GUJARAT

01 :

PAWAGARH TEERTH.

Located on a hill near Champaner village on a hill, 945 meters above sea level. The nearest railway station is Pawagarh which lies on Baroda - Ratlam route. The temple is very old and is considered to be existing since Bhagwan Munisuvrat's time or Bhagwan Ram's time.

02 :

PAROLI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Neminatha Bhagwan is located in Paroli village, 16 kilometers from Bejalpur (Gochra) in the district of Panchmahal. The history of this temple is very old and the idol is very impressive.

03 :

KARNAVATI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Dharmnatha Bhagwan located right in the heart of Ahemdabad town inside the badi of Seth Hatti Singhji. This town in the period of 11th century was known as Karnawati Nagari and it was a great center of Jain religion. Many eminent Jain Acharayas visited this place and carried on their leanings. Among all the temples in Gujrat, this temple holds a top place in terms of its design and architecture.

04 :

MATAR TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Sumatinatha Bhagwan is located at Matar village in the district of Kheda. The temple entrance and the idols are gorgeous and very impressive. The nearest railway station is Nadiyad, about 16 kilometers away from Matar.

05 :

KHAMBAT TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Parshwanaha Bhagwan is located in the town of khambat, 80 kilometers away from Baroda. The idol in this temple has a miraculous history. The original temple was built in the period of the 20th tirthankar, Shri Munisuvratji. The idol got disappeared after the nirvana of Mahaveer Swami but reappeared in 12 century, when it was re-installed & temple re-built.

06 :

KAVI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adishwara Bhagwan is located at Kavi village on the bank of sea in Bharauch District. The period of its original construction is not known but it was rebuilt in 17th century (Vikram).

07 :

GANDHAR TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Parshwanatha Bhagwan is located at Gandhar village on the bank of sea, 26 kilometers away from Bharooch. The temple was rebuilt in the 17th century according to inscription here.

08 :

BHAROOCH TEERTH.

This temple of 20th tirthankar Shri Munisuvrati Bhagwan is located in the town of Bharooch on the bank of sea and Narmada river. The temple is so old, that its period of original construction is not known. It has been rebuilt & renovated several times. Bhagwan Munisuvratiji had visited this place & stayed here many times.

09 :

JHAGADIA TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adinatha Bhagwan is located at Jhagdia village in Bharooch district. The temple was built in Samvata 1200. The idols were found in a field, which were installed in this temple.

10 :

DARBHAWATI TEERTH.

The temple of Lodhan Parshwanaha Bhagwan is located in Daboi village, 32 kilometers from Baroda. The temple is very ancient. It is said that the idol remained immersed in water for a long period but even through it is made of sand, it remained intact.

11 :

BODELI TEERTH.

This temple of Bhagwan Mahaveer is located in Bodali town in the district of Baroda. It was built in Vikram samvata 2011.

12 :

VALLABHIPUR TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adinataha Bhagwan is situated at Vallabhipur village at 19 kilometers distance from Dhola Junction railway station and is about 48 kilometers away from Palitana. It is believed that in Vikram Samvata 511, Five hundreds Jain Acharyas had joined together at this place and had prepared written script of all the Agamas. This temple, along with many others were built in that period.

13 :

DHOLKA TEERTH.

The temple of Kalikund Parshwanaha Bhagwan is located in Dholka village on the Baroda-Palitana route. It is said to have been built in the 12th century. The idol in the temple is of 12th century. The idol in the temple is 120 centimeters high. it is believed that the town, named as Virat Nagar in Mahabharata was at this very place.

14 :

UPARIALA TEERTH.

The temple of Adishwara Bhagwan is located here Uparialaji village in the district of Surandranagar. This temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century (Vikram).

15 :

VAMAJ TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adishwara Bhagwan is located at Vamaj, 16 kilometers from Kalol railway station in the district of Kalol. The idol is very effective and impressive. The temple is quite old but exact period of its establishment is not known.

16 :

BHOYANI TEERTH.

This temple of Mallinatha Bhagwan is located in Bhoyani village in Viramgaon Taluka, in Ahemdabad. The idol in the temple was installed in Vikram Samvata 1943.

17 :

PANSAR TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Mahaveer Bhagwan is located at Pansar village close to Pansar railway station on the Allahabad-Mehsana rail route. The temple was built in the 19th century (Vikram).

18 :

MAHUDI TEERTH.

This temple of Padmaprabhuji Bhagwan is located at Mahudi village, 10 kilometers away from Bijapur railway station and is about 55 kilometers from Kalol by road. The temple is very ancient and is believed to be 2000 years old in its original form. The idol is made of Panchdhatu (five metals). Close to this temple is also the temple of Shri Ghantakarna Mahaveer. This idol is very effective and hundreds of people to have their wishes fulfilled.

19 :

SHERISHA TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Parshwanatha Bhagwan here is located village Sherisa, 8 kilometers away from Kalol railway station in Kalol district. The temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century (Vikram Samvata) by Shri Devendracharyaji. The idols installed here are very impressive and magnificent.

20 :

TALDHAWAJGIRI TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Sacha Sumatinatha Bhagwan, the fifth tirthankar, is built here at 1.6 kilometers distance from village Talaja, district Bhavnagar surrounded by hills and close to the meeting point of two rivers, Shetrunji and Sarita. The temple has ancient history. The idol in the temple is very impressive and effective. It is said that when this idol was recovered during digging of the earth, the contagious disease spreading all over the area, got disappeared. An akhand jyoti (eternal flame) is lit here round the clock. According to the description available, the temple was built well before the7th century.

21 :

GOGHA TEERTH.

The Navkhanda Parshwanatha Bhagwan temple at Ghogha Bhunder village, 21 kilometers away from Bhavnagar railway station was built in the 12th century. The idol in the temple is said to be still much older. It was broken by Muslim rulers into 9 pieces and again joined and so it is called 'Navkhandi' temple.

22 :

KADAMBGIRI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adinatha Bhagwan has a tall majestic idol of 2 meters height, sitting in Padmasam position. The temple is located at Bodonones village (earlier called Kadambpur), about 19 kilometers from Palitana.

23 :

HASTGIRI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Adinatha Bhagwan situated on the northern bank of Shatrunji river at Hastgiri village 16 kilometers away from Palitana in Bhavnagar district. It is said that the elder son of Adishwara Bhagwan, Bharat Chakravarty had attained moksha from this place and this temple was also built by him.

24 :

UNA TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Adinatha Bhagwan is located at Una village, 10 kilometers away from Una railway station in Junagarh district. The village and temple both are very ancient and find mention in the scriptures.

25 :

MAHUVA TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Mahaveer Bhagwan is located Mahaveer Bhagwan is located on the sea shore at Mahuva village in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. The statue is 91 centimeters tall in Padmasan position and is very impressive and majestic.

26 :

DELVARA TEERTH.

This temple of Bhagwan Chintanath is located at Delware village in Junagarh district of Saurashtra. There is no historical information available about this temple.

27 :

AJAHARA TEERTH .

This temple of Bhagwan Parshwanatha is located at Ajahara village, 2.5 kilometers from Delwara railway station. It is very ancient . It is believed to have been original installed in the period of twentieth tirthankar Shri Munisuvrataji and later renovated from time to time.

28 :

DEEV TEERTH.

This temple of Navlakha Parshwanatha Bhagwan is located at Deev village, on an island middle of sea, 8 kilometers away from Delvada railway station. From the mention about this temple found in scriptures, it is believed that the temple is suite ancient.

29 :

CHANDRAPRABASH PATAN TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Chandraprabha Bhagwan has a 115 centimeters tall statue, located at Prabhas Patan village on the sea shore, very close to Somnatha temple. it is believed that this this temple was built originally by the son of Shri Adinatha Bhagwan, Bharat Chakravarty, when he came to know about the 8th Tirthankar from the forecast by Shri Dharanendra Dev. The temple is located 5 kilometers away from Veraval.

30 :

BHADRESHWAR TEERTH.

This temple located at village Bhadreshwar on sea shore, 39 kilometers from Gandhidham railway station. The place used to be large flourishing town in ancient period, known at that time as Bhadravati Nagari. The idol in the temple is supposed to have been installed 45 years after the nirvana of Shri Mahaveer Swami by Kevali Kapil Muni.

31 :

SUTHARI TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Parshwanatha Bhagwan is located here at Suthri village, 86 kilometers from Gandhidham. The temple is well-known for miracles having occurred at different occasions. The temple was installed in the 19th century (Vikram).

32 :

KOTHARA TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Shatinatha Bhagwan having a 90 centimeters tall idol is located at Kothara village, 80 kilometers from Bhuj railway station. The temple was built in the late 19th century.

33 :

NALIA TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Chandraprabha Swami is located at Nalia village, 97 kilometers away from Bhuj railway station. it is just 18 kilometers away from Tera teerth. The temple was built in the 19th century.

34 :

JAKHAU TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Mahaveer Bhagwan is located at Jakhau village, 108 kilometers from Bhuj railway station. The temple was built in Vikram Samvat 1905.

35 :

TERA TEERTH.

This temple at Tera village, 84 kilometers from Bhuj railway station. The statue of Jeeravala Parshwanatha Bhagwan is said to be 2200 years old, The temple is very ancient and was re-built in the year 1915 (Vikram Samvat).

36 :

BHILADIJI TEERTH.

The temple, located at Bhildi village in the district of Banaskantha has the idol of Bhiladia Parshwanatha Bhagwan installed in it. The idol is very artistic and magnificent and many miracles are popular for this temple.

37 :

CHAROOP TEERTH.

The temple of Shamla parshwanatha Bhagwan, having 120 centimeters tall idol in Padmasan pose, is located at Charoop village, about 10 kilometers from Patan. The temple is said to have been built in 13th century.

38 :

SHIYANI TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Shantinatha Bhagwan is located at Shiyani village, about 13 kilometers from Limbadi railway station. The temple is very ancient but the exact period of its installation is not known.

39 :

CHANASHAMA TEERTH.

It is a famous temple devoted to Shri Bhatewa Parshwanatha Bhagwan and Dharnendra Padmavati. The idols are made in bronze and is believed to have been built in the 14th century. The place is located in the district of Mehsana. The idol installed here is very impressive and outstanding.

40 :

KAMBOI TEERTH.

This temple has the idol of Manmohana Parshwanatha Bhagwan installed and it is located at Kamboi village, in the district of Mehsana.

41 :

MODHERA TEERTH.

The temple of Chintamani Parshwanatha is located at Modhera village, 13 kilometers away from Becharaji railway station. It was built in the 9th century. There are several ruins of old Jain temples in near vicinity.

42 :

GAMBHU TEERTH.

The temple of Gambhira Parshwanatha located at Gambhu village, 16 kilometers away from Mehsana was built in the 9th century, Many old shashtras make a mention about this temple.

43 :

VALAM TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Neminatha Bhagwan has a 90 centimeters tall idol located at Valam village, 11 kilometers from Unjha town. Its history is very ancient but exact period when it was established is not known.

44 :

MOTA POSINA TEERTH.

This temple of Vighanhara Parshwnatha Bhagwan has a tall 103 centimeters idol, located at Mota Posina village, about 40 kilometers away from Khed Brahma railway station. The temple is said to have been built in the 13th century and the idol installed here was recovered on unearthing under a tree. It appears to belong to very ancient period.

45 :

EADER TEERTH.

The temple of Shantinatha Bhagwan is located at Eader village on Ahmedabad to Khed Brahma route. The temple in its original form was very ancient and exact period of its installation is not known, but it was fully renovated in the 17th century by Shri Vijay Devi Surishwarji. There is one Digambar Jain temple also in the near vicinity.

46 :

VADALI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Amijhira Parshwanath Bhagwan, is located at Vadali village, close to Vadali railway station, about 44 kilometers from Himmat Nagar. The temple was built in 12th century. The idol is very impressive, majestic and miraculous.

47 :

KHEDBRAHMA TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Mahaveer Bhagwan, having a 90 centimeters idol is located at Khed village in the district of Sabarkantha. The temple is about 500 years old. The place has also got a temple of Ambaji, which is visited by large number of Hindus.

48 :

METRAN TEERTH.

The temple at Metran village, about 16 kilometers from Sidhpur railway station between Mehsana and Ahmedabad is devoted to Bhagwan Shri Adinatha. It was built sometime in the 14th century.

49 :

PATAN TEERTH.

The temple of Shri Panchasara Parshwanatha Bhagwan having a 1.2 meters idol is located at Patan town, 30 kilometers from Mehsana. The temple, as well as the town of Patan have a rich and interesting history. There were hundreds of temples at this place, many of which were destroy in the course of history. Patan and its temples find mention in many shashtras and mythological stories.

50 :

JAMANPUR TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Chandraprabha Bhagwan is located at Jamanpur village, 8 kilometers away from Tatij railway station. The idol is metallic and inscription indicate that it was built in the 13th century, and later renovated in 19th century.

51 :

BHOROL TEERTH.

This temple of Neminatha Bhagwan, having a 76 centimeters tall idol is located at Bhorol village, 60 kilometers from Disa railway station. The temple was built in the 13th century.

52 :

VAV TEERTH.

This temple of Bhagwan Shri Ajitnathaji, second Tirthankar is located at Bar village, 70 kilometers from Disa railway station. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century.

53 :

KHEEMA TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Parshwanatha Bhagwan is located at Kheema village near Disa railway station . Historical information about this temple is not available but it is very ancient and impressive.

54 :

THARAD TEERTH.

This temple of Adishwar Bhagwan is located at Tharad village, 55 kilometers from Disa railway station. The temple is very ancient and was built in first century (Vikrama) by king Thirpala Dhanu's sister. there are ten other temples in the vicinity, built by different rulers in different periods.

55 :

JUNA DISA TEERTH.

The temple at Juna Disa, 3 kilometers away from Disa railway station has the idol of Bhagwan Adishwarnathaji installed, and belongs to 13th century period. Temple was re-built in the 19th century.

56 :

PRAHLADANPUR TEERTH.

This temple, having an idol of Bhagwan Parshwanathaji, is located at Palampur town, on the rail and road route between Ahmedabad and Abu Road. The temple was built in the 13th century.

57 :

KUMBHARIA JI TEERTH.

This temple of Shri Neminatha Bhagwan having a 2.13 meters tall idol is located at Ambaji village, which is 24 kilometers from Abu Road railway station. it is said that the temple was built in 13th century and subsequently renovated in 17th century. The temple is situated in green surroundings within hilly terrain. The architecture and fine sculpture work done in the temple is unmatched and magnificent. The temple has great historical background. It was that place, where Shri Parshwanatha Bhagwan had removed pair of snakes from burning wooden log and gave sermons about ahimsa to Kamath Yogi.

58 :

VADODARA TEERTH : PAWAGARH TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

A meter guage railway track leads to pawagarh that is linked from champaner station about 45 kms away from vadodara. the town is at 1 km distance.

It is believed that both the sons of Ramchanderji - Anang Lavan (Love) and Madnankush (Kush) got salvation along with 5 crore Munis and the rulers of Laad Desh from here. There was a huge fort in ancient times and out of 17 gates, 7 of them are in ruined condition. There is a tank near the gate of Nakkar Khana (room of drums) and at a climb of about 4 Kms pucca road and 3 ½ kms Kaccha road there exist 7 Jain temples. Among them the temples of Bhagwan Suparshwanath and Mahavir are prominent. There are ruined temples of 10th and 11th centuries along a oily tank. There exists a famous kali temple situated on a high hill and thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the place. The legend goes that Muni Vishwamittra performed his penance here. There are other ruined temples near the temple of Mallinath at a short distance on a kaccha road ahead of the oily tank. The temple of Chintamani Parshwanath is near the Mallinath temple . The idol was established in 1660. Several idols have been carved out on a rook. All the temples seem to have been constructed during 10th -11th centuries but the idols are placed in them after 1548. The idols and temples of this place were destroyed in 1540 by MohammadBegada.

There is a temple in the foothills Dharamshala. A five feet 3 inches high idol of Bhagwan Sambhavanath has been carved on a rock. There is a Man Pillar of about 50 feet high in front of the temple. A temple of Prshwanath with seven hoods is also there outside the Dharamshala. The natural beauty, water fall greenery of the forest, river and other sights are enticing and worth seeing.

59 :

SONGARH TEERTH.

LOCATION :

Songarh is situated 22 kms away from palitana and 28 kms from bhavnagar. the nearest railway station songarh is at 1 1/2 kms distance from the main temple.

Songarh has become a sacred reverential and penancial pilgrimage for the Jain followers because of the efforts, inspiration and guidance of spiritual saint, Late Shri Kanjiswami. There are several temples and institutions like Seemandhar Swami temple, Samvasharan temple, Mahaveer Kundkund Jain Parmagam temple, kund-kund Speech Mandapa, Atithi Seva Samiti (Guest Service Committee) etc.

The following are worth mentioning :-

1. SAMVASHARAN TEMPLE : In the Gandhkuti of this splendid creation, idols of four Seemandhar Swami are placed and on one side they are seen to be having darshan of kund-kund swami. 2. MANASTHAMBH : The 65 feet high Manasthambh is situated in front of the Samvasharan temple. 3. SWADHYAYA TEMPLE : The time essence (Samayar saar) scriptures engraved on the silver sheets are placed here. Pure diamond is studded in the Vanditu of the scripture and 'OM' is made of pure rubi stone. 4. MAHVEER KUNDKUND DIGAMBER JAIN PARMAGAM TEMPLE : The 5 feet high idol of crimson marble is placed in the 80` X 40` assembly mandap. On 448 marbles marble slabs on the walls, the original contents of the five scriptures of Samaya Saar, Niyamasaar, Pravachan Saar, Panchastikaya and Ashtha pahud written by Acharaya kundkund have been engraved.

60 :

SHATRUNJAYA GIRI TEERTH - PALITANA .

LOCATION :

Palitana sihore is the station of branch line. it is 57 kms away from songarh.

Shatrunjaya Giri is 4 kms away from palitana city. Great Pandavas - Yudhishthar, Bheem, Arjun, and Brishabsen with eight crores Munis sought Nirvan from here.

Tirthankar Adinath had visited this place 22 times and Bharat Chakravarti got constructed a Chaityalaya over this hill. Samavsharans of all the Tirhankaras except of Neminath came to this place. It is believed that in future also the Samvasaran of Padamnam and others would come here. This is the only place were the highest number of Jain temples. In some of the temples, one could find the ornamental garments and statues, crowns ornaments studded with jewels worth crores of rupees. In many of the temples there are idols made of gold and silver. The temples of Bhagwan Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Sampriti etc. are unparallel in artistic beauty and majesty.

Among them the oldest temple was constructed by Kumarpal Solanki. The only Digamber Jain temple on this Giri is situated within surroundings four walls on the second Tonk. There are nine Vedic (Altars) in it. The idol of Bhagwan Shantinath of 1686 is placed in the main Vedi. Apart from this, idols of Yudhishthar, Bheem, Arjun and their foot symbols exists in a small temple. In the newly constructed Digamber temple in the city of Palitana. The attractive idols of Bhagwan Adinath, Chandraprabhu etc. are worth seeing.

61 :

AHEMEDABAD : SHANKESHWAR TEERTH.

LOCATION :

GUJARAT, INDIA.

RAILWAY STATION :

AHEMDABAD, INDIA.

Shankheswar is considered to be the most miraculous and universally revered among the Jain pilgrimages of India. Shankheshwar and Nakoda are those two pilgrimages about which it is famous that the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled here. The devotees observe three fasts for worshipping this pilgrimage which in traditional vocabulary are called 'Tela' or 'Attham'. It is said that the worship of Shankheshwar pilgrimage performed with 'Attham' penance (fast) protects from peril and promotes happiness and prosperity.

Shankheshwar means the lord of the conchshells. According to mythological references, in the battle that took place between Jarasandh and Lord Krishna, Jarasandh threw 'Jara' on the army of Krishna. Then the evil effect of 'Jara' was rendered ineffective with the water consecrated by this image of the Lord.

In Samvat 1155, inspired by Acharya Devendra Suri, Siddharaj Jai Singh's prime-minister Sajjan Shah got the Shankheshwar Tirth restored. On the inspiration of Acharya Shree Vardhmaan Suri, Mahamantri Vastupal-Tejpal got the necessary renovation of this pilgrimage done and on the summits of fifty-two edifices installed golden pots. In Samvat 1302, according to available references, King Durjansalya also got this temple renovated.

Under the anti-temple campaign and invasions of Alauddin Khilji, heavy damage was caused to this temple also, but the image had already been transferred by the 'Sangh' (religious organisation). In Samvat 1656, emperor Shahjehan permitted the construction of the pilgrimage by issuing an imperial order. In Samvat 1760, according to an available reference, the pilgrimage was consecrated again by Acharya Vijayratna Suri. Within the sprawling precincts of the Shankheshwar pilgrimage, several mini-temples have been constructed, besides the main temple. That is why it is also called Fifty-two Jina-abodes. There are several temples inside and outside the main temple, notable among them being Aagam Temple, 108 Parshwanath Jinalaya, Dadabari etc.

The main pilgrimage temple at the center of the sprawling ramparts looks like a divine 'Vimaan' (aeroplane) descended on this earth. The small and big bells hanging from the summits automatically move to and fro with the gush of winds. The ringing of bells sounds like music, and makes the hearts of the devotees vibrate musically. Shankheshwar pilgrimage conveys to the sleeping humanity the message of awakening. Shankeshwar is the source of all the happiness for getting rid of the disasters of life.

62 :

GIRNAR JI TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

Saurashtra, Gujarat, India.

RAILWAY STATION :

5 kms from Junagarh, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India.

Girnar is that Pious place to which are connected the hair-raising sages of Nemi-Rajul's love, separation, renunciation, penance and passing away. Kumar Aristanemi arrives at the door of Rajimati for marriage, but on learning the pathetic wailings of the animals collected for the feast, he declines to marry. The doors of the slaughter-house are opened and the animals are released. Arishtanemi who was ready to marry, proceeds towards the Girnar mountain instead of accepted the 'Varmala' (nuptial garland) from Rajimati. The story of Arishtanemi's renunciation of domestic life is sung and narrated in every house. So much so that the twenty-third Jain Tirthankar Parshwanath becomes impressed by this great compassionate episode and accepts 'pravrajya' (monkhood).

The nuptial-garland remains in the hands of Rajimati. Tamarind and 'mehandi' do produce their colours, but before her forehead becomes adorned with vermilion, such a divine flow of compassion and non-violence starts that Arishtanemi becomes an ascetic residing at Girnar. Rajimati too follows in his auspicious footsteps. While performing penance on Girnar mountain, in course of sublime meditation, Arishtanemi attains the supreme knowledge. Rajimati who was once to become Neminath's consort, becomes the founder and discipliner of the 'Sadhvi Sangh' the oraganisation of female ascetils. Arishtanemi's time dates back to nearly seventy-two thousand years before Mahavir.

Besides Arishtanemi and Rajimati, several saints, temple-chiefs and enlightened yogis got liberated at Girnar mountain. really, it is a place which represents the Indian places of worship.

Girnar is a mountain range 3100 feet high from the sea-level, near Junagarh in Gujarat. This auspicious pilgrimage, built amidst lofty mountain peaks, is a holy pilgrimage for both Jainism and Hinduism. Among the Jains too, the followers of both the Shwetambar and Digambar sects, come here to smear their fore head with the holy earth of this pilgrimage. According to one viewpoint it is considered to be the fifth Toonk (a peak with a Temple) of the great Palitana pilgrimage. Although the climb of the mountain is hazardous, but in Samvat 1222, due to the efforts of Kumarpal's prime minister Amradev, the hard-to-negotiate upward slope has been rendered comparatively easy.

The temples situated on the mountain make its top look like a village of temples. The magnificence and the beauty of the temple is unique in itself. According to the kind of art and form of temples as are approved in classic traditions, the temples of Girnar mountain should be called ideal. Here we can see the treasure of the sculptural art of the excellent sculptors of Gujarat. Whether the temple is seen from outside or from inside, devotion and art both have been depicted with complete splendour.

Girnar mountain too has not remained untouched by foreign invaders; but despite this, from time to time several emperors and devoted businessmen have played important role in the repair-renovation and development of this pilgrimage.

Reference is available that in Samvat 609 Kashmir's businessman Ajit Shah and Ratna Shah got renovated the pilgrimage. The twelfth century renovation by Siddhraj's minister Shree Sajjan Shah and the famous prime-minister Shree Vastupal Tejpal has been mentioned in a stone-scripture here. In the 13th century, King Mandalik had built a temple plated with gold here. The pilgrimage was restored by Samar Singh Soni in the fourteenth century and by Vardhman and Padmasingh in the seventeenth century. Reference is available of restoration done by Keshavjee in the 20th century. Besides them, several emperors and chiefs have played important roles in the development of this pilgrimage, mentionable amongst them being the names of King Samprati, King Kumarpal, minister Samant Singh, minister Sangram Soni and minister Amradev etc.

At the foot of the Girnar mountain there are two Shwetambar temples and one Digambar temple. Close to the temples at the foot-hill begins the climb of the mountain which is very hazardous. On a nearly 3 km. long path there are nearly 4,000 steps, but when the heart of a devotee becomes eager to have a glimpse of the Lord, then the difficult path ceases to remain difficult.

After completing the ascent, the door of the main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shree Neminath becomes visible. Here a Jinalaya (abode of the 'Jina') built at the center of a sprawling 90'x 130' 'Chowk' (courtyard) evinces its unprecedented splendour. Just in front of this Jinalaya, there is a mini temple of Maansang Bhojraj. The principal deity of this temple is Shree Sambhavanath. On the north of the main peak-temple is 'Melakwasahi Toonk' at a small distance. Built by Siddhraj's prime minister Sajjan Seth, this 'toonk' has the principal deity Shree Parshwanath with his head shaded by the hoods of a thousand cobras. There is a huge idol of Tirthankar Aadinath whom people also call 'Adbhut Jee' (the strange one). A little distance away from here is the 'toonk' of Sangram Soni. It is learnt from available references that this temple was built by Soni Samar Singh and Maaldev. The main temple is two-storeyed whose principal deity is 'Shree Sahasraphana Parashwanath'.

Ahead of the 'toonk' of Sangram Soni is the 'toonk' of king Kumarpal. It is learnt from the available references that this 'toonk' was built by King Kumarpal in the 13th century. The principal deity here is Shree Abhinandan Swami. Nearby here is Bheemkund and also Gajapad Kund. At a little distance away from this 'toonk' is the 'toonk' of Vastupal-Tejpal. It is learnt from the stone scripture here that this 'toonk' was built in Samvat 1288. There are the temples of Lord Shree Parshwanth, Lord Shree Rishabhdev and Lord Shree Mahavir. Now, the image of Shree Shamla Parshwanath adorns the temple of Rishabhdev Swami.

Very close to this 'toonk' is the 'toonk' of king Shree Samprati. The temple is very huge and ancient. The principal deity of this place is Lord Shree Neminath. A little distance away from here are respectively the 'toonks' of Shree Chaumukhjee, Lord Shree Sambhavnath, Dharmshee Hemchandra, twenty-four Jineshwar, Sati Rajulmati's Cave and Gaumukhi Ganga.

Five 'toonks' of Girnar are famous. The first 'toonk' is that of Tirthankar Neminath. The second 'toonk' is that of Shree Ambaji. The third 'toonk' is called 'Oghad Shikhar' where the foot-prints of Lord Neminath have been ceremoniously installed. The auspicious feet of Neminath adorn also the fourth 'toonk'. The fifth 'toonk' is situated in a dense forest at the top of the mountain; it contains the foot-prints of Neminath and Vardutt Ganadhar. A visit to this pious pilgrimage is life's good fortune. Salutations to Nemi and Rajul, the touch of whose feet have graced and blessed the Girnar mountain ranges. Salutations also to those souls who become blessed on touching the holy soil of this place.

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MEHSANA TEERTH.

LOCATION :

Near Ahemdabad(77kms), Gujarat, India.

RAILWAY STATION :

Ahemdabad, Rajasthan.

Mehsana is a popular pilgrimage of Jains. Constructed under the inspiration of Acharya Shree Kailash Sagar Suri Ji, the building of this temple enchants the viewers even from a distance. As evidence of its antiquity epigraphs of the 11th and the 12th centuries are found in this city, but the pilgrimage-temple which we wish to present before the world, is a contribution of the present age.

The Shree Seemandhar Swami Jain pilgrimage Temple of Mehsana is a contribution of the 20th century. Among the pilgrimages established in a new form during this century, the name of Mehsana pilgrimage tops the list. Not many years have passed since the temple was constructed, but the speed with which this temple has acquired the status of a pilgrimage, is a wonder in itself.

In the Jain temples the images of Tirthankars of the Bharat region, are installed. But in this temple a huge idol of Lord Shree Seemandhar Swami, who at present lives in the Mahavideha region, has been installed. Mahavideha region is another region like the Bharat region where even now Tirthankars' birth, renunciation and 'nirvana' take place.

Among the temples of Lord Seemandhar Swami this temple is considered to be the largest. The temple has been built with very good visualisation and artistic presentation which in itself is a model for others. The grandeur of the temple and the huge image ornamented artistically impresses tourists and devotees at just one glance. Besides this temple, there are 14 more temples in this city. Whenever there is an opportunity, the Mehsana pilgrimage must be seen.

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