|
 Thair is a village of Osmanabad, is an ancient city (old name Tagarpur), prominent in the 12th century. Many writers and poets have celebrated about Lord Mahaveer Swami of Thair in their texts. This is the only temple of Lord Mahaveer in Maharashtra. It is believed that Samavsharan of Lord Mahaveer came here. The temple is said to be more than 800 years old. The city and the adjoining area were famous till the 17th century. A medieval temple of Lord Parsvanath is also located here; during the reconstruction 20 other primeval idols of Teerthankaras were discovered. 'Atishaya' is a small pond outside the temple. It is said that the water of this pond was very good to taste and also good for health.
It is said that the bricks that were used to construct the temple did not drown in water, they floated on the base. People also go by the folklore that, when travellers were in need of utensils, they just wrote it on paper and dropped it in water. After some time utensils according to the written paper would come up to the surface area of the pond, travellers used them and after cleansing it, simply dropped them again in the pond. The utensils disappeared just like that. The 'Kshetra' is situated within a double fortification. In the inner wall, in the right side, there is a Lord Mahaveer Temple. The primary deity stands with a lofty height at 5 feet and 3 inches, made of black stone. Ancient idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Parasvanath are also installed. In the left wall, in front of the entrance, there is another temple of Lord Parasvanath, standing at a height of 5 feet 9 inches, also black in colour. Snake motifs are carved in the temple. That very miraculous pond is located near to this temple. The annual Festival on 5th Magh Shukla is a gala occasion. The Yatra Mahotsava is organised at every month's black night.
The Shri 1008 Mahaveer Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Managing Committee looks after into the temple works and architecture. To fit in pilgrims, a Dharamshala (rest rooms) has been constructed with 10 rooms, mess facility and all other necessary comforts. The noteworthy places to visit besides the Mahaveer Digambar Jain Temple are Kunthalgiri Siddha Kshetra and Savargaon Atishaya Kshetra. Osmanabad is 30 km away from Mahaveer temple; taxis and buses are available from Osmanabad to Thair. In order to reach by train, one can alight at Thair Railway Station, which is 3 km ahead, and Dhoki Railway Station that is 5 km ahead.
(Last Updated on : 11-03-2014)
|
