Anuppur Sarvodaya Jain Temple – Madhya Pradesh
Address
Anuppur Sarvodaya Jain Temple – Madhya Pradesh
Amarkantak, Anuppur,
Madhya Pradesh 484886
Moolavar
Introduction
- Location: Amarkantak Town, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Dedicated to: Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism
- Construction Started: 2006, under the guidance of Acharya Vidyasagar
- Temple Completion: The temple is being constructed with a vision to be 151 feet tall, 125 feet wide, and 490 feet long. Upon completion, it will be one of the largest Jain temples in the region.
- Temple Complex Size: Spanning 4 acres (16,000 m²).
Architectural Features
- The temple is being built using lime and preserved stones without the use of cement and iron, which is a unique and eco-friendly approach.
- The structure is designed in a style similar to the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, featuring intricate carvings and a monumental scale.
- Construction Materials: The temple utilizes pink-colored sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, lending it a distinctive look.
Key Features
- Mulnayak Idol: The central idol, or Mulnayak, is a massive 24-tonne Ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) statue of Rishabhanatha, seated in the Padmasan posture. The idol is placed on a pedestal shaped like a lotus, which itself weighs 28 tonnes.
- Statue of Mahavira: A grand statue of Mahavira, weighing 71 tonnes, has also been installed within the temple complex.
- Dimensions of Rishabhanatha Idol: The statue of Rishabhanatha is 24 feet (7.3 meters) tall, making it an impressive and awe-inspiring sight for visitors and devotees.
Construction and Design
- The temple complex is designed without the use of cement and iron, utilizing traditional techniques of construction that have been passed down through generations.
- The use of Ashtadhatu (a special alloy of eight metals) for the idols reflects the deep spiritual and religious symbolism in Jainism.
Spiritual Significance
- Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, is revered as the spiritual teacher who established the principles of Jain philosophy.
- The Sarvodaya Jain Temple serves as a place of worship and spiritual learning, attracting Jain devotees from all over the country.
Completion and Future Prospects
- Once completed, the temple will be a remarkable architectural marvel and a significant religious site for Jainism. Its grandeur and scale will make it one of the largest Jain temples in India, comparable to other monumental religious structures in the country.
Century/Period
500 Years old
Nearest Bus Station
Anuppur
Nearest Railway Station
Anuppur station
Nearest Airport
Jabalpur