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

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