Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra - Bh. Mahavirswami
Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra located in Madhya Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The kshetra is more than 700 years old and also houses many other idols. Shri Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra located in Patnaganj in Madhya Pradesh is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. Place of Miracles. The temple is located in Rahil in Sagar District. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
History of Patna Ganj : According to history Patnaganj is about 700 years old. There are almost 30 temples built here which date back to the ancient times. The temples here are enclosed by a rampart at the bank of Swarnabhadra River. During the rule of the Mughal Dynasty the place was frequently attacked by Aurangzeb. Later the place was left desolate due to a terrible disease that spread here. All the Jains left the Kshetra. In the year 1944 Patna Ganj was visited by a great sage `Poojya Kshullaka Ganesh Prasadji Varni` who thought of re-establishing the place. Thus the complete Jain Samaj gathered together for the restoration work. Thus due to the untiring work of the Poojya Varniji and the Jain Samaj the Patna Ganj developed into a beautiful pilgrimage centre. While visiting Buldelkhand one must visit Patna Ganj Kshetra. The place is associated with many miracles and legends. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to fulfill their desires. It is said that by offering prayers ones wishes gets fulfilled. It is said that during the twentieth century Shri Lokman Pujari worked here for 30 years. He had lost his eyesight. Once after worshipping in the temple he applied Gandhodaka that helped him to get back his eyesight. Many people visiting the temple embrace asceticism and join the path of self-welfare in the Sangha of Poojya Acharya Vidya Sagarji. Some of them are Muni Kunthu Sagarji, Aryika Mridumatiji, Aryaka Adityamatiji - Pavitramatiji, and many others.
Temple of Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra : There are 30 beautiful temples located here that dates back to ancient time. These temples are adorned by sky high spires that have been magnificently designed with artistic architectural work. The striking feature of the temple is its artistic and astounding huge idols. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Mahavira who is also known as `Bare Baba`. This ancient idol has been attractively carved and is very huge. There is also another beautiful idol of Lord Parshvanatha surmounted by 1008 serpent hoods that adorns the temple. The idol is seated in a padmasana posture. There are many temples located that are dedicate to several Jain Tirthankaras which are as follows.
Bhagwan Mahavirawami (Bare Baba) - The temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira is the main temple located here. The idol is 13 feet in height high and 11 feet wide. It is seated in a padmasana posture and is brown in colour. The idol was been carved out of a rock and looks very attractive. Many devotees visit the temple and offer worship `Bare Baba`.
Parshvanatha Temple (Sahastraphani Parshvanath) - There are two beautiful idols of Lord Parshvanatha with 1008 serpent hoods. It is made of black stone. They are seated in a padmasana posture. The idols have beam magnificently carved. The first idol of Parshvanatha is 4 feet and 4 inch in height while the second one is 2 feet and 8 inch in width. They were installed in V. S. 1842. The second idol is surmounted by serpent hood that covers the arms and head.
The second idol is the Lord is also 4 feet and 4 inch in height and 2 feet and 7 inch in width. It is black in color and has been beautifully decorated. The idol is surmounted by serpent hood that almost covers the head. It is seated in meditation posture. Apart from this there are other attractive idols that have been installed in this temple.
Sahastra Koot Chaityalaya - This is also a beautiful temple decorated magnificently with architectural work. The temple is made of stone and is 9 feet in height with a circumference of 32 feet. The Chaityalaya houses 1008 idols in padmasana and standing postures. These represent the architectural skills of the craftsmen.
Nandishwar Jinalaya and Samavsharan - These two temples are also revered and worshipped by the devotees. These contemporary temples are also a unique piece of art. Meru of Nandishwar Jinalaya is colorful and was revered in V. S. 1835.
Bhagwan Munisuvratnath - The temple dedicated to Lord Munisuvratnatha is ancient and looks attractive. The idol of the Lord is very huge and is dark red color in colour. It is seated in a padmasana posture. There are two other idols installed that date back to the 10th century. These are established here in two separate altars. One of them is coral in colour. The idol of Lord Shantinath can also be seen here. It is 31/2 feet in and has been carved beautifully. Apart from these there are many other idols located here that houses the idols of Jain Tirthankaras. These temples spread the message of non-violence i.e. ahimsa and help in the development of the soul. The temple being located on the beautiful bank of Swarnabhadra is surrounded by scenic beauty. The clam and tranquil atmosphere mesmerizes the pilgrims visiting this Atishaya Kshetra. Several annual gatherings are organized by the temple authorities. The festival Maha Mastakabhisheka of Bare Baba is celebrated here. The Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in Chaitra Shukla. Apart from this Mahavir Nirvanotsava is also organised in Kartika Krishna. Maha Mastakabhisheka of Sahastrafani Parshvanatha is celebrated on his birth day, Nirvanotsava i.e. Salvation Day and on Moksha Saptami.
The temple has provisions for dharmashalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. There are two dharamshalas located here with full facilities. Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra is well connected with rail and road. Busses and taxies are always available from Sagar and Damoh cities. The nearest station is the Sagar and Damoh Railway Stations on Kota-Beena line ahead of Beena.
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