Home > Society > Religion in India > Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
Shri Mandavagadh Teerth located in Madhya Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Suparshvanath. The teerth kshetra is positioned on a vast fort known as Mandava Durga.

Share this Article:

Shri Mandavagadh Teerth, Madhya PradeshShri Mandavagadh Teerth located in Mandavagadh in Madhya Pradesh is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated on a vast fort, Mandava Durga. It is also known as Mandu. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Suparshvanath, seventh Jain Tirthankara.

History of Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
According to history Shri Mandavagadh Teerth dates back to the ancient period. The idol of Lord Suparshvanath is believed to be older than the fourteenth century. Ruins of many temples and idols can be seen here. As per reference once there were almost 700 Jain temples here. This place was resided by more than six lakh Jains. According to the culture of Mandavagadh when a new Jain came to reside here, every Jain house presented him one gold coin and one brick. Mandavagadh remained under the patronage of several powerful and influential ministers during the 13th and the 17th centuries. Some of these ministers were Pethadshah, Jhanjhanasha, Punjaraj, Munjaraj, Deputy Minister, Mandana, Gopal, Treasurer Sangram Soni, Diwan Jivan, Shravak Javadashah and others. They also constructed many Jain temples here. Several Sanghas were formed for pilgrimage. One of the Sangha started here was by Jhanjhanashah. These helped in propagating and spreading the Jain religion. This teerth kshetra was visited by Shri Dharmaghoshasuriji. At his arrival the whole city was lighted and decorated tastefully by Pethadshah.

Temple of Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
The temple of Shri Mandavagadh Teerth houses the deity of Lord Suparshvanath. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. It stands as a unique example of ancient architectural beauty. The idol is white in complexion and is 91.54 cm in height. It is seated in a padmansana posture. Apart from this in this same fort there is a fine temple of smaller size of Lord Shantinath. The temple has been attractively constructed and looks exquisite.

The Temple of Shri Mandavagadh Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Being located in the midst of natural vegetation and scenic beauty, the temple attracts and mesmerises the pilgrims coming from different places. The calm and tranquil environment makes it a suitable place for religious activities. The Vindyachal Mountain is situated at a distance of 33 kms from Dhar village. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. The nearest bus stop is located at Dhar. Busses and taxies are easily available for the kshetra. The nearest station is Indore Railway station which is at a distance of 88 km. The closest airport from the kshetra is at Indore.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Religion in India


Religion in Indus Valley Civilization
Religion in Indus Valley Civilisation included Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Details about the religion in Indus Valley Civilization have been gathered from archaeological artefacts.
Shaivism Religion
Shaivism is the second largest “religious community” in modern India with its roots deeply seated in the Hindu Vedic belief.
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is among the more popular denominations of Hinduism, with its own distinctive ideas about spirituality and morality. Vaishnavism concentrates on worshipping god Vishnu and of his incarnations.
Hinduism Religion
Hinduism is more of a philosophy which is a way of living according to the understanding of the principles of Vedas and Upanishads.
Islam
Islam is a religion that beliefs in Allah as the one and only God and creator of the Universe. Islamic law or Sharia is characterised by the five pillars of Islam which comprise the essential duties of every Muslim.
Christianity
Christianity is a religion based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ and it is the largest religion in the world.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and a philosophy that encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, practices and traditions that are chiefly based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha and its later disciples.
Jainism
Jainism chronologically preceded the religion of Buddhism. It is considered as one of the oldest religions of India. Jainism in India shared with Hinduism and Buddhism. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect and not a Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, closely related to Judaism, Christianity and Islam was founded by Zoroaster.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion started by Guru Nanak in land of Punjab in 15th century A.D.