- Know about three Jain temples in Malwa, between Mandu
and Indore that attract a large number of devotees.
We were surprised by the rich history of this region
and as a result we got a chance to visit some Jain temples that can boast of
having some really ancient and important murtis visited by thousands every year.
Here are a few that we visited:
Mohankheda
This is an over a century old Jain teerth that is 47
kms from Dhar. It was constructed in 1884 under the leadership of a Jain seer,
Acharya Rajendra Suri. He predicted that this place will become an important center
of learning. Today, besides the temple, it has three schools run by a trust.
Bhopawar
Also located in Dhar district, this beautiful temple
built in Somnath style in a peaceful secluded place has a twelve feet tall and
impressive murti of lord Shantinath, the 16th Jain tirthankara.
According to tradition, this was built by Rukmi, brother of Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s wife. The present temple has an imposing structure with beautiful carving and pillars, quite like the famous Dilwara Jain temples. Another tradition says that people have often seen a snake doing parikrama of the murti at the temple.
Also see albums of Jain Temples
Dilwara, Mount Abu and Rukhmini
Mandir near Dwarka
Maksi
The Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parsvanatha. It has
a 2500 year old murti while the temple is considered to be over 1000 years old.
As per a settlement between the two sects, the idol is worshipped by Digambars
between 6-9 am and by Shwetambars during rest of the day.
The murti was supposedly found in a step well located
in the garden behind the temple.
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