Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani glitters again

By Team Mangalorean
MOODBIDRI May 24, 2008:

The Basadi houses the Chandranatha and Aadinatha Shrines. The construction began in 1430 by the Jain math of Moodbidri on a land given by Devaraja Odeya, a chieftain of Vijayanagara king Devaraya II. The "mukha mantapa" was built in 1451 and the 50 ft high "manasthamba" in 1461. Apart from "garba gudi", the basadi has five mantapas.

According to the government sources the restoration of the Basadi was done recently at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. Of that, Rs. 79.50 lakh has been spent. The money spent included Rs. 32 lakh released by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Rs. 43 lakh from the Jain math which covered grants from donors and Rs. 4.50 lakh from the Department of Tourism. The Department of Tourism had released the amount for arranging the lighting facility in the basadi.

As part of the rituals, a 1,008 kalasha abhisheka will be performed to the statue of Chandranatha Swamy in May during which month the Basadi will be fully lit.

Ladnun

""Ladnun is a Tehsil Headquarter in Nagaur District. It is the City of Jain Temples and one of the most visited pilgrim place of Jain community after Shri Mahaveerji. Ladnun is famous for Jain Vishva Bharati University, Jain Temples of exquisite marble work, Old Dargah of Omarshah Peer and Other old temples of pilgrimage and architectural importance. This city is also famous for the birth place of sacred Jain Muni Aacharya Tulsi. The excursions from Landnun within 15-20 kms are Dungar Balaji, Salasar Balaji Dham, Tirupati Balaji at Sujangarh.

Jain Vishva Bharati

Jain Vishva Bharati Institute is committed to provide highest quality of educational services to the utmost satisfaction of the students and give them an opportunity to cultivate an integrated personality backed by spirituality and moral values. The practice of pragmatic principles such as anekant, non-violence, tolerance and peaceful co-existence are the noble ideals of this University.

"Ladnun has many Historic pilgrims. A place that gave white stone in making of TAJMAHAL. AN ANCIANT PLACE OF MARVELLOUS HAVELIS AND BEAUTIUL NARROW STREETS."

How to reach Ladnun: By Bus all Major city of rajsthan jaipur,Jodhpur,Bikaner,Udiapur even Delhi is direct bus service for Ladnun By Train From Delhi/Jaipur/Howrah /Indore/Varansi/Puri-you will get Down at Degan Jn. of Delhi _jaipur-Jodhpur BG.Section and from Degana jn. Degana to Ratangarh/Churu/Sadulpur-MG Train is Running in this section Ladnun is situated By Air nearest airport is Jaipur/Jodhpur/Delhi

Bhandeswari Jain Temple

Bhandeswari Jain Temple
is a fifteenth century temple and is the oldest monument of Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.

Jain Havelis are ancient mansions of dwelling of the noble and wealthy. They are known for their opulent life style and intricate carvings and craftsmanship along with sprawling courtyards. Bikaner is full of such havelis and the notable amongst them belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. To view these havelis the suggested route is Gogagate, Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar Gate.

Mount Abu

MOUNT ABU

Dilwara Temples

Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11th century. Today, it is recognized the world over for it's magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Dilwara temples. These temples are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious clime. Half hidden by mango groves their sober exterior belies the wealth of their interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Dilwara temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints. Built between the 11th and 13th century, are famous for their superb carvings in marble.

Vimal Vasahi is the oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, 23 km from Abu Road, It is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture.

The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard.

The Vasahi Temple, dedicated to me 22nd tirthankara. - Neminath was built in 1231 A .D by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, Minister of Raja Virdhavala, a ruler of Gujrat belonging to the Porwal Jain community.The door casings, friezes, architraves, pillars, the sculptures of porticos, are astonishing in their workmanship.Rewards in the from of silver and gold equivalent to the weight of marble covered, were offered to the laborer. A great deal of inspiration, devotion, love and encouragement was involved in the construction of this temple.

The most striking feature of this Jain temple built in the Solanki style of architecture is the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. It drops from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses with cups so finely carved that they appear to be transparent.
Timing : 1200 to 1500 hrs for Tourists entry free. Photography not allowed.

Source: Rajasthan Tourism

Jain Temple at Zira Town: a Symbol of Communal Harmony

Ferozepur, Feb 19 (ANI):

Jain Temple in Zira town in Punjab's Ferozepur District is visited by Sikhs and Hindus, besides Jains.

For the villagers, the temple is looked upon as a place of worship where one can offer prayers anytime.

"Sikhs have bonds with people of all religions, including Muslims and Hindus. Though we pray in a gurudwara, we also visit temple and mosques," said Swaran Singh, a villager.

A few Jain families in Zira look after the temple, but pilgrims and saints of various faiths and religions visit this temple.

"We have visited Gujarat, Maharastra, Saurashtra, Rajasthan and Punjab. Punjab holds a special attraction for us. One gets the true picture of love and affection here. Be it a Sikh, a Jain or a non-Jain, all meet together like brothers and sisters. Forgetting caste and religion, each one behaves like a human being. Each one here spreads love among the people considering it as a duty," said Sadhvi Priya Dharma, a Jain guru.

The temple was constructed in 1890. The paintings on the walls of the temple speak of the ancient Jain culture and history. It is named after the 23rd Tirthankra Parsavnathji Maharaj. The main idol is believed to be one of most sacred and ancient.

Vijayanand Suriji Maharaj, the first guru of the 'Mandir Margi' sect of the Swetambars was born here in 1837. He advocated the worship of idols.

Maharaj, who was also a scholar poet and a social reformer of his time, performed the holy 'partishthas' ceremony at this temple in 1896 A.D.

While the Jains make up only 0.4 per cent of the country's population, their contribution to culture and society in India have been considerable. (ANI