Shri Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth located at Kumbhoj Bahubaliin Maharashtra is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. place of miracles. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bahubali.
History of Kumbhoj Bahubali
According to history Kumbhoj is an ancient city. An ascetic saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived here almost 250 years ago. He was a renowned scholar of the science of spells. It was because of his presence that no wild animals caused any harm to the pilgrims visiting the holy place. The name of the place has been kept has Khambhoj Bahubali in memory of the great saint. After the death of the saint many other notable people visited the place. In 1851 A.D. Muni Shri Prabhachandraji visited the kshetra. Later in 1958 Muni Shri Kamlakarji came to this holy place. In the 20th century another great saint Acharya, Shri 108 Shanti Sagarji came here. Thus this place became a holy place by the foot prints of these great sages. In 1937 Chaturmas Vaktavya i.e. the Four Monthly Statement was delivered from here. As per history it is said that the first holy pilgrimage to the sacred place Shri Sammed Shikharji also began from here.
Temple of Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth
The Temple of Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth is dedicated to Lord Bahubali. This ancient temple is very attractive and has been decorated with intricate design. The ancient idol is 6 feet in height. It has been installed here in 1156 AD, on the day of Vaishakh Shukla. The idol of the Lord was installed under the motivation of an ascetic saint Shri 108 Shrut Sagarji Maharaj. The idol is associated with many miracles. Other than this an attractive colossus of Lord 1008 Shri Bahubali has been installed in 1963 near the hill. The idol is white in colour and is 28 feet in height. There is another temple in this kshetra known as Samavsharan Mandir. It houses the idol of Acharya 108 Shri Shanti Sagarji. The idol has been carved beautifully. Apart from this there are images of many Jain holy places in India. The temple has an ancient idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev, the first Tirthankara. The place is also adorned by a Manstambha or column of dignity and several other monuments.
The Temple of Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth being located on the hill is surrounded by scenic beauty that mesmerizes the pilgrims visiting this sacred place. The cam and tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect place for religious purpose. Many annual gatherings are organised by the temple. A fair is arranged by the temple authorities on the Kartika Purnima every year. On Asharh Shukla Dwitiya another event is arranged to celebrate the opening day of the Organization. The temple has provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims visiting the place. These dharamshalas are well equipped with all modern facilities. Many Jain Hotels are also located here.
Temple of Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth is well connected by rail, road and air. Bus, car and other vehicles are easily available here. Buses for Bahubali from Hatkadngale are also available. The nearest railway station is located in Kolhapur at a distance of 30 Km and Hatkadngale about 8 Km. By Air the nearest airport is situated at Kolhapur that is at a distance of 30 Km.
