Shri Mahavir Ji in Rajasthan


Shri Mahavir Ji in Rajasthan is a sacred Digambara Jain pilgrimage site in Karauli, Rajasthan, India, famous for a miraculous idol of Lord Mahavir discovered centuries ago when a cow poured milk daily on a mound, leading to the town (once Chandanpur) being renamed after him. A merchant, Shri Amar Chand Bilala, built the magnificent temple complex, which has seen renovations and became a major spiritual hub with royal patronage, known for its stunning architecture, Padmasana idol, and festivals like Mahavira Janma Kalyanaka. 
Key Historical Points:
  • Divine Discovery: The idol was found by a cowherd, Krapa Ram, whose cow would daily offer milk at a specific spot on a mound in Chandanpur.
  • Miraculous Origin: Villagers excavated the spot, uncovering the idol, and later built a small shrine where it was found (Chharan Chatri).
  • Temple Construction: The fame of answered prayers led Jain merchant Shri Amar Chand Bilala to build a grand temple in the 17th century, with later renovations.
  • Royal Patronage: Jaipur's rulers provided grants for the temple's upkeep, solidifying its importance.
  • Name Change: The town itself was renamed from Chandanpur to Shri Mahavir Ji after the divine discovery.
  • Spiritual Significance: It remains a vital Digambara Jain center, attracting pilgrims for its powerful spiritual aura and architectural beauty. 
Temple Features:
  • Deity: A black stone idol of Lord Mahavir in the Padmasana (seated) posture.
  • Architecture: A blend of traditional Jain and Rajasthani styles, using red sandstone and white marble with intricate carvings.
  • Complex: Houses 8 temples, including the main shrine and the original Chharan Chatri.


The history of Shri Mahaveer Ji, a major Digambar Jain pilgrimage site (Atishaya Kshetra) in Rajasthan: 
  • Idol Construction (~11th Century): The principal deity is a copper-colored sandstone idol of Lord Mahavira, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. It depicts the 24th Tirthankara in the Padmasana (lotus) posture.
  • Protection via Burial: Historical tradition suggests these ancient idols were intentionally buried underground to protect them from plunder and desecration by Muslim invaders during periods of regional instability.
  • Miraculous Discovery (17th Century): The idol remained hidden for centuries in a mound near the village of Chandanpur. It was recovered after a local cowherd named Krapa Ram noticed one of his cows regularly stood over the mound and let her milk flow voluntarily onto the ground. Excavation of the spot revealed the ancient statue.
  • Temple Construction (1714 AD): A small hut was initially built over the discovery site (now known as Devata-ka-Tila). Later, a prominent Jain merchant from Jaipur, Shri Amar Chand Bilala, commissioned the construction of a grand temple to house the idol after witnessing its miracles.
  • Royal Patronage: The Kings of Jaipur provided generous grants for the temple's upkeep and maintenance throughout the 17th and 19th centuries.
  • Inclusive Traditions: Due to Krapa Ram's role in the discovery, a unique custom persists where his descendants must first touch or push the chariot before the annual Rath Yatra procession can begin.
  • Modern Milestones:
  • 1970: The historical Bhattaraka seat (religious headship) at the site became defunct.
  • 2022: A grand Mahamastakabhisheka (consecration ceremony) was held after a 24-year hiatus, and a new 24-foot tall statue of Lord Mahavira was installed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why do we use "Muni Sree 108" "Shree 1008 Mahavira" in Jainism

1008 denotes : * 1008 shubh (auspicious) marks on the divine body of a Tirthankar. such as sun, moon, srivatsa, lotus etc * Tirthankar is said to have 1008 names (Veetaraag, Devaadhidev, Jineshwar, Kewali etc). Belief is that Indra worshiped Tirthankaras by 1008 names (Like in Hinduism Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesh and Vishnu ar e said to have 1008 names each based on SahasraPuranas) * There are 1008 petals in the lotus erected by Devendra in the Samavasaran of a Tirthankar. * Tirthankars have 1008 good attributes such as infinite power, infinite knowledge etc. * In 1008, number 1 represents pure soul , 8 represents the eight karamas and 00 in between represent an infinite distance between the two (pure soul and karamas). * 1008 represents symbol of respect. When they say "Tirthankar Shree 1008 Mahavria" - it means Sree-sree-sree 1008 times vandana. 108 denotes: * The total number of ways of Karma influx (Aasrav). 4 Kashays (anger, pride, conceit, greed) x 3 karanas (mind, speech, b...
Read more

Similarities in Baylon Sumerian and Jain Cosmology (Nebu & Adinath Tirthankar)

Image
Adinath (Rishab deva) is first tirthankara’s of Jains. He is refered in Riga Vedas (~1500BC) Aryan Hindu Vedas. One could derive hints of Adinath’s father in Sumerian/ Bablyon’s texts that is dated 3150BCE-2686BCE. There are several similarities that could be established in Babylon gods & goddesses to Jain Cosmology as well. Its important to note that Sumerian inscriptions may reflect that he was worshiped in 3150BCE, validating that Adinath (Rishab deva) was born much long ago in ancient times. Sumerian Jainism Notes Nabi/ Nabu/nebo & Marduc - parent  were & worshiped as gods, Nabhi was father of first tirthankar Adinath. Mother name was marudevi. Adinath set the foundation of Ikshvaku vansh in India Nabu crescent moon god, Nabu the warrior Nabu was son of Marduk, was oracle, taught writing, God Nabu/ Nabi arrived to that region, created humans in a lab Nabhi was not...
Read more

Hunas gupta empire, and ashoka impalements of ajivikas

Buddha texts describe ashoka implement of ajivikas to protect buddhist karma theory & ajivikas spreading niyati  theory that karma has no effect. The influence of Hun (or Huna ) warriors on India, particularly on the Jains , is an interesting aspect of early medieval Indian history. Here's a concise summary focusing on how the arrival and actions of the Huns affected the Jain community and Jainism as a whole: ⚔️ Who Were the Hunas? The Hun warriors , often referred to as the Hunas in Indian sources, were Central Asian nomadic tribes who invaded northern India around the 5th to 6th centuries CE . Their most notorious leader was Toramana and his son Mihirakula , both of whom had significant impact on the Indian subcontinent, especially during the decline of the Gupta Empire . 🛕 Influence on India (General) The Hunas disrupted the Gupta Empire , which had been a strong patron of both Hinduism and Jainism . Their invasions led to widespread d...
Read more