Devaria Jain Tirth Kshetra - Uttar Pradesh
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Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra, Kakandi is s Jain pilgrimage centre. It is a Tirth Kshetra i.e. Place of Miracles. The temple is located in eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is now known as Khukhundu. Kakandi is situated on Saket - Shravasti - Vaishali - Nalanda highway.
History of Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra : The town is located near a pond and also and 30 hillocks. Ruins of ancient buildings and temples have been found here and are spread over an area of one mile. The hillocks were earlier known as Kakandi and later its name was changed to 'Kishkindhapur'. Kakandi is a holy place according to Jain tradition. It is the place of 'Garbha' and 'Janma Kalyankas' of Lord Pushpadanta the 9th Tirthankara. Lord Pushpadanta had accepted asceticism and became Muni in Pushpak Vana, forest of this city. After he attained Kevalgyan he delivered his first precept here. This place is thus regarded as a Tirth. 'Deeksha' and 'Gyan Kalyankas' were celebrated in 'Pushpak Vana.' However, with time the place was ruined. But later on both the places get ruined. Lord Mahavira also visited Kakandi many times.
Main Temple Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra : According to history the place is the centre of Jain culture for centuries. Many temples have been built here by Kings, their family members and businessmen. They have also constructed many temples, stoopas, idols of Yakshas and Yakshanis and many other artistic items. However, with time all these artistic creations were ruined due to Theomania (Dharmonmad). Several idols of Jain Tirthankaras, Chaitya Vriksha (Tree), idols of Yakshas and Yakshanis, Stoopas have been found here after digging the earth. They are now all in ruins. A platform of 89 feet height has been discovered on digging of 11th hillock. It is square in size and is made of bricks. It has been decorated with designs of flowers on them. The Items found in digging are related to the period from B. C. to Gupta Empire.
The Jain Temple is located in the middle of farms in Khukhundu. It is believed that Lord Pushpdanta was born here. The temple has an alter that houses the artistic idol of Lord Neminath. The idol has been carved on a flat rock and is black in colour. It is seated in a Padmasana posture and is 2 feet and 3 inch in height. Another idol of Lord Pushpdanta is also installed here. The idol is 11 inches in height and is white in colour. It is seated in a Padmasana posture. The idol is beautifully caved and is very impressive. One Chaubeesee is also constructed here on metal plate and also has artistic idols carved on it that are worth seeing. Apart from these foot images of Lord Pushpadanta can be seen on a hillock. The temple organises an annual gathering on the Agahan Shukla. It is the festival of Janmotsava of Lord Pushpadanta.
Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra is well connected to Rail, Road and Air. Khukhundu is in the middle of Salempur and Devaria at a distance of 17 Kilometers each. Busses are regularly available from both places for Khukhundu time to time. The nearest railway station is Salempur and Devaria. The Gorakhpur is the nearest airport located here.
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