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4.7
Jainism in Jharkhand
Shikharji, Jharkhand, India, is situated at Parasnath. It is a Jain Tirtha acknowledged to be the nirvana place of twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankars. The site of Architectural importance are Barakar, Palgang, Isari bazar and Kolhua Mountain. All these places are pilgrimage site for the Jain community.
4.7.1 Sri Rijubalika Tirtha, Barakar Location : Barakar, Jharkhand Date of Construction : 1865 Temple Type - Siddha Kshetra of Lord Sri Mahavir Plate Number: -LX
Historical Background The current river Barakar was the Rujubaluka river of ancient times. It is believed that this great place was called Rujuvaluka. On Farmer Shyamak's farm on the bank of this river under a shal tree at the auspicious moment of Vijay Muhurta, on the tenth day of the brilliant month of Vaishakh Lord, Sri Mahavir attained omniscience. Therefore, this place is considered a very sacred and sacred place in the history of Jain (Sangh, Sri Jain Svetambar, 2018).
Architectural Features of the Temple
The temple of Sri Rujuvaluka Teerth houses the deity of Lord Sri Mahavira. The temple has been beautifully decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative work of the temple boasts of the skills of the craftsmen. The idol of the Lord is about 15 cm tall and is white. The idol has been beautifully carved into a single stone and looks very attractive. The smiling face of the Lord seems very calm and serene.The temple having square garbhagriha with size 14'-0" X 14'-0" with 6-0" circumambulatory path. The total height of temple is 332-0”. The central part of the temple have Pyramidical shikhara with spire and decorative dome at the all four corners. The arch is corbelled unique feature of the temple. The facia is cladded with marble.
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