Bawangaja Jain Temple- Madhya Pradesh
Address
Bawangaja Jain Temple- Bawangaja, Barwani district Madhya Pradesh 451551
Deity
Rishabhadeva
Introduction
Location:
- Situated in the Barwani District of Madhya Pradesh, India, near the River Narmada (6 km south).
- Located in the Satpura Range, approximately 8 km from Barwani town.
Main Attraction:
- The world’s second-largest megalithic statue of Lord Rishabhadeva, the first Jain Tirthankara.
- The statue stands at an impressive 84 feet (26 meters) high and is carved from a single rock.
Historical Significance:
- The statue was created in the early 12th century and is one of the most iconic Jain monuments in India.
- Unlike the Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola, Lord Rishabhadeva’s statue is supported from the back.
Architectural Features:
- The statue is in Kayotsarga posture (standing in meditation).
- The hands of the statue are positioned separately from the legs, giving it a unique structural design.
- The facial expression of the statue reflects emotions like joy, mercy, and separation.
- The statue is symmetrical with balanced proportions and is carved from brown stone.
Temple Complex:
- The Bawangaja complex includes eleven temples surrounding the statue, adding to its significance as a Jain pilgrimage center.
- On the left side of the statue is a large idol of Lord Rishabhadeva in the form of a four-armed Gomukha.
- On the right side stands a 16-armed idol of Chakreshvari, another important figure in Jainism.
Mahamastakabhisheka:
- A grand Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony was planned for 2020, attracting an estimated 1.5 million devotees to the site.
- The statue has undergone repairs throughout history, including an inscription from 1503 CE and repairs in 1989/90, followed by a consecration ceremony in January 1991.
Cultural and Religious Importance:
- Bawangaja is a revered Jain pilgrimage center, attracting thousands of devotees annually for its spiritual and historical significance.
- The statue and temple complex are central to Jain religious practices in the region and represent the rich cultural heritage of Jainism.
Unique Art and Style:
- The structural art and style of the statue are distinctive, showcasing Jain artistry with deep symbolism and spiritual significance.
Century/Period/Age
12th century.
Managed By
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – Madhya Pradesh
Nearest Bus Station
Bawangaja
Nearest Railway Station
Indore
Nearest Airport
Indore