Jain Tirth - Bh. Shantinath

Ahharji, Madhya Pradesh

Address : Shri Digambar Jain Siddhakshetra Aharji, Aharji, Tikamgadh,   Madhya Pradesh

Mulnayak : Nearly 550 cms. high, light-rose-colored idol of Bhagawan Shantinath in the Kayotsarga posture.

How to Reach : It is among the hills near the Ahar Village. Lalitpur, the nearest railway station is at a distance of 83 kilometers and Tikamgadh is at a distance of 24 Kilometers. From Tikamgadh, a small bridge of Ahar Tigol is 15 Kilometers and from there further 5 Kilometers is Madan sagar. Ahar starts from Madan sagar.Bus service and private vehicles are available. Board and loding provisions are there.

Art and Architecture: Bahgwan adinath and Yakshi Chakreshwari.

Historicity: Some time during the 11th century, the Chandella rulers of Khajurabowho reigned from 1011 to 1241, developed a liking for Ahar, a rural settlement about ninety-five kilometres - as the crow flies - west of Khajurabo and 20 Kilometers to the south-east of Tikamgarh. They had the vision of beautifying this historic place of Jaina worship by building temples and laying out ponds. Judging by the comparatively limited remains, Ahar must have been a haven of beauty and solitude, and was, one should think, a contrast to the 'erotic' Khajuraho of that bygone age. It is still a peaceful and picturesque refuge. The nearest highway is a long distance away On entering the compound, the visitor beholds what appears to be one large temple surrounded by a high wall. A closer view, however, reveals a compact group of buildings comprising several shrines and an important museum. The Jina in the sanctum of the main temple at Ahar is a Shantinatha of imposing height. This tirth was known as Madaneshpur, Vasuharikpur and Nandanpur. This is the place of mirvana of the Omniscient Madankumar of the times of Bhagawan Mallinath. Perhaps that is the reason why this place is known as Madaneshpur. This is an ancient tirth in which there were many temples. Even today, their ruins are found on the hills nearby. Thirty-two castes of the Jain community, the names of disciples and grand-disciples of Bhattaraks and the names of disciples and grand-disciples of Arpyakas are mentioned in the manuscripts here. This idol was got installed by Sheth Ralhanji during the rule of King Madanvarma in the year 1237 of the Vikram era. A museum is also established here which has rare statue from the local area. A fair is held here every year from the thirteenth to the fifteenth day of the bright half of the month of Magasar. Many faithful devotees participate in it.

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