Jain Pilgrimage

Author(s): Lalitprabhsagar
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 27

Shree Chaandanpur Mahavirjee is one of the miraculous pilgrimages of Jains. This pilgrimage situated in Sawai Madhopur district is splendoured with natural beauty. Built at the bank of a river, this pilgrimage is a prominent centre of devotion for Jain devotees. So far as faith is concerned, it would not be an exaggeration it Chaandanpur Mahavirji is hailed as the heart of pilgrimages. This is a sacred place of the 'Digambar' sect, the main branch of Jainism.
It is agreed about this pilgrimage that the idol of Shree Mahaveer, the principal deity of the pilgrimage temple, was found during an excavation. Some 'Kaamduhadhenu' (self milching cow) used to pour out its milk everyday upon a mound near Chaandanpur village. It was surprising for the owner of that cow and the villagers. They excavated the mound. The villagers were overwhelmed with emotion on witnessing the emergence of the idol of the Lord. The news of appearance of the idol spread everywhere. The masses surged to have a glimpse. The wishes of people began to be fulfilled and thus a magnificent temple was built to ceremoniously instal this uniquely miraculous idol of Lord Mahaveer.
Between 17th and 19th centuries, this temple had been occasionally renovated. In respect of art, the magnificence of this temple is, on the whole, praiseworthy, but in view of its auspiciousness, Mahaveerjee is a pilrimage without a peer. Millions of devotees visit this temple every year to pay their floral reverence at the feet of the Lord.
Even the royal lineage of Jaipur rulers has been respectful towards this pilgrimage. The kings have been providing grants for the management of this temple. Activities related to the service of humanity have also been performed here.
A marble-umbrella has been built over the spot where the idol had emerged, and a pair of foot-images ('Charan paduka') has been ceremoniously installed to symbolise the Lord's feet. The architecture of the temple is interesting and magnificent. The scenic beauty of the cluster of spires of the temple wins the heart at a single glance.
Drenched in the full moonlight, Chaandanpur pilgrimage conveys the message of purity and peace to the humanity at large.
THE MAIN DEITY SHREE MAHAVEER
The golden glass temple
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