Shri Matar Teerth located in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the heart of the village Matar on the main road. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sumatinatha, Fifth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Matar Teerth
According to history Shri Matar Teerth dates back to the ancient times. The idol of the Lord is associated with many miracles and legends. It was unearthed from the ground of Sihunga Village in the vicinity of Mahudha in Kheda district. It was later brought to Matar. As per an inscription on the idol it was ceremoniously installed on a Sunday on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh in 1523 of the Vikram Samvat Era. A beautiful temple was constructed the idol was installed for the second time on a Thursday on the third day of the bright half of the month of Jeth in V.S. 1854. While the idol was being brought Matar from Sihunj heavy rain began on the confluence of the rivers Vatrak and Shedhi. However, the charioteer only saw only sands in place of rain-water. Thus the chariot and devotees could reach Matar with any problem. Seeing the miraculous nature of the Lord it was called as Sacha Deva Sumatinatha. Apart from this there are fifty two other temples here. These were also renovated in V.S. 1977. The religious ceremonies of installation and Anjanashalaka were also organised. In this Shri Jamnabhai Bhagubhai took an important part. The temple of Lord Sumatinatha was again installed ceremoniously on the fifth day of the bright half of Vaishakh in the year V.S. 2007. It was done at the auspicious hands of Acharyashri Vijayasidhisurishvaraji. The idol of Lord Sumatinath is believed to possess miraculous powers. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to offer their prayers. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims.
Temple of Shri Matar Teerth
The temple of Shri Matar Teerth houses the idol of Sacha Deva Shri Sumatinatha Prabhu. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The idol of the Lord is 16 cm in height and is white in colour. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone and looks very appealing. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there are five idols of Lord Sumatinath in the underground cellar of the temple. An idol of a goddess dating to the 12th-13th century is also found in the temple.
The Temple of Shri Matar 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. Apart from this there are Upashrays, an Ayambilshala and a Jnanabhandar. The temple is enclosed by scenic beauty that mesmerises and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment and the surrounding greenery make it a suitable place for religious activities. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stop is located at Kheda at a distance of 5 kilometres. The nearest railway station is situated at Nadiad at a distance of 16 kilometres. The closest airport is situated at Ahmedabad.
