Thirthankaras : Rishabha, Ajithanatha and Aristanemi. The Bhagavata purana endorses the view that the Rishabha was the founder of Jainism”. The old inscriptions confirms that the statue of Rishabha was worshipped by the people during the period of Mahaveera. Samrat Kharawela's inscription at · Hathi Gufa' of Khandagiri - Udayagiri dates back to before christ reinstates this.
Bhagawan Rishabhadeva was followed by 23 Thirthankaras the last being Bhagawan Mahavira. Most of them took their birth in and around Magadha. Twenty out of Twenty four Thirthankaras attained nirvana at the sacred hill Sammeda Shikarji. Kailasa, Champapuri, Girnar and Pavapuri are the other places of nirvana. Gautama Ganadhara, Sudharma Swamy and Jambhu Swamy are the three “Kevalis' who followed Bhagawan Mahavir were responsible for the spread of Jainism. Vishnu, Nandimitra, Aparajitha, Govardhana and Bhadrabahu are the five 'Shrutha Kevalis” who followed them. The terrible famine which lasted for twenty years in the Magadha Kingdom resulted in the division of Jainism into two sects ; Digambara and Swethambara. Acharya Bhadrabahu migrated to south settling at Shravanabelagola along with Chandragupta Maurya and

Page #9

many other disciples. This resulted in the spread of Jainism in Karnataka and Tamilnadu.Magadha and Kalinga rulers in the North and Gangas, Rastrakutas, Chalukyas in South were the great patrons of Jainism.
Every ‘Jiva' or 'Atma' can become 'Paramathma' or a 'Jina'. Jivatma in the impure state is bounded by karma. Due to the cover of Karma Jivatma will be deprived of the natural qualities - Ananta Gnana, Ananta Darshana, Ananta Sukha and Ananta Shakti. Jivatma by relinquishing this cover of Karma will become 'Paramathma’. Right faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct (Samyak Dharshana, Samyak Gnana and Samyak Charithra) are the pathway of salvation. There is no barrier of high or low, rich or poor in Veetharaga Dharma. Jain Darshan has given a wonderful contribution to mankind through ‘Anekantavada' which emphasize the dual concept of realistic and pluralistic.
Jaina Dharma stress on the values (1) Non-violence (Ahimsa) (2) Truth (Satya) (3) Non possessiveness (Aparigraha) (4) Non Stealing ( Asteya) and (5) Brahmacharya (Celibacy). The six dravyas - Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha and Kala together form the universe.
Initially Jinavani in the form of 12 Angas and 14 Purvas was transmitted from the teacher to disciple. In due course this resulted in the loss of knowledge. Noticing this, Dharasenacharya of Girinagar selected Bhutabali and Pushpadanta as his disciples and taught to them portion of Angas. These two Acharyas preserved them in writing through “Shatkhandagama'. Another Acharya Gunadhara wrote ‘Kashaya Prabrutha'. Acharya Virasena wrote commentary (teeka) on Shatkhandagama as 'Dhavala'. Afterwards
2

Page #10

he started writing commentary on Kashaya Prabrutha known as Jaya Dhavala', but could not complete it. It was completed by Acharya ‘Jina sena'.
Later in first century A.D., the great Acharya Sri Kunda Kunda wrote Samayasara, Pravachanasara and Panchasthikaya which are the jewels for a follower. All the Thirthankaras were born in North India where as many of the Acharyas were from the South particularly from Karnataka. Salutations to these great Acharyas who have left us the knowledge of Angas and Purvas, which otherwise would have been lost forever. Most of the scriptures are in Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. Scriptures were written in other Indian languages also. The literary activities in South in Kannada and Tamil languages were started by the Jaina Acharyas. The galaxy of Acharyas have made Jainsim all the great and World religion. Though today the Jaina community has been reduced to a minority, its architectural splendour, stand as a testimony to its glorious culture and tradition. The Jain Darshana stands as a light to the upliftment of the mankind.
Many places in India are associated with the five Kalyanakas of Thirthankaras, some places are associated with Acharyas. Some are famous for the miracle idols and these places have become places of worship.All of them refered as "Tirthas'.
‘Sidda Kshetras' are the places where Thirthankars, Acharyas, Munis have attianed mukti or salvation. Kalyanakshetras those where four Kalyanakas-Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Gnana have taken place. ‘Athishaya Kshetras' are those associated with miracles.

Page #11

SIDDAKSHETRAS
Sidda Kshetra
Location
SL. No.
One who got Nirvana
Astapada
Kailas (Himalayas)
First Thirthankara Vrishabhnath, Nagakumar, Vyala, Mahavyala.
2.
Champa
Bhagalpur(Bihar)
12th Thirthankara Vasupujya
3.
Urjayantagiri
Girinar (Kathewad) Gujrat
22nd Thirthankara Neminatha Pradymna, Shambu Aniruddha
Pava
Pavapuri(Bihar)
24th Thirthankara Mahavira
Sammed Shikarji
Parasnath (Hazaribaugh, Bihar)
Remaining 20 Thirthankaras
6.
Tara Nagar
Taranga
Varadatta, Varanga, Sagaadatta
Pavaguri
Oona (Khargaon, M.P)
Lata Narendra, Suvarna Bhadra
Satrunjaya
Kathewad (Gujarat)
Pandavas
9.
Gajapantha
Nasik ( Maharastra)
Balabhadra & Other Yadava Kings

Page #12

10.
Tungi Giri
Mangi Tungi (Maharastra)
Rama, Hanuma, Sugriva, Gavaya, Gavaksha, Neela, Mahaneela.
11.
Suvarna Giri
Sonagiri (Jhansi, UP) Nanga - Ananga
Kumara
Revathata
Sons of Ravana
Omkar Mandatha (MP)
Siddavar Koot
Omkar Mandatha (MP)
Two Emperors
14.
Chulagiri
Bavan gaja (Vadvani, MP)
Indrajit, Kumbhakarna
15.
Dronagiri
Phaloudhi (Rajasthan
Guru Dattadi
16.
Medagiri
Mukthagiri (MP)
Three and half Crore Munis
Kunthalagiri
Vamshasthal (Maharastra)
Kulabhushan, Deshabhushan
Kotashila
Khandagiri (Orissa)
Son of Yashodhara King
19.
Resindhegiri
Nainagiri (MP)
Varadatha & Fifty Munis of Parshwanatha Period.
20.
Shravanabelagola
Karnataka
Chandragupta Maurya

Page #13

ALL INDIA JAIN TEMPLES
AND TOURIST PLACES
1. DELHI : (Capital City of the Country)
On the plains of Delhi, where now stands the splendid modern capital of India, Cities have risen & decayed several times, only their ruins mark the sites where once they stood as many as seven times. Delhi is one of the most ancient and historical city, was known as Indraprashta as early as the time of Mahabharatha.
Shajanabad or old Delhi, as it is now called, has many architectural masterpieces. The Redfort dominates the city and stands as a mute symbol of Mughal Glory.
Delhi is an important centre for jains since the olden days. Many jain temples were destroyed by Muslim rulers. The mosque near Qutub is constructed mainly from the demolished parts of jain temples.
There are about 67 Jain digambar temples in and around Delhi. The important temples are as follows. (1) Digambar Jain Lal Mandir : (This is located at the entrance of Chandni Chowk opposite to the Redfort). This is the most ancient one out of all the jain temples of Delhi and was constructed in 1656 A.D. The main deity is Lord Parshwanatha - consecrated by Jinachandra Batttarak in 1491 A.D. The statue is a 2 34 feet height marble and is in padmasana posture. Yakshi Padmavathi devi statue has also been installed which attracts number of devotees. (2) Digambar Jain Parshwanatha Mandir, Jayasimhapura (Jain Temple Road, near Cannaught Circus Madras Hotel).
This is famous as ‘Bada mandir' and Khandelwal Mandir. Bhagawan Mahavir is the main deity here. Apart from this, statues of Chandraprabha, Neminatha, Prashwanatha are also there. (3) Mahavira Digambar Jain Temple: (Vaidya wada galli connected to Chandni Chowk)
This temple was constructed in 1471 A.D. by Khandelwal Digambar Jain Panchayat. The temple has many idols and manuscripts.

Page #14

(4) Digambar Jain Panchayat Mandir:(Masjid Kajoor Galli):
This was constructed by armychieftain Ayamal. This also had a Bhatarak Throne. This temple is also known as 'Pandeji Mandir'. The main deity is Bhagawan Parshwanatha, 51/2 feet height. The statues of Adinath and Shanthinath are also there. (5) Digambar Jain Mohre Mandir ( It is located near the Panchayat Mandir)
Depiction of 'Nandeeswar Dweep' is here which was constructed in 1932. Many manuscripts are here. (6) Digambar Jain Naya Mandir, Dharmapura :(on the way to Kinari Bazar from Chandni Chowk)
This was constructed by Harsukh Roy who was in the Darbar of Bharatpur King in 1800. Main deity is Lord Adinath.
A Sahasrakuta Chaityalaya is also here. Many statues made out of crystal, neela, precious stones are here. Many valuable manuscripts are here. (7) Digambar Jain Mandir ; Kooncha Sait :
This Mandir was constructed by Sait Indraraj about 200 years back. He was called as Kooncha Sait as he was belonging to a place called Koonchi. Main deity is Bhagawan Parashwanath. A magnificient idol of Yakshi Padmavati is here. Important Dharmshalas : (1) Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Lal Mandir
Chandni Chowk, Lalkila, Old Delhi. (2) Jain Dharmshala
Makan Chowk, Near Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. (3) Jain Dharmashala
Dariya Ganj, Delhi. (4) Digambar Jain Dharmashala
Naya Mandir, Dharmapur (5) Jain Vishram Griha, Lady Harding road, (6) Jain Digambar Dharmashala Digambar Jain Agarwal Mandir, Jayasingpura
The other important places to be seen are as follows: (1)Redfort: Inside the Redfort the visitor can see the relics of what was

Page #15

once the Imperial Palace of Shahjahan. Two audience Halls with their fine pillars and beautifully inlaid walls , ceilings and other buildings within the fort are still a feast for the eye. The other buildings within the fort are Rang Mahal, Hamam, Pearl Mosque
and Museum. (2)From the fort to Fatehpuri mosque runs the Chandni Chowk, the
centre for jewellers gold and silversmiths, once renowned as the
richest street in the world. (3) Jama Masjid which commands a splendid view of the city. (4) The Humayun's Tomb: is a monument of rose coloured sandstone
inlaid with white marble. This has been declared as a World Heritage
Monument. (5) Qutub-Minar : dating from 12th century a tower of sandstone
regarded as one of the most perfect towers in the world. Near by is the famous rust-proof Iron Pillar dating back to the fourth century. A.D. The mosque here has been built by many demolished
parts of Jain temples. (6)New Delhi with its symmetrical buildings, broad tree-lined avenues
and spacious parks is a planned city. It has a circular parliament House and an imposing secretariat. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also
of interest (7) On the right bank of the Yamuna is a hallowed spot Rajaghat, wehre
Gandhiji was cremated after his martyrdom. (8)Santhivan where Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sanjay Gandhi were
cremated. (9) Indira Gandhi's residence No. 1 SafdarGaj Road wehre the spot of
her martyrdom took palce. (10) Pandit Nehru Memorial Museum, Teen Murthy Bhavan (11) Bahai Upasana Mandir or Lotus Temple is a beautiful structure.
UTTAR PRADESH :
Sacred river Ganges revered as mother Godess flows throughout the state, making the delta thickly populated. Varanasi on the banks of Ganga is one of the msot ancient cities of the world. Ambition of any Hindu is to visit Varanasi. Ayodhya on the banks of Sarayu river was
8

Page #16

the capital of Ramayana age. Taj Mahal on the banks of Yamuna is a poem transformed into a marble beauty.
Jainism has a deep association with Uttar Pradesh since ancient times. Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Keval Gnan of 18 Thirthankars have taken place in Uttarpradesh. Ayodhya is the birth place of Vrishaba, Ajitha, Abhinanadan, Sumati and Anantha Thirthankara. Rathnapuri (24 Kms to Ayodhya) is the birth palce of Dharmanatha. Sravasthi ( 109 km to Ayodhya) is the birth place of Shambhava Thirthankara. Kakandi (14 kms to Devaria) is the birth place of Pushpadanta.
Kings ruled from here as early as the period of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Then Sishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Sakha, Kushan, Gupta and other dynasties ruled from here. Lucknow is the capital city of U.P. Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra are famous industrial centres. U.P. is world famous for its beautiful carpets, Benaras Brocade silk , Firozabad glass bangales and so on. 2. HASTINAPUR: (37 kms from Merut , 60 km from Delhi)
This is the birth place of 16th Thirthankara Shanthinatha, 17th thirthankara Kunthunatha and 18th thirthankara Aranatha. 12 kalyans of 3 thirthankars has taken place here. Many thirthankars visited this place and Samavasarans were held . “Aahardan’ was given to Lord Adinath by Shreyamsakumar for the first time at this place. A stupa has been installed at the place where he had offered ‘Aahar-Dan’.
Akampana Acharya with Munisangha had come over here. The place is associated with the story of Bali and Muni Vishnukumara.
Samprati, Grand son fo Ashoka had constructed many jain temples and stupas here, which were later destroyed due to political changes. A temple constructed by the then treasurer Hasmukh Roy with Lord Parshwanath as main deity in 1801 was looted by Gurjaras. Later Jinachandra Bhattarak consecrated Lord Shanthinatha, idol brought from Delhi's Dharmapuri mandir. The temple also houses the idols of Anantha and Kunthunatha. A 31 feet tall Manasthambah stands in front of the temple. The other temples are Bahubali Mandir, Jal Mandir and Thirthankars tonk. Beautiful depiction of Jambu Dweep' has been constructed by the effort of Aryika Gnanamati Mataji.
Mela will be held here in Karthik Astanika. Dharmashala, Jain Gurukula and Mumukshu Ashrams are over here.

Page #17

Kaurava, Pandavas were here at Hastinapura and later they fought each other at famous Kurukshetra. 3. BARAGAON : (22 kms from Delhi on Saharanpur - Delhi road)
When excavated here as many as ten beautiful jain statues and many other jain artifects have been found. The big temple here has main deity Lord Parshwanatha. The beautiful statue is of marble.
Mela takes place in Phalguna Sukhla. Dharmashalas are there to stay. 4. AHICHHETTRA : (22kms to Moradabad, Athishay Kshetra)
This was one of the 53 states formulated by Lord Adinath and was known as “Panchal Janapad'. This was again divided as North and South Panchala and Ahichhettra was the capital of North Panchala.
This is the place where ‘Kamatopasarga' to Lord Parshwanatha took place. Lord Parshwanatha was penancing in ‘Kayotsarga' posture here during 7th century B.C. ‘Kamata' gave many upasargas to the Lord. The Yaksha Dharanendra and Yakshi Padmavati Devi came from Devaloka, spread the hood over the Lord in the form of Sahasra Paninag to relieve of the upsarga. Due to this incidence the place is known as Ahichhettra. But Lord Parshwanatha completely concentrated in his own self 'Atma' and was not associated with any external happenings to his body.
The temple here has Lord Parshwantha as deity. Statue of Devi Padmavati is also there. Mela will be held here in Chaitra. 5. MATHURA : (145 kms from Delhi, 54 Kms from Agra) Situated on the banks of Yamuna, Mathura is one of the ancient cities of India. According to Mahapurana this was one of the 'Janapad' state formulated by Lord Adinath and was called as 'Surasena'. Later it came to be known as Mathura. The last "Shruta Kevali' Jambuswamy had come over here with his munisangh. Vidyuchora and other munis 500 in number bearing the severe torture by fanatic people, attained salvation. It is said that 500 stupas were constructed in memory of this incidence, which are not found now. At chaurasi the place from where they all went to Moksha, a temple has been installed. Brahmacharya Ashram and Dharmashala are also there.
Wherever the excavations are made they resulted in many jaina idols and artifects which are displayed in Mathura National Museum. Mathura
10

Page #18

has four Digambara Jain temples and Dharmashala.
Dharmashala : Sri Digambar Jain Mandir and Dharmashala, near to N.H.2 (Chaurasi) Mathura.
Mathura is a famous Hindu piligrimage, where every inch of this place is associated with Sri Krishna's stories. This is the janmabhoomi of Sri Krishna. 10 kms from Mathura is Brindavan a town of temples, which has a series of some of the most magnificient shrines in Northern India. The important temples in Brindavan are 1. Govindji Mandir 2. Gopinath Mandir 3. Radha Vallabh Mandir 4. Sri Rangaji Mandir 5. Radha Govindji Mandir 6. Pagal Baba mandir 7. Sri Radha Gopal mandir 8. Radha Raman mandir 9. Lal Babu mandir 10. Iskon Temple and many more. 6. AGRA: (192 kms from Delhi and 54 kms to Mathura)
There are more than 30 Jain mandirs in Agra. Three of them are important : (1) Bhagwan Shanthinatha Mandir (Roshan Mohalla): The main deity is Lord Shanthinatha in padmasan, The statue black in colour and about 41/2 feet height is very beautiful. Both Digambar and Swethambar sects offer pooja here. Many non-jains also offer pooja here. (2) Chintamani Parshwanatha jain Mandir : (Near Taj Mahal)
A beautiful statue of Lord Parshwanatha in padmasan is the main deity here. It is black in colour and is 224 feet height. (3) Motikatara Panchayati Digambar Bada Mandir :
This is known ‘Bada Mandir' of Agra. The main deity Sambhava Thirthankara is a marble statue of one foot height. This was installed in 1147 A.D. It is believed that Devas will descend to earth and offer pooja to this Lord during nights. A library is here consisting of two thousand manuscripts. About 600 stone and metalic statues are also here.
Dharmashalas : (1) Khandelwal Digambar Jain Dharmashala Kachowda bazar, Belan Ganj, Agra.
(2) Sri Adinath Jain Athithi Gruha, Agra .
When the Mogal King Babur captured Agra in 1526 the famous Kohinoor diamond formed part of his body . Akbar made it as his capital, built the fort and ruled India from within its walls. It was Akbar's grandson Shahjahan who built the world renowed Taj Mahal. The places to be seen here are :

Page #19

(1) Taj Mahal : is a beautiful legend in pure white marble. Taj is the immortal tribute to the memory of his beloved wife Mamtaz Mahal built during 1630 - 1648. Cenetophs of the Emperor and his beloved wife are there side by side enclosed in a marble screen. The interior decorations of inlay in semiprecious stones are remarkable for colour and design. A beautiful garden surrounds the Taj. Taj is declared as ‘World Heritage Monument'.
(2) The Fort : built by Akbar encloses a maze of courtyards, gateways, audience halls , mosques and private apartments.
(3) Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, the father of Empress Nurjahan is located on the opposite bank of Yamuna.
(4) At Sikandra (8 kms from Agra) in a garden of great beauty is the tomb of Akbar. 7. FATHEPUR SIKRI :(45 kms to Agra) was the abandoned capital of Akbar. It has many beautiful constructions in red sand stone, like Buland Darwaza, Salim Chisti's Tomb, Panch Mahal and so on. 8. BATESWAR :( 70 kms from Agra)
The Mandir here has the main deity Ajithnatha Thirthankar in padmasan. The statue was installed in 1224 A.D. Yamuna river flows near the temple.
Dharmashala, museum and other institutions are there.
This is also a famous Shiva pilgrimage. 9. SHAURIPURA : ( 2 kms from Bateswar, Kalyana Kshetra)
This is known as Shauryapura. This was the capital of Yadava King Surasen. Samudravijaya , father of Lord Neminath was ruling from here. Later due to the attack of Jarasandha he had to go and settle in Dwaraka.
Garbha and Janma kalyan of 22nd Thirthankara Lord Neminath has taken place here. Keval Gnan of many other munis have taken place here.
There are many ancient jain temples here. Shanka Dwaja Mandir has the main deity as Lord Neminath. The other temples here have many jain statutes. 10. CHANDWAR : (6 kms from Firozabad) Chandwar located on the banks of Yamuna was once a famous city.
12

Page #20

Muhammad Ghauri attacked the city and destroyed. Many mutilated statues and a jain temple are found here. 11. FIROZABAD :(45 km from Agra, Athishaya Kshetra)
. There are about 21 jain mandirs in this city. At Mohalla Chandraprabhu, Bhagawan Chandrapraba's big and beautiful mandir is there. In this temple a one and half foot crystal statute of Chandraprabha is there. It is difficult to find such a big crystal statue any where else, which is a 'Athishay statue'.
Here at jain nagar, Sait Chadmiial has constructed a beautiful temple completely in marble and cut glass. This is also called as 'Sish Mahal" . The main deity is Lord Mahavira. It is a marble statue in padmasan of about 6 feet height.
Behind this chadmilal mandir and in front of the museum 39 feet tall statue of Bahubali has been intalled. This was carved by late Mahasilpi Ranjala Gopala Shenai of Karkal, South Kanara of Karnataka.
This city is a big business centre and is famous for Glass Bangles and Glass articles.
Dharmashala : Smt. Sarbati Devi Digambar Jain Dharmasahala Jain nagar, Agra Road, Firozabad. 12. MARSAL GANJ : (22kms from Firozabad, Athisahy Kshetra)
Earlier there was a small temple over here. During 15th century same was elaborated to the present condition by the influence of Baba Vrishabadas. Many miracles happened with respect to Baba are still propagated.
The main deity is Vrishabhaswamy in Padmasan. The statue is of marble and 2 34 feet height. This was installed by Baba. 13. KAMIPLA : (8kms to Kayam Ganj station, Kalyanak Kshetra)
This is one ofthe ancient cultural centre of our country. Garbha, Janma, Parinishkraman and Keval Gnan Kalyan of Vimalanath Thirthankar took place here. Samavasarana of Lord Adinatha, Parshwanatha and Mahavira took place here. The city was one out of 53 Janapads which were formulated by Lord Adinath. This was known as Panchala janapad. King Drupad, father of Draupadi was ruling from here.
Now at the centre of the city an ancient temple is there belonging to 493 A.D. Vimal thirthankar is the main deity. A Dharmashala is also
13

Page #21

there. Mela is held here during Chaitrakrishna and Ashwini Shukla. 14. KANPUR :( 290kms from Agra)
This is a big industrial and business centre. Panchayti Bada Mandir here houses many manuscripts. A Dharmashala is in Naya Rasta. 15. ALLAHABAD (Prayag) (78 kms from Benaras and 170 kms from Kanpur)
Allahabad, situated near the confluence of three rivers Ganga - Yamuna - Saraswati and is famous as 'Triveni Sangama'. This is a famous Hindu pilgrimagecentre.
Lord Adinath adorned with Man-paryaya gnan as soon as he took Diksha here in this place, hence it is called as Prayag. Later Akbar renamed this place as Allahabad. There is a fort near the Sangam, inside which is a Banyan tree. Adinath penancing beneath this tree got Keval Gnana. Hence tree is called as ‘Akshay Vata'
There are about 4 temples here. There is a Dharmashala in Chahchand Mohalla and Lal Bihari Lal Dharmashala is near Railway station.
Hindus believe that they are blessed with punya if they dip in the waters of sangam. Once in six years ‘Ardha Kumbha Mela' takes place here. Purna Kumbha mela takes place once in twelve years during which lakhs of devotees will congregate.
The important places to be seen here are Fort, Sangam and Anand Bhavan. 16. KAUSHAMBI :(60 kms from Allahabad, Kalyanaka Kshetra)
This is on the banks of Yamuna river. The place is of historical importance.
Garbha, Janma, Vairagya & Keval gnan of Lord Padmaprabha took place here. Bhagawan Mahavir visited this place before he attained kevalagnan. The famous 'Chandan Bala' who was chained and imprisoned here got relieved of it by the Darshan of Lord Mahavira. She gave ‘Ahar Dana' to Bhagawan. Later she became Aryika and was head of 36,000 Aryikas at Lord Mahaveera's Samavasaran.
Kaushambi was the capital of Vatsa Desha which was founded by Lord Vrishabhanath. Goshala was the desciple of Lord Mahaveera and he had 5,000 desciples. This is the place where Goshala penanced.
Jain temple built by Ara's Prabhudas and Dharmashala are here. Padmaprabhu's Nirvanotsava will be held on Phalgun Krishna.
14

Page #22

17. PABHAUSA : (10 kms from Kaushambi, Kalyanak Kshetra)
One can travel to Pabhausa from Kaushambi by a boat ride in the river Yamuna. Parinishkraman and Keval Gnan of Padmaprabhu has taken place here. A jain temple and dharmashala are here. Jain Dharma was flourishing here during the reign of King Udayana. 18. LUCKNOW :(Capital City of U.P. 385 kms from Allhabad, 139 kms from Ayodhya)
This is the capital city and cultural centre of Uttar Pradesh. It is on the banks of river Gomati. There are about six Jain temples here. Near Charbaugh station, Munnalalji's Jain Dharmashala and Mandir are there. Chudigalli of Chouk Bazar has two mandirs and a dharmashala at Yahia Ganj. Sayadat Ganj and Dali Ganj have also a temple each. The state museum has collection of diagambar jain statues which cannot be equalled by any other museum.
Dharmashala : Sri Mannelal Thyagi Dharmashala, Bar Baugh, Lucknow.
Corbett National Park : (63 kms from Nainital)
This is a Wild Life Sanctury with Tiger reserve. The other habitats that can be seen are Elephants, Chital, Hog deer etc. The area is magnificient and rich in bird life. 19. AYODHYA : ( 5kms from Faizabad, 160 kms from Allahabad Kalyanaka Kshetra)
This is an ancient city.
This is a great centre of jains and is ‘Aditirth'. Situated on the banks of river Sarayu is refered in Jain literatures as Ayodhya, Saketh, Kosal, Ramapuri, Vishaka and so on. This is the birth place of five Thirthankars.
First Thirthankar Adinath's Garbha and Janma Kalyan has taken place here. Garbha, Janma, Diksha, Keval Gnan of Second Thirthankar Ajithnatha, Fourth Abhinandana, Fifth Sumathinath and of fourteenth Ananthanatha have taken place in this eternal city.
Adinath taught six occupations like Asi, Masi, Krishi, Vidya, Shilpa and Vanijya to the mankind in this place. Here only Lord taught ‘Lipi' to his daughter 'Brahmi' and mathematics to 'Sundari'. Lord Adinath divided the whole Nation into 53 states and formulated the principles of ruling. King Bharatha started his invasion from here and became the
15

Page #23

first Emperor of India.
Two jain temples and five tonks are here. 3 kms from station at Katara Mohalla ancient jain temple is there, the main deity is Lord Adinath. A Dharmashala is here.
(1) Raya Ganj houses a New big mandir and dharmashala with good facility. The main deity is 30 feet tall Lord Adinath in Kayotsarga. This is a marble statue and has a beautiful look. In the same mandir Dharmanatha, Abhinandana, Ajitha and Anantha thirthankar statues are also there.
(2) Ananthanathaswamy's birth place with foot prints (3) Abhinandan Swamy's birthplace with foot prints
(4) Bharath Bahubali Tonk with foot prints.
(5) Ajithnath's birthplace with foot prints.
(6) Vrishabhnath's birthplace with foot prints.
(7) The municipal here has maintained a a garden "Vrishabhanath Garden" as Ayodhya is his birth place.
Dharmashala : Ayodhya Diagmbar Thirthakshetra commitee, RoyGanj, Ayodhya.
Mela takes place in Chaitra Krishna.
Sri Rama took his birth and ruled from Ayodhya, hence is a pilgrimage to all Hindus. Every Hindu is thrilled by the name of 'Ayodhya'. Nearly a hundred temples dedicated to Sri Rama are here. 20. TRILOKPUR: (167 kms from Ayodhya, 19kms from Barabanki, Athishaya Kshetra)
There are two jain temples here. One dedicated to Neminath and the other to Parashwanath. Neminath temple has 2 feet height padmasan statue, black in colour. Many miracle stories are atatched to this. It is said that face of this statue looks like that of a lad in the morning, youth in the afternoon, looks aged and serene in the evening. Unknown drum beating and musical sound is heard during night, hence it is believed that Devas will come and worship the Lord here.
Parshwanath Temple has 20 inches height marble statue. A Dharmashala is there near by this temple.
Mela is held in Karthik Shukla.
21. RATNAPURI: (24 kms to Barbanki, Kalyanaka Kshetra)
This is sitauted on the banks of Sarayu river. Garbha, Janma, Deeksha
16

Page #24

and Keval Gnan kalyanakas of Bhagawan Dharmanatha have taken place here. There are two temples. One temple consists of 3 feet tall marble statue of Dharmanatha in padmasan posture. The other temple has foot print of Lord Dharmanatha and a dharmashala is there. 22. SRAVASTI : (109 kms from Ayodhya, Kalyanaka Kshetra )
Garbha, Janma, Tapa and Kevalgnana of Lord Shambavanatha Thirthankara and also his first Samavasarna has taken place here. Some believe that Bhagawan Chandraparabha took is birth here only. The temple here has main deity as Lord Shambavanatha. the statue is 41/2 feet tall and is of marble. Metallic statues and foot prints are also there.
This is an important place for Buddhist also. 23. VARANASI (Kashi, Benaras): (765 kms from Delhi Kalyanaka Kshetra)
The City of Benaras sprawling along the left bank of the river Ganga is the holiest of the holiest cities. Every Hindu's ambition is to visit this great city which is one of the most ancient cities of the world. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces risisng in several tiers from the water edge, Benaras is one of the most picturesque cities in the East.
Benaras is the ancient centre of Jainism. It is said that Lord Vrishahanatha founded Varanasi. At the time of seventh Thirthankar Suparshwanatha this was a piligrimage centre, since this was the place where Suparshwa's Garbha, Janma, Thapa and Gnana kalyanas took place. Garbha, Gnana and Tapakalyan of 23rd Thirthankar Parshwanatha also took place here only. Many incidences connectd to Jainisim have taken place here. There are many jain temples here.
At Bhaidhani Ghat Suparshwanath temple is there which is the birth place of Suparswanath, the seventh Thirthankar.
At Belpur the birthplace of Bhagawan Parshwanatha two temples are there dedicated to him. At one of the temple both Digambaras and Shwethambars offer pooja. The other one is a big temple of Parshwanatha and has dharmashala with good facilities. Another dharmashala is there at Maidangi.
Dharmashalas :(1) Sri Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Belpur, Varanasi
(2) Maidangi Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Maidangi Chowk, Varanasi.
17

Page #25

Benaras is one among the seven important sacred cities revered by the Hindus. This is the place of Lord Shiva. The famous Kashi Vishwanatha temple is visited by one and all. The other places to be seen are beautiful Ghats of Ganges, Tulsi Manas Mandir, BharatKala Mandir, Bharat Matha Mandir, Benaras University and others.
Benaras with its crowded bazars is a big business centre. Saris, brocades and houseware from Benaras are universally appreciated. 24. SIMHAPURI : (Saranath 8kms North of Varanasi)
Shreyamsa Thirthankar's Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Moksha Kalyan have taken place here. The temple here has 24/2 feet statue of Shreyamsanath which is black in colour and is in padmasan posture.
Here in the “Deer Park” Gautam Buddha delivered the first sermon after he became enlightened. The ruins of monasteries which are built more than 1,500 years ago, the Dhamekh Stupa, the Dharmarajika Stupa and the main shrine drew Buddhist pilgrims to Saranath. Here stands the famous Ashoka pillar of polished sand stone whose lion captital was adopted by the new Republic of India as the state emblem. 25. CHANDRAPURI : (Chandrohi 25km from Varanasi, Kalyanaka Kshetra)
It is situaed on the banks of river Ganga. Garbha, Janma, Thapa and Keval Gnan of Bhagawan Chandraprabha took place here and temple is here. 26. KAKANDI : (Kukundh, 14 kms to Devaria Kalyana Kshetra)
Garbha and Janma Kalyan of Bhagawan Pushpadanta took place here. Bhagawan Mahaveer's Samavasaran had taken place iiere. Abhay Gosh Muni and many others took to nirvan from here. There is a temple here. From the excavations in and around here many statutes of Thirthankars and yakshas have been recovered. 27. KUKUBH GRAM (Kahavu 16 km from Kakandi) :
Parinishkramana and Keval Gnan of Lord Pushpadanta have taken place here. There are many Jaina constructions and statues in dilapidated condition. 28. PAWA (Navin): (56 kms from Devaria)
This is a small village. Some believe that this is the nirvana place of Lord Mahaveera. There is no temple overe here.
18

Page #26

29. LALIT PUR: (32 kms to Devgarh, Athishaya Kshetra)
There are four temples here. One temple is dedicated to Lord Abhinandan, which is a beautiful statue.
An elephant statue is in the temple enclosure, believed that the kshetrapal will ride this elephant and go round the town during night. A Dharmashala is here.
Lalitpur is surrounded by many villages, towns which are having many jain temples and statues. Some of such places are Dudhai (50kms to Lalitpur), Chandpur, Jahajpur, Seron (21 kms to Lalitpur), Vanapur(53 kms to Lalitpur), Shikon (74 kms to Lalitpur), Madanapuri (83 kms to Lalitpur), Bala Behat (38 kms to Lalitpur), Kargaon (5kms from Jhansi). 30. PAVAGIRI : (48 kms to Lalitpur, Athishaya Kshetra) There are three temples here. A Dharmashala is also there.
31. DEVAGARH: (32kms from Lalitpur, Athishay Kshetra)
'Many artisitic temples are here. In an enclosure over the hillock, temples are there. Ther are about 40 temples and 29 artisitic manasthambas here. No. 12 temple is a big one and has Shanthinath as main deity. It is believed that darshan of this idol brings about many good wills.
A Dharmashala is there at foot hill.
BIHAR
-
Bihar is the home of Mahaveera, Gautam Buddha, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and so on. Chanakya wrote his celebrated Arthashastra here. Nalanda University, during 5th - 12th Century A.D. was the great centre of Buddhist learning and was famous all over the world. Way back in history, Great Kings of Sishunag to Gupta dynasties ruled from here. Democratic system was experimented and practiced for the first time at Videha, Vyshali, Kapilvastu, Kushinagara and Pava. Vyshali Ganaraj was the first Republic known to history.
Though rich in iron ore and other minerals and blessed with river Ganges, now it is one of the backward state. The capital of Bihar is Patna and Hindi is widely spoken.
Bihar is the centre of jain activities. Twenty two out of Twenty four thirthankaras attained 'nirvana' here. Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Gnana kalyana of six thirthankars took place here. Bihar has given birth
19

Page #27

to six thirthankars - Shithalnatha, Vasupujya, Mallinath, Munisuvratha, Naminatha and Mahaveera. With respect to culture and dharma Bihar and U.P. compliments each other. If U.P. has given Sri Rama and Sri Krishna to the world, Bihar has given great persons like Mahaveera and Buddha. Without Sita the story of Sri Rama is incomplete. Sri Rama took his birth at Ayodhya of U.P. and Sitamata at Mithila of Bihar. Likewise the culture and civilisation of India started at U.P. and fully blossomed in Bihar. 32. BADRIKAPURI (BONDHAL village) & KULHA PAHAD : (65 kms from Gaya, Kalyanaka Kshetra)
Danthar village is about 65 kms from Gaya via Hunter ganj and Gangari. Badrikapuri is near to Danthar village where Garbha and Janma Kalyan of Lord Sheetalnath took place.
Kulhapahad is about 2 kms from Danthar. From here 3 kms uphill to be climbed. Here is a temple dedicated to Parshwanatha and about ten padmasan statues are here.
Danthar has a Dharmashala to stay. 33. SAMMED SHIKARJI: (174 kms from Gaya, 30 kms from Girdhi, Mahan Nirvana Siddakshetra)
Sri Sammed Shikar is the most sacred important and famous pilgrimage centre of the jains. This is a nirvana bhumi and is Tirtharaja among all the Jaina Tirthas. Twenty out of Twenty four thirthankars attained moksha from here. Apart from this innumerable munis performed penance here and took to salvation. It is believed that one who visits this place will be relieved of papa karma and acquire punya. It is said that one who visits this place will attain moksha within fifty births.
The traditional belief is that all the Thirthankaras are born at Ayodhya, the ‘Janmasthan' and attained nirvana at “Shikarji' the 'Nirvanasthan'.
The nirvansthan of each tirthankar was marked Swastik by Sowdharmendra and later padul a stone installed and enshrined by an enclosure ‘Tonk' individually.
Sammed Shikar is also known as “Parasnath Hill' after the name of Parshwanatha, the 23rd Thirthankara.
20

Page #28

Following are the places connected to the Kshetra. 34. ISRI :(Located near Parasnath railway station, 152 kms from Gaya)
There are four temples in Isri. 1. Terah panthi Digambar Jain Mandir: The main deity here is Chandraprabha, where the marble statue is in padmasan and the height is 3 feet. There are many other statues of Bhagawan Mahaveera and others. 2. Bispanthi Digambar Jain Mandir: The dark blue coloured statue here is of Lord Parshwanatha.
3. Digambar Jain Parshwanatha Mandir, Udasin Ashrama : This was constructed by Pujya Ganeshprasad Varniji whose samadhi is also there. There is also a temple attributed to Lord Parshwanatha.
4. Mahaveera Digambar Jain Mandir, Mumukshu Mahila Ashram : A temple inside this Ashram has a black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha. 35. MADHUVAN:(22 kms from Isri and 16 kms from Girdih)
Madhuvan, located at the foot of Sri Sammed Shikar provides all the facilities to the pilgrims. There are three dharmashala complexes belonging to Bispanthi, Terapanthi and Swethambar sects.
Following are the Dharmashalas and Mandirs in Madhuvan in order. There are more than 200 rooms here with all the facilities. (1) Bispanthi Dharmashala / Koti :
The Adimandir has main deity Lord Parshwanatha. The Statue is dark blue in colour and about two feet in height. (2) Parshwanatha Mandir and Madhyaloka :
A very big spacious hall has depiction of Madhyaloka. It also houses a huge padmasan statue of Lord Parshwanatha. It is of black stone and is 22 feet tall.
Outside this mandir depiction of Sammed Shikar with models of Kutas have been installed. (3) Samavasaran Mandir :
Has a model of Samvasaran in a big hall. Outside the hall, marble statue of Bahubali is erected. (4) Teesh Choubishi Mandir : Very big and huge construction inside which 30 x 24 = 720 tirthankar idols have been installed . They are in standing posture which are metallic and one foot height. (5) Terapanthi Dharmashala / Koti : There are five groups in this
21

Page #29

complex. The first group has dharmashala, bhojanalaya, vehicle parking places etc. The second group has dharmashala and a beautiful elaborate temple dedicated to Lord Chandraprabha. The main statue of Chandraprabha in padmasan is about 5 feet tall. The third group has 51 feet tall manasthamba and various mandirs. The Pushpadanta jinalaya here has a beautiful polished marble padmasan statue of Lord Pushpadanta. A big hall depicts the Panchameru Nandisvara jinalaya Behind this Nandisvar jinalaya, there is a mandir dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha. The black stone statue of Parshwanatha is in padmasan and is about 6 feet tall.
(6) Swethambar Beesh and Samavasran Mandir :
The complex has a big dharmashala. The mandir here is a circular marble temple, centre of which has a Chaturmuck Thirthankar Samasaran statues. The circular enclosure houses number of Thirthankars marble statues.
(7) Shanthinath mandir and Bhaktamrastotra mandir complex : Passing through the dharmashala here results in a Swethambar Mandir attributed to Lord Shanthinath.
Over the marble wall all round, Manatunga Aacharya's Baktamara Stotra has been engraved completely at the basement of this temple. It also houses the statute of Lord Adinatha in garbha griha and also statue of Manatungacharya.
(8) Jain Digambar Museum :
Has number of dolls connected to the stories of Lord Adinatha and 14 Manus.
(9) Jain Museum (Swethambar Sect)
Has dolls depicting the various incidences of jaina purana.
Rathyatras in Madhuvan will be taking place through out the year due to the devotees throng here.
SAMMED SHIKARJI PARVAT YATRA ROUTE: The 18 mile (29kms) long up the hill and down the hill trekking will take about 8-10 hours to complete. Persons going by walk should have a wooden stick 'lathi' for support. Now the road has been cemented. One can take a 'Doli' which is carried by two persons, on payment. The Dharmashala gates will open at 4.30 A.M. early morning to start the yatra. The road goes curved and up the hill, surrounded by dense trees with exuberant

22

Page #30

greenery. The atmosphere is of clear sanctity and purity. After about 3 kms travel Gandharva Nala is found where a Bispanthi Koti is there. Here one can have sweets, sev and jalpan. while returning. Further up will lead to Sita nala. On the top of the hill the first tonk / kuta we will come across, is 'Gautham Ganadhar's Tonk'. Here onwards one has to take the darshan offering salutation and proceed as per the following: (1) Sri Ganadhar Gouthamaswamy Kuta / Tonk (2) Bhagawan Sri Kunthunathaswamy Thirthankar's Gnandhar Kuta (3) Bhagawan Sri Chandraprabha Thirthankar's Kuta : The actual
Kuta of Lord Chandraprabha's is still faraway on another Shikar.
Those who are unable to go to that place can take darshan here. (4) Bhagawan Sri Rishabhanatha Tirthankar's Kuta : Rishabhanatha
Thirthankar who attained nirvana at Mount Kailash is symbolically
represented here. (5) Bhagawan Sri Naminath Thirthankar's Mitradhar Kuta. (6) Bhagawan Sri Aranatha Thirthankar's Natak Kuta. (7) Bhagawan Sri Mallinatha Thirthankar's Sambal Kuta. (8) Bhagawan Sri Shreyamsanath Thirthankar's Sankul Kuta. (9) Bhagawan Sri Suvidhinath Thirthankar's (Pushpadanta) Suprabha
Kuta. (10) Bhagawan Sri Padmaprabha Thirthankar's Mohan Kuta. (11) Bhagawan Sri Munisuvratha Thirthankar's Nirjar Kuta.
From here onwards a long route and up to another shikar on the lefthand side of this hill range will lead to the tonk of Chandraprabha. Security guards are there near this tonk and the route will be closed after 12 noon. (12) Bhagawan Sri Chandraprabha Thirthankar's Lalitha Kuta. (13) Bhagawan Sri Adinatha Thirthankar's kuta. Which is another
tonk belonging to Adinatha who attained nirvan at Mount Kailash. (14) Bhagawan Sri Shitalnath Tirthankar's Vidyut Kuta. (15) Bhagawan Sri Ananthanatha Thirthankar's Swayambhu Kuta (16) Bhagawan Sri Shambavanatha Thirthankar's Dhavaldatta Kuta. (17) Bhagawan Sri Vasupujya Thirthankar's kuta, which is a symbolic
as Vasupujya took nirvan at Champapuri.
23

Page #31

(18) Bhagawan Sri Abhinandan Thirthankar's Anand Kuta.
Jalmandir belonging to Swethambar sect is there on the way. Main deity is Lord Parshwanatha and all 24 Thirthankars statutes have been erected. This is the only fully constructed temple here on the Sammed Shikar. The other small one is constructed over the Parshwanatha tonk.
Jalpan and tea are available near Jalmandir.
From here the route will take a greater gradient straight away. Also the Sun heat by then will make it a difficult task. (19) Bhagawan Sri Dharmanatha Thirthanakar's Sudattavar Kuta. (20) Bhagawan Sri Vardhaman Mahavir Tonk : Vardhaman took nirvan
at Pavapuri. (21) Bhagawan Sri Sumathinath Tirthankar's Avichal Kuta. (22) Bhagawan Sri Shanthinath Thirthankar's Shantiprabh Kuta. (23) Bhagawan Sri Mahavir Thirthankar's tonk : Another tonk belonging
to Lord Mahavir. (24) Bhagawan Sri Suparswanatha Thirthankar's Prabhas Kuta. (25) Bhagawan Sri Vimalnatha Thirthankar's Suvir Kuta. (26) Bhagawan Sri Ajithnatha Thirthankar's Siddavar Kuta. (27) Bhagawan Sri Neminatha Thirthankar's Tonk : Lord Neminath
took nirvan at Urjyantagiri.
From here onwards a long route with thick greenery will lead to another shikar on the right side of this hill range where Parshwanatha Tonk is located. (28) Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha Thirthankar's Suvarnabhadra Kuta
has been erected over the foot prints of Lord.
Near to Parshwanatha tonk a Dak Bungalow is located where one can stay in the night by prior booking at foothill office. Food and other facilities are available here.
One who complete the darshan will have a tranquility of the highest order and would like to come over here for darshan after darshan and praise the thirthankars who have shown the path of salvation to the mankind. 36. GIRIDIH :(25 kms from Madhuvan) A jain temple is here in the town.
24

Page #32

37. BHAGALPUR:(270 kms from Madhuvan) It is one of the important cities of Bihar.
Jain temple is near Kothvali. The main deity is Lord Vasupujya in padmasan which is a metallic statue. There is also a beautiful black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha.
Dharmashala : Near Kothwali Thana, Jain Mandir Lane. 38. GAYA : (174 kms from Madhuvan, 96 kms to Patna) There are two jain temples and a dharmashala here. Gaya is a famous pilgrimage centre of Hindus.
About 10 kms from here is Budhagaya, where under a pepal tree Gautama meditated and attained enlightenment. Since then this place has become a centre of pilgrimage. Samrat Asoka erected a temple near the tree. The present temple completely restored in the 11th century, has a tower rising to a height of 180 feet. The pepal tree here is believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi-tree. Ali the south eastern countries have their own monasteries depicting their style of art and architecture. 39. MANDARA GIRI : ( 50 kms from Bagalpur, Kalyanaka Kshetra)
It is believed that Diksha and Keval gnan kalyan of Bagwan Vasupujya took place here on the hillock. The hillock is about 3 kms from the village bus stand. There are two Digambar jain temples and foot prints of Bhagawan Vasupujya on the hill. The mandir in village has a beautiful padmasan statue of Vasupujya.
Hindus call this hill as Mandarachal. They believe that churning of the sagar by Devas and Asuras was done by this Mandarachal with Vasuki as the rope. 40. CHAMPAPURI : (It is located on the outskirts of Bhagalpur)
Once this was the main city of Magadha Kingdom and known as Nathanagar..
All the five kalyans of Bhagawan Vasupujya took place in Champapuri. But some believe that Garbha and Janma, Kalyana of 12th Thirthankar Vasupujya took place here in Champapuri, Diksha and Kevalgnan Kalyan at Mandargiri hill. Finally Nirvan of Bagwan Vasupujya took place in Champapuri along with 490 munis.
There are two dharmashala complex here. (1) Bispanthi Dharmashala : Good facilities are available in
25

Page #33

Dharmashala. It has a mandir dedicated to Lord Vasupujya. (2) Terapanthi Dharmashala :
(a) Shanthinath and Mahavir Swamy Kayotsarga statues. (b) 16 feet tall Bhagawan Vasupujya in Kayotsarga posture is a
beautiful statue. (c) Mandir attributed to Lord Vasupujya, the statue is in padmasan. (d) Mandir fully ornamented with cut glass and mirror (Kanch
Mandir) houses statue of Vasupujya.. (e) Mandir dedicated to Parshwanatha in Kayotsarga posture.
Mandir walls are fully decorated with cut glass and mirror.. (f) A big park has been maintained.
Celebration will take place on nirvan day of Lord Vasupujya during Badrapad Shukla.
Champapuri is famous for bed spreads and other woven textiles. 41. GUNAVA : (3kms from Navada)
The Mandir here is dedicated to Lord Kunthunatha. Foot prints of Gautamaswamy is here, since kevalgnan of Gautama took place here. 42. KUNDALPUR:(13kms from Rajagriha is nalanda and 3 kms from Nalanda).
Tonga is available from Nalanda to reach this place. Mandir here has a padmasan statue of Bhagawan Mahaveera. It is believed that Kundalpur is the birth place of Lord Mahaveera . But as per the latest findings Vaishali is the birth place of Lord Mahaveera. 43. NALANDA :(13 kms from Rajagriha)
Was once a famous Buddhist University. It came into existence during 5th century A.D. and was a great centre of learning for about 700 years. Huien Tsang, the well known Chinese traveller, has left glowing accounts of its activities.
There is an array of monasteries and row of temples in ruined state. Near by is a museum which has an interesting collection of antiquities recovered from the site. 44. PAVAPURI : (24 kms from Rajagriha, Nirvan kshetra)
From this place Bhagawan Mahaveera attained Moksha. Every year in Karthik a big celebration will take place. (1) Jal mandir : A beautiful pond studded with Lotus flowers called
26

Page #34

padma sarovar at the centre of which magnificent marble mandir has been erected, is believed to be the place where Mahaveera attained nirvan. The temple can be accessed by a bridge. The place is signified by marble foot print which is revered by jains and others. To the left is the foot print of Ganadhar Gautama, to the right is the foot prints of Sudharmaswamy.
Mela and Rathayatra is held in Karthik to celebrate Lord Mahaveera's Nirvanotsava.
(2) The Digambar Dharmashala is by the side of the Padma sarovar and has a mandir dedicated to Lord Mahaveera. From here one can take a tonga or auto to go round the other places.
(3) Swethambar Mandir and Samavasran : mandir has the statues of Mahaveera, Gautama ganadhar and Sudharmaswamy.
Samavasran of Lord Mahavira with Chaturmukh Mahavira at the top is a beautiful marble construction.
In front of this samavasaran an ancient mortar stupa and foot print has been installed, which are said to be constructed by Nandivardhana, brother of Mahaveera during 526 B.C. Swethambars believe that the first Samavasaran of Mahavir was started from this place in 556 B.C.
(4) Swethambar Mahavir Mandir :
This is also called as Gaumandir as it is located in the village. A Dharmashala is attached to this mandir. The mandir has a statue of Mahaveera's foot prints. The belief is that Mahavir's last 'Chaturmas' took place here. 45. RAJAGRIHA (Rajgir) (38kms from Pavapuri, 100 kms from Patna, Sidda Kshetra)
The city is surrounded by five separate hills, hence is known as ‘Pancha shaila'. These five hills are known as Vybhara, Varaha, Vrishabha, Vrishahagiri and Chaithyuka in Mahabharat epic. They are known as Vipulachal, Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, Swarnagiri and Vybharagiri in Jaina literature. This was an important political place in ancient time. Rajagriha was the capital of Bimbasara. Both Mahaveera and Buddha preached here.
Bhagawan Munisuvratha's Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Keval gnan Kalyan has taken place here.
Shrenik Maharaj who was the main ‘shrotru' of Bhagawan Mahavir's
27

Page #35

Samavasarana belongs to this place. Bindusara, Ajathashatru and other famous kings ruled from here. Many a times Bhagawan Mahavir has given his sermons from here. All the eleven Ganadharas of Lord Mahavira attained Moksha from here.
(1) Digambara Jain Dharmashala :
Dharmashala has all the facilities. A mandir here is dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
From here one can hire a tonga and visit the important places in Rajagriha. Normally many will visit the first hill Vipulachal only out of the five.
(2) First Hill Vipulachal : There are three mandirs belonging to Digambar and one to Swetambar sect. Foot prints of Mahavir's Gautam Ganadhar is there.
Bhagawan Mahavir's first ‘Divya Dwani’ in his first samavasarana took place here. To represent this a big hall and over this Chaturmukh Bhagawan Mahavir has been constructed recently.
From the top of first hill itself a route is also there which will lead to second hill.
(3) Second Hill Ratnagiri : There are 3 Digambar temples and one Swethambar temple over this hill. One mandir has been dedicated to Lord Munisuvratha and other one has foot prints of Parshwanatha.
(4) Third Hill Udaygiri : there are 3 Digambar temples over this hill, one with deities Shanthi and Parshwa. Second one is an ancient mandir with Mahavir as main deity. A Swethambar mandir is also there.
(5) Fourth Hill Swarnagiri : It has two digambar temples dedicated to Shanthinatha and Parshwanatha. There is a Swethambar temple also.
(6) Fifth Hill Vybharagiri : A digambar temple is there with Mahavira as main deity. A Swethambar temple is there dedicated to Parshwanatha.
(7) Vishwa Shanti Stupa : A shanti stupa to represent peace in the world and Japanese temple are erected over a separate hill. We can go to top and return by the rope way provided. The rope way travel is about 10 minutes each side.
(8) Maniyar Mutt : Shrine statues dated to 1st - 6th Century are found here.
28

Page #36

(9) Veerayathan: An exhibition of dolls depicting life and darshan of Lord Mahavira.
(10) Hot water springs : Opposite to the I hill Vipulachal there are number of hot water springs in the shape of falls and wells. The high temperature of the springs are due to the presence of radium and the water is believed to be good for certain skin diseases. 46. VAISHALI (36 kms from Hajipur)
Earlier this was known as Kundgram and is the birthplace of Bhagawan Mahavir. Though the Kundlapur near Nalanda is believed to be the birth place of a Lord Mahavira, the latest exacavation and research shows that Vaishali is the birth place of lord Mahavira.
Both Mahavira and Buddha visited this place several times. 47. ARA : (70kms from Patna)
This is an important city of Bihar state and is an important jaina centre. There are about 14 jain temples here.
At jain Mahilashrama here in Dharma Kunj, women come from distant places and take 'Dharmic Sikshan' here. Jain Siddanta Bhavan here has the collection of many valuable jain scriptures.
Dharmashala : Maina Sundari Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Jail Road, Ara. 48. PATNA :(capital city of Bihar, 246 kms from Varanasi, Siddakshetra)
This was known as Pataliputra in the Maurya period. Chandragupta Maurya ruled from here. Chandragupta after taking Munidiskha here left to South with Bhadrabahu muni.
Sudarshana muni took nirvan from here whose foot prints are there in a mandir at Gulzar Baugh. A temple dedicated to Neminatha and a Dharmashala is there.
WEST BENGAL :
Bengal was known as Gauda, Vanga in ancient times. The Palas, who ruled from her were great patrons of art and learning.
Religion itself responded to the new humanism with the birth of reformist Brahmosamaj and the resurgence of Hinduism itself. The most important exponents of this movement were pandit Iswerchandra Vidyasagar, Bankim chandra Chatterjee and Swami Vivekananda with
29

Page #37

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Bengal is famous for literature activities. It has produced Rabindranath Tagore who has been adorned with Nobel prize. 49. KOLKATA (Capital city of West Bengal, 1442 km from Delhi, Eastern part of India)
Kolkata was once a small village in the 17th century. Today it is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of more than one crore. This is a big harbour city and a great industrial centre.
The main railway station is at Howrah. The river Hoogli which flows in between Howrah and Kolkata is connected by the famous Howrah bridge.
There are four digambar jain temples in the city. (1) Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir, Belgachi.
The main temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha. A big marble
manasthamba is erected in front of the temple. (2) Digambar jain Bada Mandir in Chaval Patti (3) Terapanthi Digambar Jain Mandir near M.G. Road.
Marble statue of Lord Adinatha about 5 feet tall is the main deity. Black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha and chandan coloured stone statue of Mahavira are also installed.
The other mandirs and places to be visited are as follows (4) Shitalnath Swethambar Mandir in Dadawadi : The main deity is
a marble statue of Shitalnath in a silver neiche. The temple has beautiful cut glass and mirror work. This is the famous temple
which is being visited at Kolkata by one and all. (5) Gururdev Mandir (Swethambar) in Dadawadi : Foot prints of
Guruji and Lord Mahavir Mandir are there. (6) Chandraprabha Mandir (Swethambar):
The temple is attributed to Lord Chandraprabha. (7) Victoria Memorial Hall : Beautiful construction in white marble
is the memorial erected by princes and people of India, laid by her grand son Prince of Wales K.G. on 4th June 1906. The building houses the statues of Governor Generals of India and Queen Victoria
at the centre of the hall. (8) Dakshineswar Kali Mandir : It is on the banks of river Hoogly
30

Page #38

associated with great saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who
lived here. (9) Metro Railway : This is the first tubetrain in India which runs
underground from Tollyganj to a distance nearly 20 kms. (10) Shanthiniketan :(160 kms from Howrah) is the “ Abode of peace”
where Rabindranath Tagore, the great poet of India, founded the Vishwa-Bharathi University.
Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Bhavan 10A, Chittapur Chouk, Kolkata - 7. 50. SUNDARBAN NATIONAL PARK : (105 kms to Kolkata)
"Sunderban” means beautiful forest, comprises the outer portion of the Ganges - Brahmaputra delta. The reserve consists of mangrove swamp. The Bengal Tigers are well preserved. Other animals are chital, wild boar, rhesus macaque etc.
ASSAM AND NORTH EASTERN STATES :
This is a hilly region and famous for the Tea plantations and oil refineries. 51. GUWAHATI : (Capital City of Assam, 1150 kms from Kolkata)
On the banks of the Brahmaputra and ringed on the other side by hills is Guwahati. Guwahati is also a window to the wide spectrum of ethnic tribal cultures, flora and fauna. Two Jain digambar temples are here. 52. KAZIRANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (217 kms from Guwahati) has the maximum number of one-horned rhinos. 53. SHILLONG ( 100 kms from Guwahati Capital of Meghalaya)
It is a picturesque hill station. 54. IMPHAL : (Capital of Manipur , 215 kms to Dimapur) Has rich historical background and is a mirror of Manipur's rich culture of dance, drama and martial arts. 55. KOHIMA (Capital of Nagaland, 74 kms to Dimapur) A state with an exotic tribal culture. 56. AIZWAL :(180 kms to Silchar, capital of Mizoram) It is the land of Mizos and is attuned to a westernised life-styles.
31

Page #39

57. AGARTHALA : (Capital of Tripura, 288 km from Silchar)
The city is famous for handicrafts, variety of music and dance.
KASHMIR:
Kashmir is the tourist paradise. Few places in the world have exercised greater fascination over the minds of men than has the vale of Kashmir. Land of vast forests and meadows,placid lakes and bubbling springs, Orchards and Paddy fields, ringed round by stupendous snowcrowned mountains, it has aptly been described as “an emerald set in pearls”. 58. SRINAGAR (Capital City of Jammu & Kashmir , 293 kms from Jammu)
Srinagar located in the heart of the Kashmir valley, spreads out on both sides of the River Jhelum. There are water ways with house boats, hand crafted souvenirs, a range of outdoor activities and much more. A trip down the river in a swiftly gliding 'Shikara' gives a beautiful view of the city's quaint balconies, busy ghats, mosques and temples.
The important places here are Dal lake, Jama musjid, Mughal Gardens and Shankaracharya temple). 59. GULMARG (56 kms from Srinagar) is 8,700 feet high and is one of the finest pleasure resorts of Kashmir, popular for skiing and trekking. 60. PAHALGAM is another scenic beauty spot.
Kashmir is famous for embroidery, wooden furnitures, carpets and pashmina shawls.
HIMACHAL PRADESH :
Himachal Pradesh combines the awesome and the beautiful. It is the abode of Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharwas and other Demi Gods. Its lofty mountains and valleys, as picturesque as Kangra paintings, provides resorts for holiday and adventure. Shimla is the capital and queen of Hill stations. Kangra paintings of Himachal Pradesh are world famous. 61. SHIMLA : (Capital of Himachal Pradesh, Hill Station, 368 kms from Delhi)
Shimla is a hill station, prettily perched on the spur of the lower Himalayas at a height of 7,000 feet, its snow capped peaks rising
32

Page #40

majestically against the horizon. Shimla has lovely scenery and fine walks. The important places here are (1) Glen (4kms) is a picnic spot (2) Chadwik Falls (7km) (3) Tara Devi Temple ( 8kms) (4) Himachal State Museum (5) Kamna Devi temple ( 5 kms).
Kufri (16 km from Shimla), Chail ( 43 kms from Shimla) and Narkanda (64 kms from Shimla) are the important scenic spots that can be visited 62. KULLU, MANALI AND DHARMASHALA are other important places of Himachal Pradesh.
HARYANA : 63. KURUKSHETRA ( 118 km from Delhi) of Haryana is the place where the epic battle between Pandavas and Kauravas took place. Haryana is a small state and one of the most advanced states in India. Chandigarh is the capital city.
PUNJAB :
Punjab was the land of five rivers. Now a vast land of lush green fields and the home of the sturdiest, most prosperous and hospitable Sikhs. The state registers a largest producer of wheat and has a vigorous booming economy.
Chandigarh is the capital city. Punjabi as well as Hindi are spoken widely. 64. The sacred city AMRITSAR (446 kms from Delhi) has the beautiful golden temple located in the middle of a water pond, which was built by the fourth Sikh Guru Ramadas and was expanded over the period of time.
UTTARANCHAL 65. SRINAGAR (Gadawal, 100 kms from Rishikesh)
One can reach Srinagar (Gadawal) enroute to Badrinath. The scenic beauty here is very beautiful and is on the banks of river Alakananda. Jain temple here has the deity of Lord Rishabhanatha. The statue of Lord Parashwanatha is also here. After the visit of Poojya Vidyanandaji,
33

Page #41

on his yatra to Himalayas by foot devotees started visiting this place. A Jain Dharamashala is here.
66. BADRINATH: (325 kms from Haridwar)
Beautiful enchanting views of Himalayas take up to Badri. This is known as the Abode of Lord Vishnu in the Himalayas and visited by thousands of Hindus every year. The Lord here is in padmasan and is believed that the statue is of Lord Adinath. Hence jain devotees take up 'Nirvan Darshan' in the early morning hours.
Near by is the place 'Astapada' where Lord Adinatha use to sit for meditation. It is said that Nabhiraja, father of Lord Adinatha took salvation at badrikashram.
Badrinath is opened for pilgrims during May to November and closed in winter. Motorable road takes the pilgrims upto the shrine.
67. MOUNT KAILASH
Mount Kailash is 19,000 feet above sea level.
Mount Kailash is the nirvanbhoomi of Lord Adinatha, the first thirthankara.
Mt. Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is a Hindu pilgrimage.
Badrinath - Mt. Kailash route has been closed. Now the Kailash is located in Tibet and is under Chinese control. With permission from Chinese Govt. Group of devotees together from India will visit Mt. Kailash once in a year for which Govt. selection is sought.
RAJASTHAN :
Rajasthan brings to mind the clash of steel against steel, of valiant Rajputs and their beautiful women. The Thar Desert in the west, with its shifting sand - dunes and fertile plains in the east. Jaipur, Udaipur, Amber, Chitor, Jaisalmer and Bikaner all hallowed names in the annals of Rajasthan. It is the state of the Gazelle and the peacock. It is the land of historic battle fields, famed cities, palaces, heroes, martyres, scholars, poets, painters and sculptures.
Rajasthan is a big jaina centre of art and culture. It has many beautiful artistic marble temples and Athishaya Kshetras. The world famous
34

Page #42

Dilwara temples of Mt. Abu and Ranakpur temples are known for their delicacy in carving. Jaipur is famous for jaina literature and studies. 68. TIJARA: (113 kms from Delhi, Athishaya Kshetra)
The temple here has the main deity Bhagawan Chandraprabha. The statue was acquired while excavating earth and is famous with incidences of miracles. It is believed that darshan of this Lord relieves ones mental agony and other diseases.
A big dharmashala is here. Mela is being held every year in shravana shukla.
69. JAIPUR: (Capital City of Rajasthan, 263 kms from Delhi)
This is a planned city known as pink city and is world famous for its tradition and art. The city was built by Sawai Jayasimha in 1728 A.D. He was a keen astronomer who built an observatory here. The city palace here has collections of old time weapons, carpets, manuscripts and paintings. The Hawa mahal, Birla Mandir, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort (10 kms) and palaces are worth visiting.
Jaipur is noted for its craftsman skills in the art of cutting precious stones and is famed for its garnets. The city is world famous for its jewellery and precious stone business. It is equally well known for brass work, lacquer work and muslin printing. The city is famous for marble carving and sculptures.
Jaipur is the main jain centre famous for jain literature and philosophy. The city has given famous jain scholars to the country like Pandit Todarmalji, Daulatramji, Kashilalji,Pandit Sukhlaji, Pandit Jayachand Chavda and so on. Even today it is producing many scholars in the institutions here and sending them throughout the country for discourses.
The City has many beautiful temples and Dharmashalas. The important jain temples here are (1) Patoudi - Ka- Mandir
(2) Toliyo Ka Mandir (3) Choubish Maharaj-ka- mandir (4) Mahavir mandir - Kaldora and so on.
Jaipur had a traditional Bhattaraka peeta.
The Amer (19 km) and Sanganer temples (13 kms) near by are also worth visiting.
Dharmashalas (1) Pandit Todarmal Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur-302015.

35

Page #43

(2) Sri Shanthinath Digambar Jain Vachanalay and Dharmashala, Diwan Road, Jaipur.
The other important places here are (1) Hawa Mahal (2) City Palace : the descendant of kings live at one portion of the palace even today. The palace has many architects, carpets, manuscripts, jewellery, armoury etc. (3) Amber fort over the hillock has beautiful “Sish Mahal'. 70. CHOOLAGIRI : (5 kms east of Jaipur)
This kshetra came into existence in the year 1964, with the inspiration of Acharya Deshabhushana on 400 feet high hillock. The main deity is Bhagawan Parshwanatha and the height of the statue is 71/2 feet. Statue of Lord Mahavira which is 22 feet tall has also been installed. 71. CHAVLESHWAR ( 45 kms from Bhilwara)
A temple is situated over the hillock, the main deiy is Lord Parshwanatha. 72. NAGAPHANI PARSHWANATHA : ( 50 kms from Keshariyaji, Athishay Kshetra)
Temple is over a small hillock here, the deity is Lord Parshwanatha. Many miracles are attributed to this Lord. There is a Dharmashala. Mela is held every year in Ashada Poornima. 73. BIKANER ( 583 kms from Delhi)
This is located in the middle of Thar desert. The temple here belongs to 16th century which is beautifully carved and is attributed to Bhagawan Parshwanatha. 74. JODHPUR : (604 kms from Delhi)
This is another city located in Thar Desert. There are many temples here belonging to Swethambar sect. Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Near railway station, Jodhpur. 75. BHARATPUR:(60 kms from Agra)
Bharatpur palace houses a large number of exhibits dating back to 15th century.
Bharatpur is more famous for 'Ghana National Park' which has the largest concentration and variety of bird life in whole of Asia. 76. RANATHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK : ( 14 km from Sawaimadhopur, 180 kms to Jaipur)
36

Page #44

This is a famous wild life sanctuary habitating tiger, sambar, chital, Nilgai, peacocks etc. 77. JAISALMER ( 330 kms Jodhpur)
Inside the fort here there are eight beautiful temples belonging to Swethambar sect. 78. LODRVA : (16 kms from Jaisalmer)
A temple here has an idol of 'Sashraphani Chintamani Parshwanatha' which is very attractive. 79. PADMAPURA: (34kms from Jaipur, Athishayakshetra)
The temple here is dedicated to Lord Padmaprabha. The darshan of Lord itself is believed to relieve the pain and mental agony. An idol of Lord Padmaprabha which is 27 feet tall is also installed.
There are two dharmashalas here.
Mela is held every year on Padmaprabha's nirvana day in Phalgun Krishna. 80. SHRI MAHAVIRJI : (140 km from Jaipur, 262 kms from Delhi, famous Athishaya Kshetra)
This is a very famous Athisahyakshetra and is visited by lakhs of people throughout the year. People visit this place to have darshan of Bhagawan Mahavira and get their wishes fulfilled.
The 314 feet height statue of Lord Mahaveera is very beautiful and in padmasan posture. This statue was recovered from the earth.
The temple is surrounded by Dharmashalas and Mahila Ashrams.
Mela takes place on Mahavira Jayanthi Day and is one of the biggest Melas held in Rajasthan. 81. CHAMATKAR JI : ( 5kms to Sawaimadhopur famous Athishay Kshetra)
The main temple here has a six inch Adinatha swamy statue made out of crystal. This statue came to light when a farmer near by was ploughing in his field during 1889. Jains and non jains come over here and get their wishes fulfilled.
The place has seven other mandirs and dharmashalas. 82. BIJOULIA :(112 kms from Chitod)
Temple here has the statue of Lord Parshwanatha. There is a Dharmashala in the town.
37

Page #45

83. KESHARAI PATAN: (12kms from Kota, Athishaya Kshetra)
The temple is located in the outskirts of the town on the banks of river chambal. The mandir has 42 feet height statue of Lord Munisuvratha. It is of black stone and in padmasan posture. Many stories of miracles are told about this deity. There are many statues belonging to 7-8th century.
84. CHANDKHERI : (112 kms from Kota, Athishaya Kshetra)
The mandir is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. The statue is 64 feet in height and is in padmasan posture. Apart from this, the statue of Lord Mahavir is also there. Many miracles are attributed to this deity.
Mela is held in Chaitra Krishna.
85. JALAR PATAN: (38 kms to Jalwad on Delhi-Bombay Road, Athishaya Kshetra)
The temple has the main deity Bhagawan Shanthinatha in Khadgasan posture which is 13feet tall. Apart from this there are four temples. Dharmashala : Lakshman Lal Digambar Jain Dharmashala. 86. CHITTAUR GARH: (117 kms from Udaipur)
There is no place in Rajasthan with a history more romantic than that of Chittaurgarh. It was here that Rajput warriors repeatedly gave their lives, preferring death to dishonour and surrender. The city was sacked at least three times before it was finally abandoned and the capital moved to Udaipur. The ruined monuments over the large hill stand testimony to the history of Rajputs valour and bravery.
Adinatha Digambara Jain temple and Jain Kirthisthambha on the hill are the marvellous specimen of art with exuberent carvings.
The historical places to be seen on the hill are(1) Fort (2) KumbhShyam Temple (3) Meera Temple where Meera lived (4) Vijayasthambha, a beautiful vertical ornamental stone structure. (5) Rani Padmini's palace (6) Darpan Mahal.
87. SRI RISHABHADEV (KESARIYAJI) (65 kms from Udaipur, famous Athishaya Kshetra)
The main deity if Bhagawan Rishabhdev which is famous for miracles. Apart from Jains of Digambar and Swethambar sect, Hindus will also come here for blessings. As this Lord is offered with Kesar it is known as Kesariyaji and also called as Kalaji as the statue is of black stone. All the statues here belong to Digambar sect.
38

Page #46

Earlier, as per the history, Kasta Sangha and Mulasangha Battarak thrones were here.
Rath yatra takes place in Chaitra Suddha. 88. MOUNT ABU : ( 38kms to Abu Road station, 213 kms from Ahamedabad) At an altitude of 1220 meters nestling amidst the forest is this beautiful hill resort of Rajasthan. The climate is pleasant.
Digambar Jain temple and a Dharmashala are in Dilwada. The Dilwada Jain temples are belonging to Swerthambar sect. (1) Vimal Vasahi mandir : Vimal Shah, minister of Gujrat chalukya kings
constructed this temple in 1031 A.D. As soon as one enters inside, will be spell bound by the exuberant marble carvings. The beautiful carvings of Thirthanakras, lotus and other flowers, Gods, Godesses everything is here. This is a magnum-opus. The main Lord here is
Adinatha. (2)Lunavasahi Mandir : vastupal - Tejpal, ministers of Raja Bhimadev
constructed this temple in 1287 A.D. Lord Neminatha is the main
deity. Lord Kunthunatha and Shanthinatha are also there. (3)Bhima-shah pitahar mandir - Metalic Vrishabhadev's statue is there. (4)Kartar Vashai Mandir : main deity is Lord Parshwanath (5) Mahavira Mandir :
Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Dharmashala Dilwada, Mt. Abu.
Achalgad ( 6kms from Dilwada) has an Adinatha mandir which houses beautiful 'Ashta Dhatu' statue of Lord Adinatha is unique in its type. 89. SAWAI MADHOPUR:( 160 kms from Jaipur, 6 kms from Sawai Madhopur station)
The place has a big jain temple and other few temples over the hillock houses beautiful idols. 90. AJMER:(132 kms from Jaipur)
The city is beautifully surrounded by number of hills. The city was installed by Ajaypal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. There are about 31 jain temples in city..
'Saitji-ki-nasia' is one of the important temple here dedicated to Lord Adinatha constructed during 1865 by Sait Moolchandji. The temple has beautiful depiction of “Terah Dweep'.
39

Page #47

Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Bis Panthi Nagori , Panchayat, Ajmeer, Bilwara dist. 91. PUSHKAR located near Ajmer is a famous Hindu pilgrimage. 92. UDAIPUR :(112 kms from Chittaurgarh)
An enchanting beautiful city known as city of Sunrise and Venice o the East. It has many beautiful palaces and lakes. The city was establishe by Maharana Udaisingh in 17th Century.
There are about 13 Digambar temples in this city. Parshwanath Digambar Jain Boarding (Dharmashala) and a temple is there in Dhan ki-mandi. Adinatha temple in city has beautiful depiction of Samme Sikharji.
There are about 16 Swethambar temples in the city. Swethamba Dharmashala is situated near Hathipol.
Dharmashala : (1) Shambavanatha Digambar Jain Dharmashala
(2) Digambar Jain Mahavir Dharmashala (Bhavan) No. 23, Sarv Rithu Vilas, Udaipur.
The places of interest in Udaipur are (1) City Palace : contain painting connected to Maharana Pratap, his warrior dresses, his sword and so many others. (2) Jagadish temple : Temple of Lord Vishni (3) Fathesagar, beautiful lake (4) Saheli-ki-bari consisting of beautifu fountains. 93. NATHADWAR (Srinathaji) is a very famous vaishnavite Hindi piligrimage thronged by thousands of devotees throughout the year. 94. RANAKPUR :(96 kms from Udaipur)
The Chaturmukh Mandir is ancient and treasure of art. The maii deity is Lord Adinatha, four statues facing the four direction henci called chaturmukh. The mandir belongs to Swethambar sect. This temple was constructed by Dharma Shah in 1439 during the reign of Maharan: Kumbha. The pillars, ceilings are having beautiful marble carvings.
Dharmashala is here for stay. 95. KUMBHARIA : ( 24kms from Abu road, 3 kms from Ambaji There are five beautiful jain temples belonging to Swethambar sect. (1) Shanthinath Mandir (2) Sri Parshwanatha Mandir (3) Sri Mahaveera Mandir
40

Page #48

(4) Sri Neminatha Mandir : This is a very big temple of this complex
with beautiful marble carvings. It houses 10feet tall beautiful statues
of Lord Adinatha and Parshwanatha. (5) Sri Shambhavanatha Mandir.
GUJARAT
Gujrat is the land of the father of nation (Rashtra Pita) Gandhiji. It has much to offer to the visitor - monuments rich in history, magnificient ruins, intricately carved temples, artistic handicrafts, yet very less is known about Gujarat. It has beautiful beaches where the waves lazily lap the shore and truce delicate patterns in the sand. Land of forests where the mighty lions roam in Gir. This is the only place where the Asiatic lion survived. This is the land of many tribal people. This is holy land where Sri Krishna established his kingdom. This is the land of many big industries and enterprises.
Digambar jain kshetras are lesser in number than the Swethambar kshetras in Gujarat. This is the place where Bhagawan Neminath attained nirvan, hence Gujarat is a famous pilgrim centre to the jains. The Swethambar temples here are known for its beauty and art.
96. TARANGA:(58 km from Mehasana and 70 km to Ahmedabad, Siddakshetra)
Two small hillocks known as ‘Koti shila' and 'Sidda shila' are here, on which many tonks are erected from where many muni's attained Moksha. This is a pilgrimage centre for both the Digambara and Swethambar sects.
The Digambar dharmashala and temple complex has Adinatha temple and Shambhavanath temple. A marble statue of Bahubali has been installed.
The Swethambar dharmashala and temple complex has big temple with beautiful carving and shikar. The lord here is Ajithanath. The big marble statue in padmasan is about 12feet tall. Dharmashala of both sects are having all facilities. 97. GIRNAR HILL ( URJAYANTHA GIRI) ( 5kms from Junagad, Nirvana Kshetra) Girnar hill is also known as Urjayantha giri, Raivathaka and
- 41

Page #49

Ramagiri. This is a very important place as 22nd Thirthankara Lord Neminath penanced here and attained salvation. Every individual would like to visit this kshetra at least once in lifetime. Dharmashala is there at the foot of the hill from where one can start ascending the hill. The first tonk can be reached after climbing 4400 steps, where four Digambar temples and a dharmashala is there. Near to this is 'Rajul Gufa'. It is said that Rajulmathi sat for thapas here in this cave. One has to kneel and go inside. A small statue of Matha Rajulmathi is there inside the
cave.
105 steps from here will lead to Gomukh Ganga. Near this Gomukh a panel is there depicting foot prints of twenty four thirthankars ( A route of 1499 steps will lead to 'Sahashramra Van'). Proceeding further from Gomukh a fort and many Swethambar temples are found. Climbing another 800 steps will reach `Anirudh Tonk'. Near to this Amba-devi temple is located, which is under the possession of Hindus. 700 steps from here leads to the third tonk of Sambhu Kumar. 2500 steps from here is fourth tonk of Pradhyumna Kumar. The fifth tonk of Bhagawan Neminath where foot print (chran) of Lord is there. This is in the possession of Hindus.
Likewise number of steps to reach the top is 8500+1499 = 9999 in total. Dolis are also available on payment for one who cannot take yatra by foot.
Girnar is as old as Lord Vrushabhaswamy. Emperor Bharath had come here on his invasion. Dharasenacharya at the cave Chandra Gufa imparted to his disciples the digambar jain scriptures.
Dharmashala : Sri Bandilaji Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Girnar, Junagad district.
98. JUNAGADH : (102 kms from Rajkot)
A digambar dharmashala is there near Uperkot in Junagad city.
The important places to be seen here are (1) Nawabs museum (2) Musoleum of Junjagadh Nawabs (3) Buddhist monasteries (4) Samrat Ashok's rock edict on the way to Girnar.
99. GIR NATIONAL PARK: (Sasan, 60 kms to Junagadh)
This is wild life reserve and the last strong hold of Asiatic Lions. Besides Lions, Chital, Sambar, Barasingah, nilgiri, hyena, peacocks are also found in this forest.

42

Page #50

100. VERAWAL SOMANATH :(83 kms from Junagad)
Somanath temple on sea shore is a very famous Hindu pilgrimage centre. Though the temple was repeatedly looted and demolished by Muslim invasion it was newly constructed in 1947 after our independence. 101.SONAGAD:(28 kms from Bhavnagar and 22 kms from Palitana)
This is a small village. Due to Sri Kanaji Swamiji this has become a very important pilgrimage centre. There are many temples here, beautifully constructed in marble.
(1) Mahavira Kunda Kunda digambar jain paramagam Mandir, is a very big temple constructed in marble. On the walls inside this mandir 448 shlokas of Acharya Kunda Kunda's Samayasara, Niyamsara, Prạvachanasar, Panchasthikaya and Asta Pahuda scriptures have been engraved and gold tinted. The other temples are (2) Seemandhar swamy mandir (3) Samavasaran mandir (4) Swadyay mandir where Sri Swamiji used to give discourses. (5) Panchameru Nandiswar temple (6) Sri Kanaji swamiji's samadhi (7) Champabahanji's Samadhi (8) Sri Kanajiswamiji's museum.
Dharmashala : Sri Kanaji Swamy Athithi gruha
Diagambar Jain Dharmashala, Sonagad, Bavanagar Dist. 102. PALITANA :( Sathrunjaya Hills, 29 kms from Bhavanagar, Siddakshetra)
Three Pandavas (Dharmaraj, Bhim and Arjun) and as many as 8 crore munis took to salvation here. A digambar temple and a dharmashala (Bhairavpur mohalla) are there in the town. There is only one Digambara temple (Lord Shanthinatha) on the hill.
The hill is about 3 kms from the town and tongas are available to reach foot hill. Number of Swethambar Mandirs and Dharmashalas are there along this three km. route. To climb the hill there are combination of road and 3,700 steps. Over the hill there are about 42 jain swethambar temple complex with innumerable number of marble statues constructed over the period of time by many devotees. Many of them are the finest specimen of art. This place is a very important pilgrimage centre for the swethambar jains.
The Adinatha temple at the top constructed by Vimal Shah during 11th Century A.D. has marvellous carvings (Vimal Shah was the minister
43

Page #51

in King Bhima's court who constructed Dilwara temple at Mount Abu also) and has beautiful Shikar. The main deity is Lord Adinatha, the statue is about 8 feet tall and in padmasan.
It is said that Lord Adinatha sat for penance at the foot of a tree located behind this temple and is marked by silver foot prints.
The Swethambars believe that all the 23 thirthankars Samavasran had come here except that of Neminath, hence every inch of this hill is of sanctity.
Dharmashalas : (1) Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Mandir Road, Palitana. (2) Terapanthi Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Palitana. 103. PAVAGARH : ( 50 kms from Vadodara, Sidda Kshetra)
It is believed that Lava, Kush, sons of Sri Rama and 5% crore munis attained Moksha from this place.
One Kilometre from Bus stand, jain dharmashala and digambar temple are located. The actual kshetra is about 10 kms from Dharmashala. Over the hill there are seven temples most of them in dilapidated condition. 104. ANKLESWAR: (79 kms from Vadodara, Athishaya Kshetra)
In the centre of the town a Digambara Jain Dharmashala is there. There are four temples here belonging to Chintamani Parshwanatha, Neminatha, Adinatha and Mahavira. It is said that Pushpadanta and Bhutabali acharyas stayed here in Parshwanatha temple for four months. They were on their way to south after acquiring knowledge of jaina scriptures from Dharasenacharya at Girnar. 105. SURAT : (263 kms from Mumbai)
Surat is a big business and industrial centre of Textiles and Diamond cutting.
Seven jain temples are here. 3 kms from here is Vidyananda Kshetra where foot prints of many munis have been installed. Statues of Vidyananda muni and Shantisagarji are also installed here 106. AHMADABAD: (Gandhi Nagar is the capital of Gujrat, 560 kms from Mumbai)
This is the capital city of Gujarat and is on the banks of river Sabarmati. This is a big industrial centre consisting of textile and chemical industries. Many big enterprisers are from here.
44

Page #52

Places to be seen here are : (1) Siddhi Syed Mosque : has beautiful stone screen lattice exquisitely carved (2) Geeta Mandir, Sri Krishana temple (3) On the banks of Sabarmati is the famous ashram where Gandhiji lived and worked during the early period of his career. (4) Raja Dada Hari Vav, a step well (5) Kankaria Lake.
Dharmashala : Sri Ajithnath Digambar Jain Dharmashala Shapura Road, Near Central Bank, Ahamedabad - 4. 107. AMIJARO PARSHWANATH : (44 kms from Himmat Nagar, Athishaykshetra)
Temple here has a 3feet black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha which is famous for miracles and Dharmashala is also there. 108. MOHUA :(44 kms from Surat, Athishaya Kshetra)
A temple here has Lord Parshwanatha as the main deity. This statue is famous for miracles and is revered by the Hindus also.
A Dharmashala is available for the stay of the pilgrims with all facilities. 109. DWARKA : (240 km from Rajkot)
Dwarka which is situated on the sea shore is a famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus. This was the seat of Yadav kings in the olden times. The beautiful temple here is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna.
A Jain temple is there dedicated to Lord Neminath. 110. RAJKOT : ( 225 kms from Ahmadabad)
This is one of the important cities of Gujarat. Near Sastry Maidan Jain mandir and Dharmashala are there.
Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Near Rajkumar college, Panchanath plot, Rajkot.
MADHYA PRADESH :
Madhya Pradesh largely a plateau which lies in the central part of India and is the biggest state of the country. The land is bestowed by rivers Narmada and Tapti, dotted with Vindhya, Satpura hills. Hindi is the main language spoken
Madhya Pradesh has as many as six Jaina Sidda kshetras, abundant in Athishaya Kshetras as many as twenty five and jain pilgrimage centres about ten in number. In almost all districts of Madhya Pradesh
45

Page #53

Archealogical findings have resulted in enormous amount of jain statues and architects. Most of the jain temples and statues belong to 11th and 12th century A.D. In most of the temples Thirthankara statues adorn with Yaksha and Yakshi. Apart from these the idols of God, Godesses like ten dikpals, Asta matruka etc. are found. Museum in Ujjain has a copper plate erected on it names of 64 jaina yakshis .
Madhya Pradesh is famous for art, music and literature. It is here that the immortal poet and dramatist Kalidasa wrote his famous dramas in the court of legendary Vikramaditya. It is this land which is the home of the great musician Tansen. It is here that great Chandela Kings created the spledours in art and architecture at Khajuraho.
India is known to be the centre of the world. Madhya Pradesh is the centre of India and Ujjain is the centre of Madhya Pradesh has many scholars in astronomy and mathematics.
Ashoka was the viceroy of the Mauryan empire at Ujjain, before he became emperor. Large part of Central India was ruled by Guptas during 3rd and 5th Century A.D. Harshavardhan ruled from here during 7th Century A.D. King Bhojraj ruled from here during 10th Century.
Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Ujjain, Indore are some important places and the state has a famous wild life sanctuary Kanha National Park. 111. SIHAUNIA:( 30 Kms from Morena, Athishaya Kshetra)
There were many temples here in olden days which were destroyed during 10th century invasions. The temple here has 16 feet tall statue of Shanthinatha. Many miracles are attributed to this statue. The statues of Lord Kunthunatha and Aranatha are also here. 112. GWALIOR:(118 kms south of Agra)
The Gwalior fort was one of the most impressive medieval strongholds of India. Rich in historic associations and architectural beauty, Gwalior abounds in objects of absorbing interest. The fort has innumerable number, as many as 1500 huge jaina statues of thirthankars in Kayotsarga and Padmasan postures. The largest statue of Adinatha carved out of rock boulder is about 57 feet tall. These statues have been grouped into five groups. These statues were carved during 15th Century A.D. by Thomar dynasty king Raja Dungarsimha and his son Kirtisimha. These statues were later mutilated by Mogul king Babur.
46

Page #54

There are 4 jain temples in the city, 20 temples in Luskhar and 2 temples in Murar.
Gwalior had a “Bhatarak peeta of Kasta Sangha Mathur Gaccha during 5th Century A.D.
Dharmashalas : (1) Therapanth Jain Dharmashala , Adinatha Mandir, Nayasadak, Gwalior.
(2) Sri Ganeshlal Phoolchand Mahavir Dharmashala, Nayasadak, Gwalior.
Many festivals take place here. Ratha yatra is held during January every year.
Gwalior fort which is nearly 3 kms long is one of the strongest construction among Indian forts and it is still in good condition. The fort apart from jain statues houses various beautiful buildings like Man Mandir, Gurjari Mahal which is now converted as museu,. Sash bahu Mandir, Teli-ka-mandir and others.
The then revered musician Tansen who had become a legend belongs to this place. A samadhi has been built to commemorate his name.
The other interesting place in the city is the Jai Vilas palace, which is a magnificient modern building of Italian architecture containing many beautiful artifects. It contains a splendid carpet reputed to be the largest and heaviest in the world. It also has two beautiful huge chandeliers in the darbar hall. 113. SONAGIRI : (66 kms from Gwalior, Sidda Kshetra)
The Kshetra is 5 kms from the railway station. This hill is known as Shramanagiri and Swarnagiri in olden days. It is said that the 8th Thirthankara Chandraprabha's samavasaran was held here and 5 crore munis attained moksha from here.
At the foot of the hill 17 temples and 15 dharmashalas are there. Over the hill there are 77 temples. The 57th temple has a beautiful 12 feet tall miraculous statue of Lord Chandraprabha.
The two important places here are Narial Kund and Bajani Shila. A route after the 6th temple leads to this place. Narial Kund, a small water hole is in the shape of a coconut. The belief is that if an almond is thrown into it and if it floats in water, he or she will be blessed with a child. Near by is a stone when given a strike gives a melodious sound hence it is called as 'Bajani Shila'.
47

Page #55

Dharmashala : Sri Digambar Jain Siddakshetra, Sonagiri Samrakshan Samiti, Sonagiri post, Dathiya district, Madhya Pradesh.
On the day of Holi congregation of devotees will take place here. 114. PANIHAR - BARAI:(22kms from Gwalior on Gwalior - Shivpuri road)
Panihar is situated on the left hand side of the road and Barai is situated on the right hand side of the road. Here number of statues are in a deteriorating state. 115. KHANIYA DHANA :(102 kms from Shivapuri)
There are two ancient temples here. Many mutilated statues of 12th - 14th Century A.D. are there. 116. GOLAKOT:(11 kms from Khaniya Dhana)
On the hillock over here there is a temple which houses 119 statues. 117. PACHRAI: (18 kms from Khaniya Dhana)
There are 28 temples here. Bhagawan Shanthinatha mandir is the main temple here and the Shitalnatha statue is of 13feet height. 118. BAJARNGARH : (7 kms from Guna on Indore Gwalior Road, Atishaya Keshetra)
There are two temples, one being dedicated to Lord Shanthinatha with 1442 feet tall statue installed in 12th Century A.D.
Dharmashala : Sri Shanthinatha Digambar Jain Dharmashala Bajarngarh.Guna city is having a jain dharmashala. 119. SANCHI : ( 40 kms from Bhopal)
Sanchi is the site of the most extensive Buddhist remains extant in India. Its stupas are among the oldest buildings in India. The most striking features of the Stupas are the gate which face the four cardinal points. This monument has been declared as "World Heritage Monument". 120. THUWON:(45kms from Guna is Ashokanagar and 68 kms from there is Thuwon).
Twenty five temples are here. No. 15 temple has 25 feet tall statue of Lord Adinatha in Khadgasan. This statue is famous for miracles. Temple No.1 has Lord Parshwanatha ( 15feet tall), No.5 has Lord Shanthinatha (16 feet tall), temple No. 6 has Lord Adinatha (10 feet tall), No. 10 has Parshwanatha (15 feet), No. 14 has Ajithnatha (15 feet tall) and No. 25 has Adinatha (16 feet tall). There is a Dharamashala here.
48

Page #56

121. CHANDHERI : ( 25 kms from Thuwon)
The place has a big temple with statues of 24 thirthankars in padmasan. The colour of the stone used for the statues of each is as described in puranas. These statues are installed during 1893 which are known for their beauty.
There is a Dharmashala. The yearly mela of this place attract many devotees.
Chanderi is surrounded by various ancient shrines. To name them, Khandar ( Near Chanderi over a hillock), Gurilagiri (7 kms from Chanderi), Amanchar (29 km from Chanderi), Bhiyadanth (14km from Chanderi) Bitala (19 km from Chanderi), Bhamoun (16 km from Chanderi). 122. PAPORA : ( 5kms from Tikamgarh, Athishaya Kshetra)
There are more than 107 temples here, which were constructed from 12th century to 20th century and this can be called as 'City of Temples'. The temple No. 42 with miraculous statue of Lord Chandraprabha is very famous. The other important temples are Chaubisi mandir, Bahubali Swamy mandir, Rathakar mandir etc.
Dharmashala is here. Annual Mela will take place in Karthika. 123. AHARJI : (24 kms from Tikamgad, Atishaya Kshetra)
The main temple here has 16 feet tall statue of Lord Shanthinatha and is very famous for miracles.
During the 12th Century a Chanderi businessman and an ardent jain follower by name Pandu Shah used to take food only after darshan of the Lord. Once he had to stay here and there was no temple here at that time. Suddenly he had darshan of a jain muni. Then alone he took the food and gave food to the muni also. After the departure of muni he was astonished to see that the white metal he was carrying got converted into pure silver. After obtaining wealth in a miraculous way he constructed this temple of Lord Shanthinatha and came to be known as Aharji.
Apart from the temple of Shanthinatha there are 6 temples and 2 manasthambas.
Many religious institutions and dharmashalas are here. 124. BANDHA : ( 40 kms from Tikamgarh on Jhansi Road, Atishaya Kshetra).
49

Page #57

There are two temples here and many mutiliated statues are scattered in the surrounding area. 125. TIKAMGARH : (54 kms from Lalitpur)
There are 19 beautiful temples here. 126. SAGAR: (150 kms from Bhopal)
One of the important cities of M.P. There are 16 temples here out of which three temples are big and beautiful. 127. KHAJURAHO :(175 kms to Jhansi, Athishaykshetra)
Khajuraho is world famous with cluster of temples known for its delicacy and beauty. These temples were constructed during 10th century A.D. by the famous Kings of Chandela dynasty, which are the most creative example of Indian architecture.
The temples are grouped into 3 groups (1) The Western Group consists of famous Hindu temple complex, Chausat Yogini, Kandaria Mahadev and others. (2) The Eastern Group : consists of jain temple complex (3) The Southern Group has Chaturbuj and Duladev temples.
The Jain temples of Eastern group is 3 kms from bus stand. It consists of Parshwanatha Mandir, Adinatha Mandir and Shanthinatha Mandir. Each temple is exquisitely carved. The Shanthinatha Mandir has a statue 16feet tall Lord Shanthinatha in Khadgasan.
The Parshwanatha temple and Gantai temple here are remarkable for their beautiful design profusion of sculpture and graceful pillars.
The Dharmashala is located within the Shanthinatha temple complex, has all the facilities.
Mela will be held during Sukhlapaksha of Chaitramasa every year.
Dharmashala : Sri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Prabandh Samiti, Khajuraho, Chattarpur Dist. M.P. (near jain temple complex)
The Khandariya Mahadev temple here in western group is the foremost example of Indian architecture and temple building. The spikes of the shikar representing mount Meru, beautiful sculptures of Gods and Godesses, intricate ceilings, big platform over which whole temple is standing, is a masterpiece and a treat to watch. This is the largest temple of the complex and declared as "World Heritage Monument”. The other temples of western group are Varaha temple, Lakshmana temple, Lakshmi Temple, Devi Jagadamba temple, Chitragupta temple and Viswanatha temple.
50

Page #58

128. DRONAGIRI : (111 kms from Khajuraho, Sidda Kshetra)
There are 28 temples over the hillock. There is a cave at the end of these temples, from where “Muni Gurudutt" attained nirvan. The temple in the village has Adinatha as the main deity which was installed during 1549.
Jain Sanskrit Vidyalaya and Dharmashala are here.
Mela will takes place in Palgun krishna. 129. RESANDIGIRI : (NAINAGIRI) ( 48 kms from Sagar, Sidda Kshetra)
From here Varadatta muni and other five attained nirvan. It is said that Samavasaran of Lord Parshwanatha had come over here. There are 36 temples over the hill and the 17th temple has beautiful statue of Parshwanatha. 15 temples are there in the foot hill out of which "Jal Mandir’ is very beautiful.
A Dharmashala is here. Yearly mela will be held in Karthika Shukla 130. PUJNARI : ( 7kms from Bandha, Atishaya kshetra)
On the river bank is situated a hillock over which the temple rests. The main deity is Lord Shanthinatha. The statue is of 4 feet height and is in padmasana. This statue is famous for miracles.
A Dharmashala is at the foot of the hill 131. BINA- BIRHA : ( 66 kms from Sagar is Deori and 6 kms from there is Bina-Birha, Athishaya kshetra)
The temple here has 15 feet tall statue of Lord Shanthinatha in Kayotsarga, which is famous for miracles. Totally there are five temples and a Dharmashala in the village. 132. PATNA GANJ : ( 42 kms from Sagar, Athishaya kshetra)
Rahali and Patnaganj are in the opposite sides of the river ‘Suvarna bhadra'. Patnaganj has 25 temples. The 22nd temple has the statue of Lord Mahavira, 13/2 feet tall. The deity is called as “Badadev'. Temple No. 23 has a beautiful statue of Lord Parshwanatha with the hood of 'Sahasrapani'.
Dharmashala is there both in Rahali and Patnaganj. 133. KUNDALPUR:(38 kms from Damoha, Sidda kshetra)
There are about 61 temples over the hill and on the foot hill. Temple
51

Page #59

No. 11 is the main temple and has a miraculous statue of Lord Adinatha which is 12 12 feet tall. The deity is famous as ‘Bada Baba'.
The last Ananubaddha Kevali Sridhar is said to have attained nirvan here. Lord Mahavir's samavasaran had come over here.
A Dharmashala is there.
Mela takes place in Diwali and on the day of Mahavira jayanti. 134. LAKHNA DON :(83 kms from Jabalpur on the route of Shivani)
The temple here has the main deity of Lord Mahavira in padmasan. There is a Dharmashala here. 135. JABALPUR: (200 kms from Bhopal)
Jabalpur is a main jain centre. There are about 46 digambar jain temples in the city.
The ‘Bade Mandir' at Hanumantal has beautiful images. There is a Dharmashala here.
Jabalpur is celebrated for the ‘Marble rocks' that rise like cliffs from the river Narmada which flows through the city. However the rocks are not really marble, but are known for the dazzling purity of the limestone deposits. 136. KANHA NATIONAL PARK :(173 kms to Jabalpur)
The forest is a Tiger reserve. Other habitats are Barasingha, Black Buck, Chital etc 137. MADIA :(16kms from Jabalpur city, Athishaya kshetra)
Here is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira and has a Dharmashala. Over the hillock 37 temples are there. Under the blessings of Acharya Vidyasagarji, a research institute has been started here.
Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Dharmashala,Madiyaji, Jabalpur. 138. KONI: (Patan is 32 kms from Jabalpur on Jabalpur-Domoh road and 2 kms deviation from there will lead to Koni Atishaya kshetra).
It has nine temples in all. Sahasrakuta Chaithyalaya and 'Nandishwar Jinalaya' here are noteworthy.
There is a Dharmashala here. 139. PANAGAR:(16 kms north of Jabalpur, Athishaya Kshetra)
There are 17 temples in the town. The 8 1/4 feet tall kayotsarga statue
52

Page #60

of Lord Vrihsabhadev is at "Panchayat Mandir'. This is a famous miraculous statue.
There are two Dharmashala here. 140. BUHARI BAND :(64 kms from Jabalpur, Atishaya kshetra)
Lord Shanthinatha statue of 13 3/4 feet tall in Kayotsarga was in an open area for a long time for which a new temple has been constructed which is famous for miracles. 13 statues have been recovered after excavation.
There is a Dharmashala here. 141. GYASPUR :(38 kms form Vidisha on the way to Sagar)
In the southern part of this town there is ‘Mala devi Mandir' on a hillock and to the north of it there is a temple called “Vajramutt”. Both are jain temples and example of beautiful art.
There is a Dharmashala in the town. 142. VIDISHA : (38 kms from Gyaspur, Dist. Hq.)
The government museum here houses good collection of jain statues belonging to 9th and 10th Century A.D.
Sait Lakshmichandraji Dharmashala with a temple has many statues.
Dharmashala : Jain Dharmashala, Agarwal Dharmashala Trust, Madhav Ganj, Vididsha. 143. UDAIGIRI ( 6kms on the outskirts of Vidisha)
Vidisha (Udaigiri) has number of cave temples scooped during 6th to 10th Century A.D. Cave No. 1 and 30 are jain cave temples. Cave No.1 has the statue of Lord Suparswanatha. The other cave temples are dedicated to Vaishnava and Shaiva cult. Most of the cave temples belong to Gupta period.
The world famous SANCHI STUPA is about 8 kms from here. 144. BHOPAL : (Capital city of M.P. 741 kms from Delhi)
Bhopal is an ancient cultural centre. Many jain temples are here in the city. 145. PATHARI (80 kms from Vidisha)
The 'Gadarmal mandir' and 'Vanmandir' are the two ancient temples here belonging to 8th and 9th century A.D. There are many statues and temples here in mutiliated condition.
53

Page #61

146. MAKSI PARSHWANATH: (143 kms from Bhopal, Ujjain Dist. Atishaya Ksehetra)
The ancient temple here has 32 feet height black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha. Darshan of Lord can be had any time, but pooja time for Digambar is from 6 A.M. to 9 A.M. This temple is very famous and many miracles are told about this. There is another small temple dedicated Lord Suparshwanatha. A Dharmashala is attached to it. 147. UJJAIN: (53 kms from Indore 182 kms to Bhopal, Dist. HQ., Atishaya Kshetra)
This is one of the ancient and sacred cities of our century and is on the river bank of Kshipra. This has a special place in jaina literature.
Rudra gave upsarga to Bhagawan Mahavira who was penancing in the burial ground here. The last Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu after anticipating the forthcoming worst drought, left to South India with vast munisangha from here. The Maurya King Chandragupta taking Munidiksha also went with him. Muni Abhaygosh attained salvation at Ujjain.
Jayasingpura Digambar jain mandir hosts as many as 500 statues. Ujjain had a famous Bhattarka traditional throne started during Guptas and survived upto 10th Century A.D.
A Dharmashala is there in Namak Mandi.
Ujjain was the capital of the legendary King Vikramaditya at whose court flourished "nine jewels" of Hindu literature of whom poet Kalidasa was the most renowned.
148. INDORE: (53 kms from Ujjain, Dist. HQ)
This is a big business centre in Madhya Pradesh and is the main centre for Digambar jains. The city has many jain institutions. The 'Kanch Mandir' here is extremely beautiful for its mirror and cut glass work delicacy.
The other important temples are at Thukoganj, Malhar Ganj. Gommatagiri Kshetra and jain colony were started here with the grace of Acharya Vidyanandaji.
Dharmashalas: (1) Sri Javeri Bagh Vishranthi Bhavan, Javery Bagh, Indore.
(2) Digambar jain Dharmashala, Rajwada,Indore.

54
Kanch Mandir, Near

Page #62

(3) Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Gomatagiri, Indore Dist.
Indore is said to be built by Rani Ahalya Bai (1765-1796 A.D.) the famous ruler of the House of Holkar. The palace here stands testimony to the Holker rulers. 149. CHULAGIRI : (BHAVAN GAJAJI) (150 kms to Indore, 6 kms from Barhwani, Khargaun dist. Sidda kshetra)
It is said that Indrajit and Kumbhakarna has attained salvation from here. The Dharmashala is located at the foot of the hill. There are about 11 temples over the hill belonging to 11th & 12th century A.D. The country's tallest Lord Adinatha state is here. The statue is 84 feet tall housed inside an enclosure.
Dharmashala : Sri Digambara Jain Siddakshetra, Chulagiri, Barhwani Post.
Barhwani has a temple dedicated to Lord Neminatha and has a Dharmashala. 150. TALANPUR:( 27kms from Barhwani, Dhar Dist.)
In a field over here, when excavated 13 statues were recovered out of which five big statues were acquired by Digambaras and eight small statues were acquired by Swethambars. Both are having their own temples wherein they are consecrated.
A Dharmashala is here. 151. PAVAGIRI (OON) : ( 40 km to Khargan / West Nimad, Sidda Kshetra)
The kshetra has a big Dharmashala and a jain mandir. Two furlongs from here is a Gwaleshwar or Shanthinath temple. This is the nirvana place from where Swargabhadra and other four Munis attained salvation. While returning from here one can approach a small hillock called 'Panch Pahadi' having five small temples.
Dharmashala : Sri Digambara Jain Pavagiri Siddakshetra, Oon Post, Khargaun Tq. West Nimad Dist. 152. SIDDHAVAR KUTA: (19 kms from Barhwani, East Nimad Dist. Sidda Kshetra)
In Mandhata there is a dharmashala. After registering with the manager here, one has to cross the Narmada river by boat to reach Siddavar kuta.
55

Page #63

It is said that from here 2 Emperors, 10 Kamadevas and 3/2 crore Munis have attained Moksha. Ten temples and many Dharmashala are over here.
Dharmashala : Digambar jain Dharmashala., Siddavarkuta, East Nimad Dist.
The sangam of river Narmada and river Kaveri here flows round a hill. Over this hill famous Saivite pilgrimage 'Omkareswar' is situated.
ORISSA
Orissa spreads between plateau and the Bay of Bengal on the eastern part of India. Orissa was the seat of famous Kalinga Kings. The Ganga kings who ruled from here were great builders and have built world famous temples of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark which forms a Golden Triangle.
The classical dance form 'odissi' is a world famous art. The temple cities are famous for the 'pata-chitra artists and sculptures'.
Orissa is the Jain centre from ancient time. Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves with sculptures, inscriptions dating back to Emperor Kharavela's time, many centuries before christ, speak of glorious Jaina era. 153. BHUBANESHWAR : (Capital City of Orissa, 480 kms from Kolkata)
Bhubaneshwar is the city of temples with as many as 100 temples, will stand above the other temple cities of India. The Government museum here houses many jaina icons and statues.
The temples of Bhubaneshwar exhibit a variety of architectural styles. The most important and the finest are Lingaraja, Mukteswar, Raja Rani, Vaital Deul, Bashkareswar and Parameswar temples.
The Lingaraja temple is the most ornate and beautifully carved and is declared as 'World Heritage Monument 154. KHANDAGIRI - UDAYAGIRI ( 6kms on the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar)
The cave temple on these two small hillocks belong to the era even before Christ. Some of the caves even belong to the time of Lord Mahaveera and some are scooped by Kalinga 'Samrat Kharavela' and his royal family members. Kharavela's period is in the first part of the

Page #64

first century B.C. Like wise some of the caves here were scooped before 2000 years, others were scooped upto 10th century A.D. These caves were made for the munis to conduct dhyana and for other requirements.
It is said that Samavasran of Bhagawan Mahavira took place here. Samrat Kharavela conducted a congregation of jaina munis and jaina scholars in this place.
As soon as we enter through the road, we will find a Dharmashala here. Kandagiri hill is in the left hand side and Udayagiri is on the right hand side. Over Khandagiri there are four Digambar Mandirs and 15 caves . Out of these six caves have jaina carvings of Thirthankars and yakshis.
Udaygiri hill has 17 caves. All the caves here does not have any jaina carvings. Hathi gufa here has the famous inscriptions of valuable historical record engraved by Samrat Kharavela.
There is a Dharmashala at the foot hill. 155. CUTTACK: (45 kms from Bhubaneshwar)
There is a jain temple dedicated to Bhagawan Chandraprabha at Chowdhuri Bazar. Jain Bhavan & a dharmashala is by the side of it. 156. PURI :(62 kms from Bhubaneswar)
Puri is one of the foremost Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is one among the 'Char dham' of Hindus and is one out of 51 Shaktipeetas.
The Jagannath temple shikar is 214 feet tall with a 'Neelachakra' over it. This was built in the 13th century A.D. The main deity is Lord Jagannatha, Balaram and Subadra flanked by devotees all the year round. The famous Jagannath Rathayatra takes place in Ashad shukla.
On the southern part of the temple wall one foot tall Bhagawan Vrishabha's statue can be seen. History says that in ancient Kalinga there was an icon named 'Kalinga Jina'. Mahapadma of Nanda dynasty took away this idol from here after waging a war. This idol was of the first thirthankar Vrishabhanatha. After about 300 years Samrat Kharvela of Kalinga after waging a war against Magadha brought back the same idol. The celebrations of this idol was conducted at Kumari Parvath (today's Udayagiri). Later Samrat Kharavela constructed an elaborate temple and installed that deity. It is believed that the Jagannatha temple of Puri was built by Samrat Kharavela and Lord Jagannath is Lord Vrishabhadev.
57

Page #65

157. KONARK: (80 kms from Puri)
The great Konark temple is called as Black Pagoda in contrast to the white temple of Puri. This famous pagoda, one of the marvels of India, was built by Narasinga Deva I, who ruled Orissa in the 13th Century A.D. in honour of Surya, the Sun God. The monument must have been of colossal size. The magnificient porch, the only portion of the ruined shrine now standing is so immense as to form a land mark for miles around.
Exquisite carvings and monumental statutory characterise the Black Pagoda. Life size lions and elephants, figures and thrones, scenes of battle and the chase, all carved with great imagination and skill, testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art, sculpture and engineering.
This has been named as "World Heritage Monument".
MAHARASHTRA :
To the east of the Ghats stretches the vast triangular plateau drained by the rivers Godavari, Bhima and Krishna. The state is the foremost in industrial development, textile manufacturing being the most important industry. India's first atomic energy establishment is located in Trombay. Mumbai, the capital is a big industrial centre and chief centre of Indian film Industry.
The dynasties like Shalivahan, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and the Yadavas who ruled over Maharashtra were great patrons of art and culture and creative arts bloomed here. Ajantha, Ellora, Elephanta are the testimony for this. Chatrapati Shivaji is a man of genius and administrative acumen. Peshwas followed him.
Maharashtra is famous for many jain temples. There are many nirvana kshetras like Gajapantha, Mangi Tungi, Kuntalagiri and has many Athishaya Kshetras.
158. MUMBAI: (Capital City of Maharshtra, 1408 kms from Delhi)
This is a metropolis and the economic capital of India. It has beautiful harbour studded with hilly islands and palm-fringed shore rising gradually to the peaks of mountain ranges form a fine water front for Mumbai, the "Gateway of India". Mumbai retains its oriental charm and character in spite of its cosmopolitan character. Besides being the chief import and export emporium of India, Mumbai is also a great industrial centre.
58

Page #66

Bhuleswar, Kalabadevi Road, Gulal badi, Borivili have jain digambar temples. At Paudanapur (Borivili) inside a park, mandir with three big marble statues of Adinatha (31feet), Bahubali (28 feet) and Bharatha (28 feet) have been installed. At the same place beautiful marble statues of 24 thirthankars have also been erected.
At C.P. tank, Hira baugh 'Bharath Varshiya Digambar Jain Tirthakshetra committee' is located and Dharmashala is also there.
Dharmashalas: (1) Digambar Jain Dharmashala, C.P. Tank, Hirabaugh, Mumbai.
(2) Sri Adinatha Bahubali Jina Mandir Dharmashala, Inside Trimurti National Park, Borivili (Paudanpura), Mumbai.
The other places to be seen here are Hanging Gardens, Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Crawford Market and Mahalaxmi Temple.
Elephanta Caves: (10kms south east of Mumbai)
On a small island decked with tropical vegetation are the famous cave temples of elephanta dating back to 8th century A.D. Five in all they contain huge carved deities and panels in relief. The most striking of the images is the Mahesh Murthi, a 19 feet high, three headed hewn from a single piece.
159. GAJPANTH: (6 kms from Nasik, Sidda Kshetra)
Two kms from dharmashala, at the foot of the hill there is a temple. By climbing about 500 steps one can find a cave temple and other temples. The cave temple has the bas relief carved out of rock a padmasan statue of Lord Parshwanatha which is 10 feet tall. It is said that Balabhadra and other 8 crore munis attained moksha here.
Dharmashala is here for stay.
160. ANJANERI (37 kms from Gajpanth)
Over the hill here there are two cave temples and six statues. The town had many jain temples in olden days, which are now in dilapidated condition.
161. MANGI TUNGI: (69 kms from Manmad, SiddaKshetra)
As per jain religion, Sri Ram, Hanuman, Sugriv, Neel and crores of munis attained Moksha from here. Balram after performing the last rites to Sri Krishna, took Munideeksha in this place. Mangi and Tungi are the two cliffs of a single mountain. 2960 steps lead to the top of the
59

Page #67

mountain and from there onwards the left hand side route will take us to Mangi and the right hand side will take us to Tungi. Nine caves are there on Mangi and two on Tungi. Inside, on the cave walls statues of Tirthankars and other munis are carved and are 600 in number. People believe that Devas will come to this parvat for darshan and prayer.
Three Temples and Dharmashalas are there on the foothill. 162. DAHIGAON:(13 kms from Walchand nagar, Athishaykshetra)
In the temple here padmasan statue of Bhagawan Mahavir is there and is 5 12 feet in height. Statues of Shanthinatha and Adinatha are also here.
150 years earlier Brahmachari Mahatisagarji came here, hence from there onwards this place has become famous. Sri Mahatisagarjis samadhi is here with foot prints. It is believed that devotee's ambition will be fulfilled by a darshan here.
A Dharmashala and a Gurukul is here. 163. KUNDAL : ( 5kms from Kirloskarwadi, Athishaya Kshetra)
The temple in this village is called as Kalikunda Parshwanatha. The padmasan statue of Parshwanatha dates back to 964 A.D. Two kilometers from village a cave temple on a hillock has the statue of Parshwanatha called “Zari Parshwanatha”. Above this statue, inside this cave water is pouring all the time. 4 kms from this hill on another hillock there is a foot print said to belong to Lord Mahavira whose samavasaran had come to this place. Near by this, there is a temple, the main deity of which is Sahasrapani Parshwanatha.
Dharmashala is there in the village. 164. KHUMBOJ BAHUBALI (6km to Hath Kanagale, Athishaya Kshetra)
On the road side is a huge entrance gate. Heading inside one can find Dharmashala and Gurukul Bhavan. As soon as we enter inside we can see a 38 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali on an elevated place. Models of Sammed Shikarji and many other Kshetras are created here. There are four ancient temples and manasthambha. The Bahubali Brahmacharya Ashram here is running educational institutions.
Dharmashala : Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Kumboj, Bahubali Kshetra.
60

Page #68

165. KOLHAPUR:(40 kms from Miraj)
This is an important business centre of Maharashtra. The important ain temples here are (1) Sahupur Jain Mandir (2) Gangavesh Huward Parshwanatha Mandir with manasthambha (3) Neminath digambar jain nandir (4) Mangalvarpet mandir. It is believed that the last chapter of Shatkhandagam' was written here at Neminath Mandir.
Lakshmisena Mutt is here in Shukhrawarpet which has a traditional Bhattaraka throne, headed by Sri Lakshmisena Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Dharmashala : Sri Lakshmisena Battarak Mutt Dharmashala Shukrawarpet, Kolhapur.
The other places worth visiting are Mahalaxmi temple, Maharajas palace, Rankala. 166. KUNTHALGIRI :(53kms from Osmanabad, Siddakshetra)
This is the kshetra of Shantisagar Muni Maharaj who took Sallekana Vrath here and attained Samadhi which is marked by his foot prints. Poojya Kulabhushan Deshbhushan attained nirvan here. The important emples here are (1) Kulabhushan Deshabhushan Mandir (2) Shanthinath Mandir (3) Bahubali Mandir, has 27 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali in Khadgasan (4) Adinath Mandir (5) Ajithnath Mandir (6) Nandiswara Jinalaya.
Gurukul and a spacious Dharmashala are here. 167, OSMANABAD :(Dharashiva Gufa) (65 kms from Solapur)
The caves are located at 5 kms from Osmanabad. There are 8 caves in total over the hill. One of the cave has a statue of Lord Parshwanatha in padmasan,6 feet in height. These caves belong to 5th-8th century A.D.
Osmanabad town has a jain mandir and dharmashala. 168. TER: (19kms from Osmanabad, Atishaya Kshetra)
Two temples are there inside which many statues and foot prints are found. There is a belief that Bhagawan Mahavir's Samavasaran was held here. 169. SOLAPUR : (436 kms from Bombay)
This is an important business centre of Maharashtra. There are two temples in Shukrawarpet and one each in Kasari, Shravikashram, Chattigalli.
The city has many jain organisations.
61

Page #69

Dharmashalas : (1) Nemichand Hirachandji Dharmashala located near jain Shravikashram (2) A Dharmashala in Shukrawhpet (3) Sri Adinath Jain temple and Dharmashala, Tuljapur Road.
Solapur is famous for jacquard bed spreads and Chadars. 170. SAVERGAON :(30 kms from Sholapur, Athishaya Kshetra)
At the centre of village Sri Parshwanatha digambar jain Athishaya kshetra is located. A huge manasthambha is there in front of the temple. 171. ASHTA : (64 kms from Solapur, Athishaya Kshetra)
This is called as Kasar - Asta as it had once many Kasar jain population. The temple has one foot padmasan black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha. 172. ELLORA : ( 29 kms to Aurangabad)
The cave temples here are world famous for its architectural wonders. The Kailasa temple is a magnum opus and is a World Heritage Monument. The monuments of Ellora are of Buddhist, Hindu and Jaina origin. Excavated in the large rocky plateau, they are remarkable memories of three great faiths. The most marvellous of all is the stupendous rock-cut Hindu temple of Kailas, elaborately carved inside and outside. Hewn entirely out of solid rock, with its massive pillars and collonnades intricate galleries, painted ceilings and huge sculptures, Kailas is one of the world wonders. It is estimated that the task of quarrying its 3,000,000 cubic feet of rock must have taken at least a hundred years. This cave was got scooped by the Rastrakuta King Krishna.
In all, 34 caves are here and the cave No. 30 to 34 belongs to jaina group. These caves were excavated by the Rashtrakuta kings who ruled from Malakhed in Karnataka during 7th and 10th century A.D. The frescos, basrelief and statues of these caves are marvellous. The important statues are Bhagawan Parshwanatha in penance and upsarga on him, Kayotsarga statues of Bahubali, Dharanendra-Padmavati, GomedAmbica, Matanga - Siddayini, Chakreshwari, Dancing Indra, Dancing Nilanjana and so on. The sculptor has achieved excellence of greatest order over here.
Sri Suparshwanatha jain Gurukula is here. 173. AJANTA ( 103 kms from Aurangabad) In a beautiful glade amidst superb scenery are the caves of Ajanta,
62

Page #70

consisting of 24 Buddhist monasteries and five temples, some of which are 2,000 years old. They are excavated in a wall of almost perpendicular rock, 259 feet high, sweeping round in a hollow circle and extending a third of mile from east to west. Hewn out of rock richly sculptured and with walls, ceiling and pillar adorned with fresco paintings, this cave-picture gallery is unique in the history of art.
174. AURANGABAD: (376 kms from Mumbai)
This is an important city of Maharashtra. There are four jain temples here. The temple at Saraf Bazar has the main deity Lord Shanthinatha. Aurangabad has four caves and one of the cave has Lord Ananthnatha's statue of 64 feet tall in padmasan posture. Other caves have jain yakshi statues.
Dharmashala Sri Chandrasagar Digambar Jain Dharmashala,
Shahaganj.
Other place to be seen here is Bibi-ka-Maqbara which is designed on the style of Tajmahal.
175. DAULATABAD : ( 13 kms to Aurangabad)
Many jain statues were obtained from the fort here.
The Daulatabad fort and tomb of Mogul King Aurangazeb are the places to be seen here.
176. PAITHAN: (51 kms from Aurangabad, Athishaya Kshetra)
The city has Sri Munisuvrathanatha Digambar Jain Athishaya Kshetra. The main deity is Bhagawan Munisuvratha whose statue is very beautiful.
A Dharmashala is here.
177. NAVAGARH: (Okhalad, 3 kms from Mirkhel station on Manmad - Kachiguda lane, Atishaya Kshetra)
Earlier Sri Digambar Neminatha Athishaya Kshetra was on the banks of river poorna at Okhalad. The floods in the river destroyed the mandir but the statue was safe. Then again the statue was installed in a new mandir at this place, Navagad. The 334 feet height Lord Neminatha statue is in padmasan.
Dharmashala is there in the temple compound. Mela and Rathayatra takes place in Magasuddi.

63

Page #71

178. JINTUR: (42 kms from Kachiguda - Manmad Lane, Athishaya Kshetra)
This was earlier known as "Jainapur". Muslim ruler Saidul Kadri invaded this town in 631 A.D. and renamed it as jintur.
Sri Neminath digambar jain Atishaya Kshetra is located in Sahyadri mountain about 3 kms from the town. A cave temple here has jain statues. Bhagawan Neminatha's black stone statue is marvellous and beautiful. Bhagawan Parshwanatha's statue is supported on a small base hence is called as 'Anthariksha Parshwanatha'.
A dharmashala is there near Sahu-ka-Mandir.
179. SHIRAD SHAHPUR: (Parbani Dist. 7 kms from Chowdi station on Khandwa -Purna Lane)
At the centre of the town Bhagawan Mallinatha Atishaykshetra is located where the main deity is Lord Mallinatha. A Statue of Lord Shanthinatha is also there.
180. ANTARIKSHA PARSHWANATHA: (Sirpur, 70 kms from Akola.)
This is one of the famous Kshetras of the Jains. The temple on the outskirts of the village, when constructed by King Sripal, the idol of Lord Parshwanatha was above the ground level. During the reign of Muslim kings the idol was shifted to underground. Inside the town there is a miraculous well over here, water of which cured leprosy of King Sripal. Even today many diseases are cured by the water of the same well.
Both Digambar and Swethambar offer pooja to the Lord and are alloted seperate timings. The black stone statue of Lord Parshwanatha is 3 feet 8 inches height. The idol is installed at the top without any support but for a slight support on the lefthand side, hence is called Anthariksha Parshwanatha.
The temple has Bhattarak thrones of Sri Devendra Kirti, Sri Virasen Swamy and Sri Vishal Kirti.
There are three big Dharmashalas here.
181. KARANJA: (32 kms from Murtizapur)
This city was once the centre for Bhattaraks. The city has three famous jain temples (1) Sri Parshwanatha Digambar Senagan Mandir, has 400 years old paintings. (2) Sri Chandranatha Swamy Kastasangha

64

Page #72

Digambar jain Mandir has beautiful wood carvings and marvellous statues of Parshwanatha and Padmavathi devi. (3) Sri Mulasangha Chandranatha swamy Balathkargana Jain Mandir has many jaina manuscripts.
On the outskirts of the city, Brahmacharya Ashram Gurukul is there. This houses a museum having many old statues and a mandir. 182. BADAUNA RAMANATH :( 83 kms from Karanja, Atishaya Kshetra)
The mandir in this village has Adinatha Swamy as main deity. The idol was excavated from earth.
A Dharmashala is here with good facilities. 183. MUKTAGIRI : (66 kms from Amaravati, Siddakshetra)
The environment is very beautiful. There are about 52 jain mandirs over the hill. 342 crore munis had attained moksha here. Hence it is called as Muktagiri. Sri Parshwanatha digambar jain mandir is a big temple. The main deity is Lord Parshwanatha a black stone statue which is 41/2 feet in height. 7 feet tall Shanthinatha and Kunthunatha statues are also there.
Adinatha and Mahavira mandirs are there at the foot of the hill. Dharmashala is also located here.
Annual Mela takes place in Karthika purnima. 184. RAMTEK:(48 kms from Nagapur, Atishaya Kshetra)
Sri Digambar Shanthinatha Athishaya Kshetra is located at 2kms from bus stand. There are about 15 mandirs in an enclosure. The main temple belongs to Lord Shanthinatha in standing posture. It is 13 feet tall and is very beautiful.
It is believed that Sri Rama visited this place.
There is a Dharmashala 185. NAGAPUR : ( 861 kms to Mumbai)
This is one of the important cities of Maharashtra and is famous for oranges.
There are about 12 jain temples here.
Dharmashala (1) Ithvar Senagan Mandir and Dharmashala (2) Sri Paramanand Dharmashala Seshimoli, Nagapur. (3) Digambar Jain Dharmashala Itwari, Nagapur.
65

Page #73

186. BHATKULI : ( 16km from Amaravathi, Athishaya Kshetra)
The main deity of the temple is Lord Adinatha. The statue of Adinatha was recovered from the earth while excavating which is famous for miracles. Many pilgrims come here to fulfil their desires.
There is a Dharmashala.
ANDHRA PRADESH :
Andhra is a state in Deccan Plateau.
The earliest historical record of Andhra dates back to the time of Ashoka. Later Shathavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar kings ruled over this land. Finally passed on to the Aurangazeb's generals, the ancestor of the Nizam, Hyderabad was the biggest and most important of India's princely states until the advent of independence.
Andhra Pradesh is known as the rice granary of the country. The rice fields, river Godavari and Krishna basin have picturesque land scape. The state has a rich cultural heritage and it occupies an important position in the field of music, dance and drama.
The Telugu and Urdu languages are widely spoken. 187. HYDERABAD: (1453 km from Delhi, Capital City of A.P.)
Hyderabad was ruled by Nizam Kings. The city presents an attractive amalgamation of old world charm and the ebullience of growth and enterprise and is a Mega city, The important places here are (1) Char Minar : This is the symbol of Hyderabad and the structure consists of four minars. (2) Mecca Masjid (3) Birla Temple (4) Golconda Fort (13 kms): This fort was built by Kakatiyas who ruled from Warangal. (5) Hussain Sagar where a Budda statue has been installed (6) Salar Jung Museum; belongs to the kings which houses the valuable and beautiful artifects of the whole world.
Hyderabad is famous for pearls and Bangles.
Dharmashala : (1) Sri Mahavir Diagambar Jain Bhavan, Kesar Bagh, Agampura Road, Kamam, Hyderabad.
(2) Sri Vardhaman Shanthiniketan Jain Shrawak Sangha, Maruthi Veedhi, Near Monda Market, Secundrabad - 3. 188. TIRUPATI :( 250 km from Bangalore, 150 kms to Chennai)
This is a holy city and Vaishnava pilgrimage installed over the hill.
66

Page #74

The deity is Lord Venkateswara adorned with costlier and precious jewels. The temple is visited by millions of devotees from all over the world throughout the year. Tirupati is considered as the richest temple in this part of the globe.
Festivals and celebrations are being conducted throughout the year. The hill top is known as “Tirumala'. Tirupati the foot hill has Sri Varahaswamy temple, Sri Govindaraja swamy temple and Sri Padmavathi temple.
GOA:
Goa is the India's answer to Hawai and shines highly on the tourist map of the world, specially among the sea resorts. This was the portugese settlement in the 15th century A.D. The Portugese have built beautiful churches here.
Goa lies on the coast of Arabian Sea along the slopes of the Western Ghats. Its rivers, which are navigable throughout the year flow from these ranges along the vast paddy fields and coconut and cashew plantations. Goa's palm-fringed beaches are charming. 189. PANAJI : (Capital City of Goa, 554 kms from Mumbai)
Panaji is the capital city of Goa, a small and charming city on the Mandovi river bank. Panaji is compared to the Lisbon of Portugal.
The important Sea beaches are (1) Calangute ( 16 km from Panaji). (2) Dona Paula ( 7 kms from Panaji) (3) Colva ( 6kms from Margoa) (4) Anjuna ( 18 kms from Panaji) (5) Vagator ( 22 kms from Panaji).
The important churches at old Goa (10kms east of Panaji) are (1) Basilica of Bom Jesus (2) The church of St. Fransis and (3) Se Cathedral.
The important temples are (1) Sri Bhagawati temple in Pernem (2) Brahma temple near Valpai (3) Mahalaxmi temple at Bandode (4) Sri Mangesh at Priol and (5) Shantha Durga.
KARNATAKA:
KARNATAKA is the land of many splendours.
KARNATAKA is the land of primeval forests, lovely cities, ornate shrines and scenery abounding with all charms of the Tropics, Karnataka makes a special appeal to tourists, its climate is mild and salubrious.
67

Page #75

Nestling between the eastern and western Ghats and sloping down into the Arabian sea in the West of Karnataka, is the home of sandal wood and spices, ebony and elephant, coffee and cedar, peacock and gold. The hills and seashore offer a variety of climate and landscape, from cool hills and dense jungles to sun kissed beaches.
The history of Karnataka is embedded with the history of Jainism. The great emperor Chandragupta Maurya along with Muni Bhadrabahu came to Shravanabelagola and spent his last days as ascetic. The kings of Ganga dynasty who ruled from southern part of Karnataka during 2nd to 11th century A.D., were the patrons of Jainism. Chaundaraya, the commander-in-chief of Ganga king Rachamalla waged many wars to victories. He was the cause for the construction of famous monolithic statue 'Gommateswara' at Shravanabelagola during 981 A.D. Attimabbe, noble lady of Chalukya dynasty was the patron of great kannada poet Ranna. She constructed many basadis in 10th century AD and gave donations to many basadis. 10th century AD was the Golden age of Kannada literature with celebrated Jain poets Pampa, Ranna and Ponna called as “Ratnatrayas'
The Rastrakuta kings were the great patrons of Jainism. Nrupatunga Deva, the famous Rastrakuta king was the disciple of great saints and scholars Jinasenacharya and Gunabhadracharya.
The Hoysala dynasty came into force by a Jain ascetic called Sudatta muni's grace and guidance. Shantala Devi queen of Vishnuvardhana was the ardent follower of Jainsim who took Sallekhana Vratha to end her life. Hulla the commander-in-chief of, Vishnuvardhana constructed a Basadi and renovated many at Shravanabelagola.
During the Vijayanagara period many ministers were the followers of Jainism. Irugappa, commander-in-chief of Harihara II worked for the upliftment of Jainism. 190. BANGALORE CITY (Capital city of Karnataka)
Bangalore is founded by Kempe Gowda in 1537
The city has a salubrious climate and is 3000 ft. above sea level. It is one of the most liveliest and charming of all Indian cities.
The city has following Jain Temples. (1) Sri Mahaveera Digambar Jain Temple, Chickpet has metallic Mahaveera Swamy, Parswanathaswamy, statues of Tirthanakaras and Yakshis.
68

Page #76

(2) Sri Adinatha Jain Temple, Balepet consists of marble statues of Adinatha, Mahaveera and Samavasarana. (3) Sri Adinatha Chaityalaya at South end, Jayanagar. (4) Sri Sheetalnatha Swamy Basadi at Puttenahalli, J.P.Nagar. (5) Sri Neminatha Digambar Jain Temple at 3rd Block, Rajajinagar. (6) Sri Parshwanatha Jain Temple at Magadi Road (7) Sri Mahaveera Jinalaya is there in Vimanapura, Airport Road.
Dharmashalas : (1) Sri Dalichand Jugaraj Jain Digambar. Dharmalashala, 7, 18th Cross R.T. Street, Balepet cross, Bangalore560053.
(2) Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Sri Mahavir Digambar Jain Temple, D.K. lane, Chickpet Bangalore-560053
Other visiting Places : Vidhana Soudha, Lalbag and Cubbon Park gardens, State Museum and Vishveswarayya industrial Museum, Jawaharalal Nehru Planetarium, Musical Fountain, Bull Temple, Gavigangadhareswara Temple, Prasanna Anjaneya Temple of Mahalakshmi Layout, Ulsoor Lake etc.
Excursions: Bannerughatta National Park (20 Kms. from Bangalore), Big Banyan Tree (28 Kms. from City). 191. NANDI HILLS (Chickaballapur Tq. 60 Kms, from Bangalore).
Beautiful picnic spot. As per the scholars opinion Yoganandiswara Temple on the hill and the Boganandiswara Temple at the foot of the hill were once Jain Basadis built by Gangas in the earlier days. 192. YELEKYATHANAHALLI (Nelamangala Tq., Bangalore Rural Dist. 57 Kms. from Bangalore )
Here there are two basadis called as Dodda Basadi (Adinatha Swamy) and Chikka Basadi (Parshwanatha Swamy). There is a Brahmadeva Yaksha Temple with marble statues of Bahubali and 24 Tirthankars on a small hillock. 193. NITTUR (Gubbi Tq., 12 Kms. from Gubbi, Tumkur Dist, Athishaya kshetra)
Sri Shantiswara Basadi here is a Hoysala structure of about the 12th century. A few palm leaf manuscripts of jaina works in Sanskrit & Kannada are here. Jwalamalini Devi here attracts many devotees.
69

Page #77

194. MAYASANDRA (Turuvekere Tq., Tumkur Dist. 56 Kms. from Tumkur)
Sri Parshwanatha basadi with statues of Adinatha & Mahavira are here. It was recently constructed in marble under the blessings of Aarjica Rajamathi Mataji. 195. MYSORE (Dist. hq., 140 Kms. from Bangalore).
Mysore, a “Sandlewood city” has beautiful palaces & parks. During Dasara the gay colourful procession of Devi Chamundi is held every year. The Shantiswara basadi located near palace is existing from 18th century. Images of Sarvanha Yaksha & Kushmandini can be seen. A Parshwanatha Basadi is also there.
Dharmashala: Jain Boarding Home Chandragupta Road, opp. Sangam Theatre, Mysore-1
Other Interesting places : Maharaja's Palace constructed in 1882, accepted by many world famous art critics as the most beautiful one. Jagan mohan palace Art gallary, Zoo and ancient Temple of Devi Chamundi at Chamundi hills.
KRISHNARAJA SAGAR AND BRINDAVANA (20 Kms. to Mysore) It is a beautiful dam constructed against cauvery river. A beautiful garden at the foot of the dam creates a heavenly feeling in the minds of a visitor in the late evening when it glitters with thousands of coloured lights and many colourful fountains. 196. GOMATAGIRI (Hunsur Tq., Mysore Dist. 16 Kms. from Mysore)
is a celebrated Jaina centre. The statue of the Gommateswara here is installed atop a hillock and is an early Vijayanagar creation in granite about 16 feet in height and has a serene facial expression. Below the hillock is a choultry, Jalamandira and padukas of 24 thirthankaras. The annual Abhisheka takes place in September when thousands of people assemble here. 197. SRIRANGAPATNA (Tq., hq., Mandya District. 125 Kms. from Bangalore & 12 Kms. to Mysore)
Here is a basadi dedicated to Adinatha. Padmavathi Yakshi here is attracted by many devotees.
Utsav is held duing Maga Shuddha Trayodhashi.
Other Visiting Places : Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Fort, Dungeons, Dariya Daulat and Gumbaz. 3kms from here is Ranganatittu
70

Page #78

Bird Sanctury (June to September is the season) located in the island created by flowing cauvery river. Birds come here to breed from various parts of the world. 198. SHIVANA SAMUDRA FALLS (BLUFF) (Malavalli Tq., Mandya dist. 122 Kms. from Bangalore & 48 Kms. to Mysore).
The Cauvery river here leaps down 350 feet majestically into two divisions known as Gaganachukki & Bharachukki. 199. SOMANATHAPUR (T. Narasipur Tq., Mysore Dist. 10 Kms. from T. Narasipur)
The Hoysala style ‘Prasanna Channakeshava Temple' constructed in 12th century A.D. is famous for its intricate carvings and beautiful images. 200. NANJANGUDU (Tq. hq. Mysore Dist. 20 Kms. from Mysore)
is a holy place. The Nanjundeswara Temple complex has grown in the course of 1,000 years begining from Ganga times. 201. CHAMARAJANAGAR (Dist. hq. 61 Kms. from Mysore).
The Trikutachala Vijaya Parshwanatha basadi here is constructed in 1116 A.D by Punisa, the commander-in-chief of Hoysala Vishnuvardhana. The central garbha griha has beautiful image of seated Parshwanatha. Inside the hall are placed images of Padmavathi, Kushmandini & Dharanendra. 202. MALEYUR (KANAKAGIRI) (Chamarajanagar Dist. 24 Kms. from Chamarajanagar, Sidda kshetra)
The name of the place is derived from the hill. On the hill is Parshwanatha basadi built in the 19th century. The standing image of Vijaya Parshwanatha is about 8 feet tall with Ganga features. Inside the navaranga are placed the images of Padmavathi, Kushmandini, Jwalamalini, Brahma, Dharanendra etc. Behind the basadi is a popular pond known as Kanaka tirtha. On the other side is the samadhi of the outstanding Jaina saint ‘Pujyapada'. Several Jain saints have taken Nisidhi in this holy place Kanakagiri. Below the hill in the village there is Adinatha basadi.
There is a mutt here headed by Sri Bhuvana Keerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Dharmashala is here with good facilities to stay.
71

Page #79

203. SALIGRAMA (K. R. Nagar Tq., Mysore Dist. 70 Kms from Mysore).
The place has five Jaina basadis such as Ananthanatha (two), Neminatha, Parshwanatha etc. The Ananthanatha basadi inside the town built in 1878 A.D. has beatuful Mysore style paintings. There is a hillock where a Jaina Muni attained salvation.
204. BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK (Gundlupet Tq., Chamarajanagar Dist. 80 Kms. from Mysore)
is a reserve forest and has animals inhabited like bison, cheeta, elephants, tiger etc.
205. MADIKERI (Dist. Hq., 246 Kms. from Bangalore and 110 Kms. from Mangalore) is situated on a hilly region and has beautiful scenery. 206. TALA CAUVERY (Madikeri Dist. 8 Kms. from Bhagamandala & 45 Kms. from Madikeri). This is the birth place of river Cauvery and is a sacred place.
207. BHAGAMANDALA (Madikeri Dist. 40 Kms. from Mercara).
The river 'Cauvery' and 'Kannica' will join here and flow further and has a Temple dedicated to Eswara known as Bhagandeswara. 208. NAGARHOLE WILD LIFE SANCTURY (Rajiv Gandhi wild life sanctuary, Madikeri Dist. 60 Kms. from Virajpet).
The impressive tall grown teak trees are the first sight. Then one can go round by a van or on an elephant to see the wild life like sambar, wild bear, elephant, fox, hyena, chital, tiger etc.
209. SHRAVANA BELAGOLA (Channarayapatna Tq., 146 Kms. from Bangalore and 99 Kms.from Mysore,Hassan Dist. Sidda Kshetra)
This is a holy place and one of the most ancient & famous places of our Country. Atop the larger hill called 'Vindyagiri' which is 470 ft. high stands the serene beautiful monolythic statue of lord 'Gommateswara' (Bahubali). The statue is 58 ft. tall and is carved out of one huge boulder erected in 981 A.D., by Chaundaraya, the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla. This statue is one of the rarest creation of man kind. The mantapa surrounding the statue of Gommata consisits of 24 thirthankara images in Kayotsarga (standing pose). Other basadis in Vindyagiri are Odhegal basadi (Adinatha, Shanthinatha & Neminatha), Siddhara basadi, Chennanna basadi (Chandraprabha) and Brahmadeva basadi.

72

Page #80

History of CHANDRA GIRI or the smaller hill goes back to Before Christ. In the 3rd Century B.C., the great Mauryan emperor Changragupta Maurya having taken a vow of renunciation spent his last days as an ascetic here in the rocky cave along with his guru Muni Bhadrabahu, both of them who came from North India. The basadis here on Chandragiri are (1) Parshwanatha basadi (15 ft. tall khadgasana statue), (2) Kattale and Padmavathi basadi (observe the rock grill freizes carved by the then famous Hoysala sculptor Dasoja) (3) Chandragupta basadi (4) Shanthinatha basadi (5) Chandraprabha basadi, (6) Chaundaraya basadi (Neminatha) (7) Shasana basadi (Vrishabhanatha) (8) Eradukatte basadi (Ananthanatha) (9) Savathi Gandhavarana basadi (Shanthinatha) (10) Therina basadi (Bahubali) and (11) Bhadrabahu cave.
In the town there are (1) Matada basadi (2) Bhandara basadi (24 thirthankaras statue) (3) Akkana basadi (4) Mangai basadi (5) Siddanta basadi (6) Dhanashala basadi etc. The Sri Mutt here is headed by Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, which is more than thousand year old and is the centre of many Jaina activities.
Dharmashalas: Sri Jain Mutt & Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Vidyananda Nilaya and other Guest houses, Shravanabelagola, Hassan Dist.
Rathayatra is held during Chaitra Shudda Poornima. 210. JINANATHA PURA (Located towards the north of Chandragiri, Shravanabelagola)
Shantinatha basadi here is a fine specimen of the Hoysala style of architecture built in around 1200 A.D. This basadi is one of the most ornate of the Jain Temples. The image of Shanthinatha is well carved and is about 5-1/2 ft. high with prabhavali and is flanked by male chauri bearers. Another basadi called as Aregal basadi enshrines seated marble statue of Parswanatha. 211.KAMBADA HALLI (Nagamangala Tq., Mandya dist. 2 Kms. to north of Bindiganavale).
This is the holy place of Jains and gets the name from its tall Brahmadeva pillar of 50 ft. high. The Adinatha basadi, which is in the centre of a group of five shrines known as “ Panchakuta basadi”, was constructed in 900 A.D. The Shanthinatha basadi has well executed friezes. The image of Shanthinatha is of ten feet height and is well
73

Page #81

shaped. The images of Yakshi here compares well with the finest of the chola images.
There is a mutt here headed by Sri Bhanu Keerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Dharmashala with god facilities is here for stay. 212. BELUR (Tq.,Hq. Hassan Dist., 38 Kms., north west of Hassan & 222 Kms. from Bangalore) :
This was the capital of Hoysalas. The king Vishnuvardhana constructed the world famous Channakeshava Temple. The Carvings here are unparallel. The 'Shila balikas' which attributes to the feminine beauty are the marevellous creation. The other temples in the Complex are Kappe Chennigaraya, Veeranarayana & Soumyanayakiyamma. 213. HALEBEEDU (Belur Tq., Hassan Dist., 16 Kms. from Belur) :
The world famous Temple here is a Dvikutachala (Hoysaleswara & Shantaleswara) constructed in 1120 A.D. during the reign of Vishnuvardhana by one of his minister Kethavarma. The Hoysala artists have achieved the peak here. The freizes are breath taking.
Two furlongs away from this temple, there are Jaina basadis in the common enclosure. There are three basadis dedicated to Parshwanatha, Shanthinatha & Adinatha. The highly polished black pillars of Parshwanatha basadi gives various types of reflections.
The temples of Belur & Halebeedu bear witness to the marvellous powers of invention and skill of India's master builders. 214. CHICKMAGALUR (Dist. Hq., 251 Kms. from Bangalore) :
This city is in the southern part of the Bababudan hill ranges, surrounded by lush coffee growing hills.
Excursion: Kemmannu Gundi : (54 Kms. from Chickmagalur)
Placed at 4700 MSL is a ideal picnic spot and a hill station. 215. NARASIMHARAJA PURA I SIMHANAGADDE (Chickmagalur dist. 42 Kms. SW of Bhadravathi, 330 Kms. from Bangalore, Athishaya kshetra).
At Simhanagadde, there are three basadis and Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarak's Jain Mutt & is considered as a place of pilgrimage by the Jains. One of the Basadi contains a image of Chandranatha. This basadi has metallic icons. Shanthishwara basadi has a 5ft. tall black stone image belonging to 13th century A.D. The temple of yakshi Jwalamalini has
74

Page #82

godess in seated posture which has eight hands. It is said that the Chandraprabha and Jwalamalini images were installed by Muni Samanthabhadra. The mutt here is headed by Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarak Swamiji.
Sri Jain Mutt & Dharmashala are here. Sree Chandraprabha Swamy and Mahamathe Jwalamalini Rathayatra is held during Palguna Bahula Navami. 216. KALASA (Mudigere Tq., Chikamagalur Dist. 60 Kms. west of Mudigere):
There is a basadi dedicated to Chandranatha. Kalaseswara Temple is also there. 217. HORNADU (Mudigere Tq., Chickamagalur Dist., 8 Kms. from Kalasa) :
It is situated in the midst of enchanting natural scenery and surrounded by small hills. Parshwanatha basadi is there in the beautiful vally. Annapoorneswari Temple of this place is very famous. 218. SRINGERI (Taluk Hq. 88 Kms. west to Chickmagalur & 368 Kms. from Bangalore) Is situated on the bank of the Tunga river. A basadi here is dedicated to Parshwanatha. Ancient Temple of Godess Sharadadevi which is said to be installed by Shankaracharya and another temple known as Vidyashankara Temple are here. The banks of Tunga river is treat to watch. 219. DHARMASTHALA (Beltangadi Tq., South Kanara Dist., 75 Kms from Mangalore & 326 Kms. from Bangalore)
Is one of the famous South Indian piligrimage centre. The place is surrounded by a picturesque figure of hills, rice fields, arca and coconut gardens. It is noteworthy that the temple of Manjunatha Swamy is a shaivite temple, of which the priests are Madhva Vaishnavas and the family of the Heggade who is the Dharmadhikari is of Jaina tradition. The present Dharmadhikari Sri. D. Veerendra Heggade is the cause for many social reforms and upliftment of the poor people.
There is Chandranatha basadi on a small hillock. The Heggade family has got executed a huge monolythic statue of Bahubali or Gommateswara (34 ft. tall) in March 1982. The 'Manjusha' Museum here has many interesting collections which must be visited.
75

Page #83

220. VENOOR (Beltangadi Tq., South Kanara Dist. 20 Kms. to Beltangadi):
The colossal monolythic statue of Gommata of 38 ft. in height was installed in 1604 A.D. by Veera Thimmanna Ajila IV. Sri Shanthinatha basadi and other 7 basadis are situated here.
Bahubali Ratha Yatra will be held during Palguna Shuddha Hunnime. 221. MOODABIDRI (Karkala Tq., South Kanara Dist. 35 Kms. North east of Mangalore).
It is famous as the 'Jaina Kashi' of the south. Jains from all parts of India come here to worship in the famous 18 Jain basadis.
(1) Guru Basadi installed in 714 A.D. is also called Siddhanta Basadi. There are 35 images of various heights. There are many old manuscripts here. There are thirthankara images made out of many precious stones like ruby, jade, emerald etc., (2) The biggest basadi here is Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi also known as “Basadi of thousand pillars”. It was built in 1430 A.D. The image of Chandranatha which is 6/2 feet in height is made up of an alloy of five metals. The other basadis are (3) Badaga basadi (4) Hire basadi (5) Betkeri basadi (6) Shettara basadi (7) Koti basadi (8) Vikrama Shetty basadi (9) Leppada basadi (10) Chola Shetty Basadi (12) Maday Shetty basadi (13) Kere Basadi (14) Padu basadi (15) Sri Matada basadi (16) Jaina Patashale basadi (17) Kallu basadi (18) Benki basadi. The Chauta palace here looks like an insignificant building compared with the magnificent basadis. Though it is plain outside, the wooden sculptures inside are of superior order. There is also a Jaina Mutt, Swamiji of the mutt is called as Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Savira Kambada Basadi Rathayatra is held during Chaitrashuddha Hunnime, Ammanavara Basadi Rathayatra is held during Palgunashuddha Shashti and Badaga Basadi Rathayatra in Maghashudda Trayodhashi 222. KARKALA (Tq., Hq., Udupi Dist. 52 Kms. North east of Mangalore & 17 Kms. from Moodabidri) :
The famous gigantic beautiful monolythic statue of Gommata which is of 42 feet tall was installed by Veerapandyadeva, a ruler of Bhairarasa family of Karkala in 1432 A.D. Chaturmukha basadi has four identical looking entrances from the four quarters and hence is popularly known
76

Page #84

as Chaturmukha basadi. It was completed in 1586 A.D. It has life size statue of thirthankaras besides small images & Padmavathi yakshi.
Neminatha basadi at Hiriyangadi is one Km. west of Gommata Hillock. It was built in 1329 A.D. 54 ft. tall Manasthambha in front of basadi was carved out of single piece of granite. It is of excellent craftsmanship.
The mutt here is headed by Sri Lalithkeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Bettada Bahubali Rathayatra is held during Maghashuda Hunnime and Ammanavara Basadi Rathayatra in Margashirashudda Hunnime. 223. UDUPI (Dist. Hq., 58 Kms. North of Mangalore) :
Is considered to be one of the most sacred place in the country and the temple of Lord Krishna is visited by pilgrims from all over India.
Malpe (4 Kms. west of Udupi): Beautiful sea beach. A launch leads to Saint Mary's island. 224. MARVANTHE (Coondapur Tq., Udupi Dist. 9 Kms. north of Coondapur) :
It is an enchanting place where on the western side the Arabian sea is stretching, while on the eastern side runs the Sauparnika river and in between them passes the west coast road. 225. KOLLUR (Coondapur Tq., Udupi dist. 390 Kms. from Bangalore):
The Temple here is dedicated to Mookambika and stands at the foot of the western ghats. 226. HOMBUJA (HUMCHA, Athishaya Kshethra, Hosanagara Tq., Shimoga Dist. 60 Kms. South west of Shimoga) :
It is a holy place which is visited by lakhs of devotees throughout the year. According to a local legend, Jinadatta who had come from North Mathura & settled here was converting the iron into gold by the touch of the golden statue of Godess Padmavathi he had brought. With the result he got enormous wealth by which he constructed this town and a temple for Devi Padmavathi. He ruled from this town. After the fulfilment of his ambitions the golden statue vanished and absorbed into the stone statue of godess Padmavathi.
The place has a well known Jaina Mutt which was established centuries ago by monks belonging to the Nandi Sangha of Shri KundaKundanvaya. Swamiji of the mutt is called as Sri Devendra Keerthi Bhattaraka. The Mutt maintains (1) Parshwanatha Temple
77

Page #85

(2) Padmavathi Temple (3) Matada Basadi (4) Bogara Basadi & (5) Jattingaraya basadi.
The image of the Godess Padmavathi is in seated figure of four hands with ankusha, pashadhari and abhaya mudra.
The Panchakuta basadi is built in the Chalukyan style during 10th century AD. It has a magnificient manasthambha and several inscriptions. The present Sri Devendra Keerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji has erected a tall marble statue of Parshwanatha on the top of a hillock
Sri Jain Mutt & Dharmashala are here.
Sree Parshwanatha Swamy and Mahamathe Padmavathi Rathayatra will be held during Palgunabahula Moolanakshtra day. 227. KUNDADRI : ( Tirthahalli Tq. Shimoga Dist., 33 kms S.W. of Tirthahalli and 65 kms S.W. of Shimoga)
Acharya Kunda Kunda came and stayed on this hill as per a belief. Parshwanatha Basadi here was constructed by Thailapa in 12th Century A.D. 228. SAGAR (Taluk Hq., Shimoga Dist. 72 Kms. north west to Shimoga) is well known for carvings in sandal wood by the gudigar craftsmen. 229. SORABA (Taluk Hq., Shimoga Dist. 30 Kms. from Sagar ) is famous for sandal wood carvings. 230. JOG FALLS (Sagar Tq., Shimoga Dist. 392 Kms. to Bangalore & 100 Kms from Shimoga)
River Sharavathi jumps down majestically from 960 feet height flowing into four branches called Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer is a great sight. 231. HAMPI (Hospet Tq., Bellary Dist. 423 Kms. from Bangalore) :
This was the capital of famous Vijayanagar kingdom. This place is known as Pampakshetra with Virupaksha Temple on the banks of river Tungabhadra. The deity Virupaksha bears testimony witnessed the rise and fall of the great empire that was forgotten.
Hemukuta hillock which is to the south of Virupaksha Temple has many identical basadis which have no images inside. Hampi is dotted with sprawling monuments.
Hampi is a "World Heritage Monument".
Other visiting places: Sasive kalu Ganapa & Kadlekalu Ganapa, Krishnaswamy Temple, Ugra Narasimha Statue, Badavilinga, Danayak’s
78

Page #86

palace, Rajas mint, Hajara Ramaswamy Temple, Queens palace, Kamala Mahal, Elephant Stable, Manomi dibba, Queens bath and so many. 232. KOPPAL (Taluk Hq., Raichur dist. 451 Kms. to Bangalore Sidda Kshetra)
Was earlier known as Kopana, a very holy place for Jains which was famous as 'Aditirtha’. From the inscriptions of 9th to 13th century it is known that there were 722 basadis and 24 Jaina sanghas in this Kshetra. Now there is no traces of it. Opposite to Gavi mutt, Jaina samadhis are there. 233. HUBLI (taluk Hq., Dharwad Dist., 16 Kms, to Dharwad & 421 kms to Bangalore)
Chandranatha Jain Temple, Shanthinatha Jain Temple & Adhinatha Jain Temple are there in Bogara galli. Ananthanatha & Parshwanatha basadis situated at old Hubli are ancient. 234. LAKKUNDI (Gadag Tq., 10 Kms. South east of Gadag, Dharwar Dist.)
Perhaps may be associated with lokki tree and Yakshi Padmavathi. A Brahma Jinalaya was instituted here in 1007 AD by a philosophic and noble lady called 'Dana Chintamani Attimabbe', who also patronised the famous Kannada poet Ranna. There is a Jaina Temple dedicated to Mahavira said to be the largest and the oldest shrine of this place. There are Vishwanatha & Lakshminarayan Temples also. 235. LAKSHMESHWAR (Shirahatti Tq., Dharwad Dist. 64 Kms. South East of Dharwad).
In ancient days it was named as Puligere. This was the heart of the Kannada territory as per the Kaviraja Marga, the famous work of Rastrakuta King Nrupatunga. There are two basadis here called as Shankha basadi and Chikka basadi. 236. SONDA (Sirsi Tq., North Kanara Dist. 22 Kms from Sirsi and 90 Kms. from Karwar). Here is a basadi dedicated to Adinatha & has Jain Mutt, headed by Sri Bhattakalanka Swamiji. 237. BANAVASI (Sirsi Tq., North Kanara Dist. 22 Kms. from Sirsi)
is one of the oldest town and was the capital of Karnataka, now existing in beautiful natural surroundings. Poet 'Pampa', the great Adikavi of kannada literature specially remembers his association with Banavasi and also the spring festival in his Kavyas. The striking
79

Page #87

monument is the Madhukeswara Temple complex which has been constructed by Kadambas.
On the Kanchugar's street is the Jaina basti built in the honour of Chandranatha. 238. BHATKAL (Tq., Hq., North Kanara Dist. 126 Kms. to Karwar).
The place name is said to have been derived from the name of the celebrated Jain saint Bhatta Akalanka who lived during 9th century, The Parshwanatha basadi at the centre of the town has a tall monolythic manasthamba and the small shrine atop has fine images in white marble. The basadi was erected in 1545 A.D., in the days of Chennabhaira Devi of Haduvalli perhaps by the merchants of the place led by one Timmi Shresti. Another important basadi of the place is Chandranatha basadi which was built by Narayana Nayaka, a commander-in-chief of Chennabhaira Devi. 239. HADUVALLI (Bhatkal Tq., North Kanara Dist. 21 Kms. to Bhatkal).
The Padmavathi basadi here has a row of 24 Thirthankara statues engraved in a fine black polished stone, each about half a meter tall. It also houses the image of Yakshi Padmavathi, Sarswathi and a bronze statue of Brahma deva seated on horse. In the same compound is Chandranatha shrine. 240. MURDESHWARA (Bhatkal Tq., North Kanara Dist. 16 Kms from Bhatkal).
The beautiful place has a fine beach and a beautiful shore Temple of Murdeshwara. 241. GOKARNA (Kumta Tq., North Kanara Dist. 515 Kms. from Bangalore and 56 Kms. from Karwar)
is a famous pilgrimage centre known as “Dakshina Kashi’. Mahabaleswara Temple here is a sacred place thronged by devotees. Beautiful vivid sea shores are here. 242. BELGAUM (Dist. hq., 502 Kms. from Bangalore).
There are 9 Jain Temples here. Kamala basadi in the fort is built in 1204 A.D. by Bichana or Bichiraja a minister of Ratta dynasty. The Kamala basti or Ratta Jinalaya has the seated image of Neminatha carved in black stone. Images of Shantinatha, Mahavira, Parswanatha and Padmavathi can also be seen. The ceiling of mukha mantapa has floral
80

Page #88

designs with a pendant of lotus which is a marvellous creation in stone. The other bastis in the town are Chikka basadi of Parshwanatha in Mathagalli, Dodda basti of Neminatha in Basavanagalli, Chandraprabha basadi in Shahupur, Hosur basti and Anigol basti all of which are of
recent ones.
Dharmashala: Jain Vidyarthi Nilaya & Dharmashala. Manik Bagh,
Belgaum.
243. KOTHALI ((Chikodi Tq., Belgaum Dist. 10 Kms. from Chikodi)
is a recently created Jaina centre atop a small hillock called "Shantigiri". There are the marble statues of Chandraprabha (16 ft. height) Shantinatha (22 ft.) and Mahavira (19ft.) The Gurukula Ashram here was founded by Acharya Deshabhushan Maharaj.
A Dharmashala is here.
244. NIPPANI (Chikodi Tq., Belgaum Dist. 24 Kms. from Chikodi). Here is a basti dedicated to Adinatha.
245. STHAVANIDHI (Chikodi Tq., Belgaum Dist. 5 Kms. to Nippani). Is famous for Yaksha Brahma Deva's Temple, which attracts many devotees from both Karnataka and Maharastra. Parshwanatha basti and Gurukula are also here.
A Dharmashala is here.
246. BIJAPUR (Dist. hq., 689 Kms.. from Bangalore).
There is a basti in Ramagalli. Within 2 Kms. from the city there is a basti, which has a black stone padmasana posture statue of Parshwanatha having one thousand serpent hoods, hence called Sahasrapani Parshwanatha. This is a masterpiece.
Dharmashala: Sahasra Pani Parshwanatha Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Mahal Darga (Paras Nagar), Bijapur-586103.
Other Visiting Places in Bijapur: (1) World famous GolGumbaz built by Adil Sahis which is fantastic for its sheer size and engineering skill (2) Ibrahim Roza (3) Anand Mahal (4) Asar Mahal (5) Chand Bavadi (6) Malli-ki-Maidan (7) Joda Gummata (8) Taj Bavadi (9) Jami Masjid. etc.
247. BADAMI (Tq., hq., Bijapur Dist. 510 Kms. from Bangalore). The four cave temples here in picturesque spot was built during the reign of Chalukyas. The first cave temple (Shaiva) has a beautiful Nataraja in a dynamic posture. Second cave (Vaishnava) has life size images of Varaha,
81

Page #89

Trivikrama etc. The third cave (also Vaishnava) has images of sitting Vishnu, standing Narasimha etc.
The fourth cave (Jaina) has inscriptions of 7th & 8th Century A.D. This is also called as “Megana Basadi' and has beautiful images of Adinatha, Parshwanatha, Bahubali & Mahavira. 248. AIHOLE (Hunagund Tq., Bijapur Dist. 20 Kms to Pattadakal):
The genesis of South Indian Temple architecture can be seen at Aihole. Once the Capital of great Chalukyas, today is a small sleepy village. The temples here were constructed in all style of architecture during 5th to 8th Century A.D. This was the school of architecture. Among them Meguthi temple, Huchapayas' gudi are important ones. On Meguthi hill there is a basti carved out of the boulders which has Mahavira & Thirthankars bas relieved carvings. 249. PATTADAKAL (Badami Tq., Bijapur Dist. 19 Kms. from Badami).
The world famous temples here have been built in the architecture styles of Dravida, Nagara & Vesara. Among them the important ones are Jaina Basti, Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Papanatha Temple, Kasinatha Temple, Galaganatha Temple etc.
This temple complex has been declared as "World Heritage Monument".
TAMIL NADU :
Southern India, particularly Tamil nadu is the seat of ancient Dravidian civilization. Tamil nadu's legecy of art and architecture is best expressed in its temples. It is known for its rich heritage, dance and music.
The history of Tamil nadu dates back to the centuries before Christ. For long time the Tamil country was ruled by the famous Pallava, Chola and Pandya kings. The Pallavas, Cholas and later Nayak Kings were the great patrons of art and built gigantic monuments proclaiming for all time the mighty engineering skill. Bharathanatyam, the classical dance form has acquired world fame.
The ancient hill caves of jain monks at Sittanvasal acknowledges the spread of Jainism in Tamil nadu. It is the dark pages of the history that a chola king beheaded one thousand jain monks due to fanatism.
82

Page #90

The jain temples of Tamil nadu are beautiful for its art and architecture, but are difficult to access and are less known to the outside world.
The hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal are famous resorts and flocked by tourists. The Madumalai wild life sanctuary is also a most visited place.
Tamil is the main language spoken in the state. 250. CHENNAI : (Capital City of Tamil Nadu, 2157 kms from Delhi, 334 km to Bangalore)
This is one of the big metro cities of India and gateway to South India. This is a big industrial and business centre and is a port city. There is a digambar Jain temple at Subramanya Mudaliar Street, Sahukar pet. The Govt. museum here houses many jain statues.
The other important places to be seen here are (1) Marina beach: This is one of the longest beach. (2) Kapaleswar temple (3) Parthasarathy temple (4) Valluvar Kottam : A memorial for the Saint poet Thiruvalluvar (5) Snake Park etc.
Dharmashala : Sri Chandraprabha Digambar Jain Dharmashala 34, Subramanya Mudaliar Street (near Pilleyar Koil Street) Sahukarpet, Chennai - 1. 251. MAHABALIPURAM :(60 kms from Chennai)
This small village on the sea shore was a famous harbor several centuries ago under the Pallava kings. The 'Shore Temple' here on the back drop of deep blue sea is a beautiful sight. The face of a huge rock here is carved with figures of Gods, Godesses and divine persons. It also displays the ‘Arjuna Penance' and “Descent of Ganga". This bas relieved panel is the longest and finest of its kind anywhere.
Five individual structures known as 'Pandav Rathas' has been carved out of big boulders and are the beautiful example of earlier Dravidan architecture. All these construction dates back to 7th Century A.D. 252. ARUNGAKULAM : (88 kms from Chennai on Tiruttani Road, Chengalput dist.)
It is one of the ancient jain centres in Tamil Nadu. The temple here belongs to Lord Dharmanatha Thirthankara and is 1000 years old. This temple has a unique architecture. On the birthday of presiding deity
83

Page #91

Lord Dharmanatha Thirthankara, the rays of the rising Sun falls at his feet and slowly rises to his face.
Festival takes place in first fortnight of March.
253. AARPAKKAM : (25 kms from Kanchipuram, Chengalput Dist.) It is a small village. The temple here has the deity Lord Rishabha-devar. The jains celebrate the ear boring ceremony of their children in this temple.
Festival takes place on the nirvan day of Lord Rishabhadevar. 254. KANCHIPURAM (77 kms from Chennai, Chengalput dist.)
Kanchipuram is the seat of three religions: Jaina, Shaiva and Vaishnava. But now the jain fame has faded in its importance and recognition.
Kanchipuram considered to be one of the seven sacred cities in India was successively the capital of Pallava Kings. Some of the best temples of Kanchipuram were built by Pallava Kings during the 7th and 8th century A.D. Today it abodes well known for its temples and also for its handwoven silk fabrics.
The important temples here are (1) Ekambareswar Temple (Shiva temple) (2) Kailasnathar Temple (Shiva Temple) (3) Sri Vaikunta perumal Temple (Vishnu temple) (4) Sri Varadaraja Temple (Vishnu Temple) and (5) Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple (Parvathi). 255. JINA KANCHI: (Thirupathi Kundram) (4 kms on the outskirts of Kanchipuram town)
This is one of the ancient Digambar vidyapeetas. The temple here is 1,500 years old and renovated at different period. There are paintings in the ceiling that belong to 18th century A.D. depicting life of Thirthankaras. The main deity is Lord Vardhamana.
256. BIRUDUR: (2kms east of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.)
This is an ancient village and has a jain temple which is 700 years old. Sri Adijina Bhagawan is the presiding deity.
Festivals are observed on Akshya Trithiya and Pongal.
257. ELANGADU :(10 kms south west of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.) This is a small village and has a temple dedicated to Sri Rishabha Thirthanakara.
Festivals here are Akshaya Trithiya and Pongal.
84

Page #92

258. GUDALOOR:(25 kms South of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.)
The temple here is dedicated to Sri Kunthu Thirthankara. The festival here is Pongal 259. KIL-SATHAMANGALAM : (5 kms west of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.)
The temple here is very ancient one, believed to be 1400 years old. The Manasthambha of the temple is 33feet high and is made out of a single stone. The main deity is Sri Chandranatha Swamy.
Festivals are celebrated on Akshaya Thrithiya and Pongal. 260. NELLIANGULAM : (25 kms south of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.)
The jain temple of this village is about 150 years old and has the idols of all the 24 thirthankars. The presiding deity is Lord Neminatha.
Festival here is on Akshaya Trithiya. 261. PONNUR: (12 kms South west of Vandavasi, North Arcot Dist.)
The small hillock over here is referred as “Kanagagiri” (Hillock of Gold). The temple here is of 700 years old and deity is Kanagagirinathar (Vrishabha dev). It is believed that Sri Kunda Kunda Acharya stayed here, hence foot prints of Kunda Kunda Acharya has been installed.
Facility is there to stay in the building at the foot hill. 262. ARAHANTHAGIRI (TIRUMALAI) : ( 40 kms from Arni on the Arni-polur road, North Arcot dist.)
This is an ancient jaina centre. The temples here were built during Chola reign. The temples here have main deities Lord Vardhamana and Lord Neminatha (known by the name of Sigamaninathar). By the side of the second temple, rockcut panels are there and lead to the caves with their ceiling painted. The rockcut panels depict yaksha and yakshini figures. Over the hillock there is a rock cut beautiful statue of Lord Neminatha which is 16 feet tall.
Recently a mutt with Gurupeeta has been started here with the guidance of Jagadguru Sri Charukeerthi Swamiji of Shravanabelagola.
This mutt is headed by Sri. Dhavala Keerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Festival here is Pongal. Dharmashala is here with good facilities for stay.
85

Page #93

263. TIRUPANAMOOR: (19 kms from Kanchipuram, North Arcot Dist.)
The jain temple here is about 500 years old, the presiding deity is Sri 1008 Pushpadanthar. This village is connected with the great Acharya Sri Akalanka, his foot prints located on the bank of local tank. This place is also the birth place of two popular Nirvana Munis, Sri Dharmasagar and Sudharmasagar. 264. ALAGRAMUM: (20 kms south west of Tindivanam, South Arcot Dist.)
This is an ancient jain centre. The temple here has the main deity Sri 1008 Adithirhankara.
A choultry is attached to the temple.
Festivals : Brahmotsava, Akshaya Trithiya, Pongal, Navarathri. 265. MELSITHAMOOR: ( 10 kms form Gingee, South Arcot Dist.)
This is the religious head quarters of Tamil Jains. The religious head Swasthi Sri Lakshimesena Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Swamigal heads with a Mutt here. Ancient palm-leaf manuscripts of Prakrit and Sanskrit works are here.
There are two main temples here. The temple of Lord Parshwanatha is 600 years old. There are small group of enclosures where in Yakshi idols are installed.
The Mutt here is headed by Sri Lakshmisena Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Festivals : Brahmotsava in April. This is the only jain place where a car festival is celebrated in Tamil nadu. 266. PERAMUNDUR : (20 kms from Tindivanam, South Arcot Dist.)
There are two jain temples in this village. One belonging to 11th century A.D. and the other one is 200 years old. The presiding deities are Sri Chandraparabha and Sri Rishabadeva.
Festival : Akshaya Trithiya. 267. THIRUNARUNG KONDAI : (250 kms from Chennai on the Chennai - Tiruchi road, South Arcot Dist.)
This kshetra is one of the ancient centre of Jainism. Here flourished a jaina sangha called 'Veera Sangha” under the leadership of Sri Gunadhara Muni. Over the hillock, a cave temple of great antiquity
86

Page #94

is here with bas-relieved sculptures of Lord Parshwanatha.
Festival : Brahmotsav 268. VALATHY:(13 kms north of Gingee, South Arcot Dist.)
Temple of this village is of 400 years old and the main deity is Sri Adinatha Thirthankara.
There is a small cave on the outskirts of the village known as “Nalgnana Kundru”(Samyakgnan Hill) where there is bas-relieved statute of Lord Parshwanatha. This place is supposed to be the abode of some saints in the past.
Festival : Pongal, Akshay Thrithiya, Navarathri. 269. VEEDUR: (24km south of Tindivanam, South Arcot Dist.)
The temple of this village is of 1200 years old and the deity is Lord Rishabhadevar. This village is noted for many philosophers who wrote a large number of books on jain philosophy.
Festivals : Akshaya Thritiya, Pongal , Navarathri. 270. VEERANAMOOR : (20 kms north east of Gingee, South Arcot Dist.)
The temple here is of 500 years old, the presiding deity is Rishabha Thirthankar. Three religious heads of Tamil Nadu jains at Melsithamoor hailed from this village and from the same family.
Festivals : Akshaya Thrithiya, Navarathri. 271. VELLIMEDUPETHI : (10 kms north of Tindivanam, South Arcot Dist.)
The temple here is 200 years old and the deity is Sri Anantha Thirthankara. At Anandamangalam near this village(6kms) there is a hillock with jaina sculptures.
Festival : Pongal, Amman Festival. 272. SITTAN VASAL:( 10kms from Pudukottai and 142 kms deviation)
This is a place of great archeological interest. The hillock with a beautiful surrounding has cave temples. One such cave is carved out for munis. The other one has Thrithankara statues carved as bas-relieved on the rock face. It has few fair clear fresco paintings comparable to those of Ajantha. These caves were excavated by Abhinava Shekara Vallabha Pandya, during 8th Century A.D. Munisangh of “Ajja Nandi” stayed here.
87

Page #95

273. MADUMALAI FOREST (Indira Gandhi wild life Sanctuary, 75 kms from Coimbatore)
This forest is adjoining to Bandipur Forest of Karnataka. Tigers, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langoor, Elephant, Gaur, Wild boar, Spotted deer and other animals habitate here. 274. OOTY :(100 km to Coimbatore, Hill station)
This is the queen of Hill stations situated in Nilgiris at an attitude of 7,500 feet. Tourists will flock here in summer due to its beautiful cool climate. The places to be seen here are Botonical gardens, Lake, Doddabetta peak etc. A boat ride in the lake is enchanting. 275. TANJORE: (350 kms from Chennai)
Tanjavur known as Tanjore was the capital of great Chola kings during 10th to 14th century A.D. The 'Brihadeshwara Temple' is the grandest temple in India and stands testimony to the great builders. The tapering spire over which a dome stands, carved out of a single stone weighing 80 tons. The main deity is Eshwaralinga. A beautifully carved Nandi is there in front of the temple. This monument has been declared as 'World Heritage Monument'. The other places to be seen here are Palace, Saraswathi mahal library having many manuscripts and Sangeetha mahal. 276. TIRUCHY :(319 kms from Chennai)
This is an importnat city of Tamil nadu and is a big business centre. The rock fort over an hillock houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From here the beautiful view of river cauvery is enchanting.
Srirangam temple ( Vishnu) and Jambukeswaram temple (Shiva) near by are the important temples. 277. MADURAI: (461 kms from Chennai)
This is a holy city and one of the oldest Cities. This city has been a seat of learning and culture. This was also a centre of jainism in olden days.
Sri Meenakshi temple is a big complex and is world famous. The deities are Sri Sundareshwara (Shiva) and Sri Meenakshi (Consort of Shiva). The temple of Madura was renovated and expanded to the present state by the Nayak kings who were the feudatories of Vijayanagar Empire, during 17th century A.D. This temple is said to be the jewel' among the Dravidan architecture. The temple has many beautiful sculptures.
88

Page #96

278. KODAIKANAL : (120 kms from Madurai - Hill Station)
This hill station is 7,000 feet above sea level. The scenic beauty is enchanting. The places to be seen here are Lake (Boating is a beautiful experience), Coaker's walk ( Scenery of Valleys) Pillar rocks ( beautiful scenic gorge) Silver Cascade (beautiful falls) etc. 279. KANYA KUMARI (Cape Comorin, 90 kms to Trivandrum)
Kanyakumari is the “Land's end of India” and is an important tourist centre of India. Here Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal converge with Indian ocean.
Swami Vivekananda came here and sat for medidation on a rock in the midst of sea. The place can be reached by a launch where a memorial for Swamy Vivekananda has been erected and is known as 'Vivekananda Rock”. From here one can see a beautiful view of the converging seas.
The Kamakshi temple on the sea shore is very famous.
Recently in 2000, a statue of the Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar has been installed here. Its height is 130 feet including pedestal. Some scholars argue that poet Thiruvalluvar is none other than the great Kunda Kunda Acharya.
KERALA
Kerala is the southern most state of India, situated between the evregreen Western Ghats and the deep blue Arabian Sea. Kerala is formed for its arresting natural beauty. It looks like a fairyland with its dense forests, fresh green hills, palm-fringed lakes, rivers, back waters and lagoons. The coastal belt, a narrow strip of land is the most picturesque region of Kerala broken as it is by extensive backwaters, lagoons, canals and flanked by luxuriant coconut groves and green rice fields.
'Kathakali' is the famous dance drama and ‘Mohini Attam’ is the classical dance form which originated from here. Kerala is a happy mingling place of all major religions. Malayalam is the widely spoken language.
· Jainsim has flourished in Wynad district of Kerala. 280. SOUTH WYNAD : (Mananthavady the centre place is 140 kms from Mysore)
A drive ups and downs inside beautiful coffee land will lead to many small villages. Kalpetta (Sri Ananthanatha Swamy Temple)
89

Page #97

Ananthkrishnapura, Maniyangud, Manandawadi (Sri Parshwanatha temple) are such places where jain temples are constructed in the beautiful backdrop of coffee estates. A beautiful mirror temple is there in Koottamanda Estate (20 km to Kalpetta)
A Dharmashala is there in Ananthakrishnapura. 281. COCHIN : (67 kms from Kottayam)
This is a harbour city. Cochin and Allepy has many beautiful water ways with coconut plam grooves. One can enjoy a ride in the water ways. House boats can also be hired to stay. The city also has a Jewish Synagogue and Churches. 282. TRIVANDRUM : (Capital city of Kerala, 790 km to Chennai)
This is the capital city of Kerala state. Sri Padmanbhaswamy temple here is a specimen of South Indian architecture and the deity is Ananthashayana Lord Vishnu. City is famous for wooden handicrafts and forest produce.
Kovalam Beach : (12 kms from Trivandrum)
This is the finest of the Indian Sea beaches. A panoramic view of the bay with palm grooves and sea are very beautiful.
of JAI JINENDRA *
90

Page #98

Some of the Tour Itineraries ROUTE 1 Ahamadabad -99 Halebeedu - 14 | Agra - 119 Delhi - 0 Sonagad via Hassan - 31 Mathura - 52 Mathura - 150 Bhavnaagar 228 Shravanabelagola | Delhi - 150 Agra - 52 Palitana - 23
- 40 Firozabad - 45 Junagad /
Mysore - 100 ROUTE 3 Kanpur - 264 Girnarji - 220 Gommatagiri -27 Delhi -0 Lucknow - 77 Rajakot - 100
Brindavan
Jaipur - 252 Ayodhya - 132 Ahamadabad
Gardens - 22 Ajmer - 138 Varanasi - 180 223
Mysore - 20 Chittod - 182 Patna - 246 Pavagad - 160 Bangalore - 146 | Udaypur - 98 Rajagir - 97 Vadodara - 48 Ananthpur - 213 Rishabdev - 65 Pavapuri - 34 Ankaleshwar 84
Gooti - 57
Ahamadbad - 169 Guna - 3 Surat - 54
Kurnool - 94 Mumbai- 492 Gaya - 100 Valsad - 87 Hyderabad-208 Nasik - 185 Bodh Gaya - 11 Gajapantha -156 Solapur - 303 Gajapantha - 160 Sammed Nasik - 6
Osmanabad - 59 Mangi Tungi -160 Shikarji -175 Mumbai - 141
Ter - 53
Ajanta - 105 Asansol - 103 Poona - 195 Kunthalagiri - 19 Ellora via Vardhaman - 94 Satara - 106 Bir - 63
Aurangabad-135 Kolkata - 121 Kumboj
Aurangabad 127 Kunthalagiri 161 Bahubali - 119 Ajanta - 96 Solapur 15 ROUTE 2 Kolhapur - 25 Ellora - 135 Bijapur - 101 Delhi - 0
Nippani - 40 Mangi Tungi -48 Babanagar - 5 Tijara - 110 Sthavanidhi - 6
Dhule - 145 Ihole - 141 Alwar - 60 Belgaum - 65
Chulagiri - 209 Pattadkal - 25 Sri Mahavirji - Hubli - 102
Badawani - 11 Badami - 29 190 Jogfalls - 159 Indore - 150 Saundati- 72 Jaipur - 175 Shimoga - 96 Maksi
Sirsi - 60 Pushkar - 139 Narasimha
Prashwanatha - Hubli - 116 Ajmer - 11 rajapura - 45 70
Jog Falls -116 Chittod - 187 Humcha
Dedas - 35
Shimoga - 104 Udaypur - 98 Padmavathi - 75 Bhopal - 77 Humcha Rishabadev - 65 | Kundadrigiri - 72 Udayagiri - 66 Padmavati -48 Udaypur - 65 Varanga - 73 Vidisha -38 Kundadri - 35 Ranakpur -96 Karkala - 27 Sagar - 110 Agumbe - 46 Achalgad - 162 Moodibidre - 26 | Khajuraho - 188 Sringeri - 46 Dilwara - 6 Venur - 25 Lalitpur - 173 Varanga - 60 Mt. Abu - 3 | Dharmasthala 32 Jhansi - 72 Udupi - 65 Tarangaji - 121 Moodagiri - 45 Sonagiri - 41 Karkala - 38 Mehasana - 60 Belur - 33 | Gwalior - 66
91

Page #99

Mangalore - 53 Moodabidre-34 Venur - 19 Dhramasthala-32 Belur - 80 Halebeedu - 16 Hassan - 32 Shravana Belagola - 52 Mysore - 100
Chanderi - 37 Tuwoun - 22 Lalitpur - 59 Pava - 44 Sonagiri - 98 Gwalior - 69 Agra - 118 Mathura - 56 Delhi - 147
ROUTE 4 Delhi - 0 Mathura - 150 Agra - 52 Sonagiri - 61 Jhansi - 43 Khargaun - 5 Dronagiri - 98 Nainagiri - 81 Sagar - 56 Lalitpur - 106 Thuwun - 68 Chanderi - 24 Aaharji - 92 Tikamgad - 60 Papora - 5 Maharoni - 30 Devgad - 69 Kanpur - 310 Kayamganj - 166 Kampila - 10 Delhi - 300
Gudur - 54 Hyderabad - 267 Nellur - 39 Bangalore - 562 Ongole - 118 Guntur - 106 ROUTE 6 Vijaywada - 32 Mysore - 0 Rajamandri - 176 Bangalore - 140 Vishakapatnam - Tumkur - 66
206 Chitradurga - Srikakulam - 104 132 Bhubaneshwar Hampi - 153
310 Ihole - 156 Khandagiri - 5 Pattadakal - 17 Puri - 60
Badami - 29 Konark - 80
Bijapur - 132 Bhubaneshwar 64 Solapur - 99 Cuttack- 25 Kunthalgiri - 145 Balsore - 170 Ellora - 216 Khargpur - 170 Ajanta - 131 Kolkata - 132 Badwani - 330 Durgapur - 182 Chulagiri - 8 Isri - 140
Pavagiri - 78 Madhuvan - 24 Siddavarkuta - (Shikarji) Giridi - 30
Indore - 77 Chasi -30
Ujjain - 55 (Mandaragiri) Maksi - 39 Bagalpur - 50 Bhopal - 186 Champapuri - 4 Sanchi -42 Sikandra - 125 Vidisha-10 Nawada - 55 Sagar-113 Gunava- 6 Nainagiri - 55 Pavapuri - 20 Sagar-55 Nalanda - 18 Damoha - 85 Kundalpur - 3 Kundalpura- 37 Rajagiri - 14 Khajuraho - 170 Gaya - 66 Chatrapur - 46 Bodhgaya-12 Dronagiri - 55 Hazaribagh - 120 Tikamgad-77 Ranchi - 91
Papora-6 Cuttack - 450
Tikamgad - 5 Vijaywada - 832 Lalitapur - 32
103
ROUTE 5 Banaglore - 0 Kolar - 68 Palamner - 69 Chittor - 41 Tirupati - 69 Kalahasti - 37
92

Page #100

Distances - Different Capital Cities
Banga Ahme
Trivan drum
Jaipur Hyde
Name
Lucknow
Patna Chennai
Delhi Kolkata Mumbai
Bhubaneshwar
rabad
Bhopallore
dabad

1.
Ahmedabad
0
571 1514 1379 0
2. Bangalore 3. Bhopal 4. Bhubaneshwar 5. Mumbai
886 2019
741 1745 1408 1442
2006 1883 1456 480
2049 1575 1848 1133 625 1220
761 | 1997 334 1900 2049 568 2140 1025 1517 703 735 813 2015 901 1225 1266 1775 1063 1568 | 1824 1367 | 1370 | 1176 | 739 2468 | 545 | 1678 | 963 1472 | 1516 2780 1011 | 2157 569 261 | 1463 1327 1431 704 1334 1483 0
551 1829 1033 1433
7891175 1691 0
0
| 2081
6.
Kolkata
0
93

7. Delhi
8.
Hyderabad
9. Jaipur
2674
10412187
0
10. Lucknow
532
2038
0
2661 790
11. Chennai
2099
0

12. Patna
2758 10
13. Trivandrum
10

Page #101

Page #102
Estd. 1894 ಶ್ರೀ ಭಾರತವರ್ಷಿಯ ದಿಗಂಬರ ಜೈನ ಧರ್ಮ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣಿ) ಮಹಾಸಭಾ SHRI BHARATWARSHIYA DIGAMBER JAIN (Dharma Sanrakshini) Mahasabha Century old Organisation to promote the thoughts of Jainism among Jairs Estd. 05/02/1998 Regn. No. : 896/30-06-1998 ಶ್ರೀ ಭಾರತವರ್ಷಿಯ ದಿಗಂಬರ ಜೈನ (ತೀರ್ಥ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣಿ) ಮಹಾಸಭಾ SHRI BHARATWARSHIYA DIGAMBER JAIN (Teerth Sanrakshini) Mahasabha Dedicated to proper renovation of ancient tirthas, temples, statues, shastras, shilalekhas etc., Information regarding renovation of ancient Jain temples etc., wherever required, is solicited. ಆಲ್ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ದಿಗಂಬರ ಜೈನ ಎಜುಕೇಶನಲ್ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ALL INDIA DIGAMBER JAIN EDUCATIONAL BOARD To develop Jain educational institutions with modern educational facilities Head Office : Shri Nandeeshwara Flour Mills Compound, Mill Road, Aish Bagh, Lucknow - 226 004. Ph: 0522-267287, E-mail : mahasabha@yahoo.com South Karnataka Division: No. 14, Mehta Niwas, 1st Main Rd, Ramachandrapuram Bangalore-560 021 Ph.: 3357747, E-mail: skmahasabha@yahoo.com OUR PUBLICATIONS Jain Gazette Jain Mahiladarsh Jain Baladarsh Prachin Tirtha Jirnodhar For Private 8 Personal Use Only