Sri Surya Pahar Jain temple, Assam

Address

Sri Surya Pahar Jain temple Sri Surya Pahar Rd, Bhatiapara, Assam 783101

Diety

Tirthankara

Introduction

Located about 12 km southeast of Goalpara town and about 136 km northwest of Guwahati, the ruins of Jaini Surya Pahar is a vital part of not only Assam’s history but also of the northeast region because this marked the boundary for Jainism in the North East. On the southern side, there is a natural caver inside which are found three rock-cut images of Jain figures dating back to the 9th century CE.. Two are standing in a posture with their hands hanging down to their knees and their chakra and a bull are carved right below. Another is shown to be seated in the dhyanamudra or the meditative stance, flanked by the two celestial beings. There are two bulls facing each other carved below. Jain text prescribes the bull symbolism to be that of the first Tirthankara – Rishabdev or Adinath and the chakra of Neminath, the twenty-first Tirthankara.

Puranic Significance

Remains of these Jain affiliations in the form of inscription and rock carvings are assigned to the 9th century AD. There are two figures carved in a big granite boulder which are in low relief. These figures are also believed to be of the 9th century AD.