Taranga Sri Ajitnath Bhagwan Shwetamber Jain Temple, Gujarat

Address

Taranga Sri Ajitnath Bhagwan Shwetamber Jain Temple, Taranga Road, Taranga, Gujarat 384325

Deity

Sri Ajitnath Bhagwan

Introduction

• Location: Taranga is a renowned Jain pilgrimage center located near Kheralu in Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. The site features two main compounds of Jain temples, showcasing the Māru-Gurjara style of architecture.
• Historical Background: The oldest Jain temple at Taranga was constructed in 1161 AD by the Chaulukya king Kumarapala, following the guidance of his teacher, Acharya Hemachandra. The site represents both major wings of Jainism, with 14 temples in the Svetambara compound and five temples affiliated with the Digambara tradition on Taranga hill.

Puranic Significance:

• Architectural Features: The central temple complex is an architectural marvel with a prominent structure that measures 50 feet (15 meters) in length, 100 feet (30 meters) in breadth, and 142 feet (43 meters) in height, with a perimeter of 639 feet (195 meters). The temple features a 902 feet (275 meters) high wooden summit, intricately carved in the Māru-Gurjara style.
• Design and Decoration:
  • Shikhara: The temple’s shikhara (spire) is adorned with three rows of bhumija-style miniature towers that transition into sekhari style, featuring varying lengths and overlapping towers.
  • Mandapa: Above the mandapa, the lowest level continues the miniature tower clusters, with shallow pitched roof planes decorated with miniature towers, beasts, and urns.
  • Interior: The red interior enhances the contrast of the 2.75 meters high white marble figure of Ajitnath, the second Tirthankara, which is embellished with precious stones. The interior also includes footprints of Rishabha and the 20 Tirthankaras, along with paintings and sculptures depicting Gaumukha, the Samavasarana, and Jambudvipa.
• Notable Features: On the outer platform, idols of Padmavati and Kumarapala are prominently displayed.

Festivals:

• Pilgrimage Times: Major pilgrimage times are during the full moon in Kartika (November) and Chaitra (April). During these times, devotees flock to Taranga to participate in rituals and worship.
• Special Shrines: The adjoining shrines include an upright marble block with 208 representations of the Tirthankaras, adding to the spiritual significance of the site.

1161

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Taranga

Nearest Railway Station

Taranga Hill station

Nearest Airport

Ahmedabad (AMD)

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