Ghanerao Jain Tirth - Bh. Mahavir

Pali, Rajasthan

Antiquity : 10th -11th Century

Location:  The nearest Railway Station from Muchhala Mahavir Tirth is Falna, which is 25 miles away. Among nearby Tirths, Nadlai, Sadari and Ranakpur are all within 15 miles distance.

Ghanerao, a small village cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges in Southern Rajasthan, is famous for its heritage, natural beauty & wildlife. In Jain Mythology, it is considered one of the sacred place of worship, austerity, penance & asceticism.

Ghanerao is a quiet village with an assortment of Jain Temples that have become a magnificent sculpture museum for the visitors. The wonders of this tirth are renowned among Jains and a well- known miracle lies behind the name "Muchhala Mahavir". It is believed that once, when the Maharaja of Udaipur came here on pilgrimage, while doing tilak on the Lord, he saw a hair in the bowl of saffron paste and laughingly remarked that the Lord appeared to have a moustache. The devout priest thereupon merely nodded in assent and said that the Lord did assume many forms from time to time accordingly to his own wish. The obstinate Maharaja then expressed his desire to the priest that he wanted to have the sight of the Lord with his moustache, and would stay there for three more days for this purpose. Gratified and pleased by the extraordinary devotion of the devout priest, the Lord did appear with a moustache to the Maharaja, and from that day this shrine came to be called as Muchhala Mahavir. Even today it is said, many miracles occur here.

Muchhala Mahavir Temple is located in the premises of Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Among the Godwal Panch Tirths, this ancient temple has 24 Jinalaya of Bhagwan Mahavir. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar. The ancient and charming idol of Lord Mahavir, is white in complexion and is seated in a lotus posture having a height of 4 ft.

The halls, pillars and circular path behind the inner sanctum of the temple are full of the finest specimen of Jaina art, which leave the visitors spell bound. The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid example of Jaina art & architecture. The open squares, pillars and artistic sculptures in the round passage are a delight to behold. The shrine surrounded by hills with the majestic landscape and wildlife sanctuary increases the charm and beauty of the temple and evokes a unique feeling of serenity and devotion in the heart of its worshippers.

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Information Source : Jaina Calendar - 2004, Published By Jaina, USA

Address : Ghanerao, Pali, Rajasthan - 306704

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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