 Sri Bhanduka Teerth located in Maharashtra is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in a vast garden in the vicinity of Bhadravati village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Sri Bhanduka Teerth According to history Sri Bhanduka Teerth dates back to the ancient times. Ruins of many temples and idols can be seen here that prove the antiquity of the place. It is said that the in the past the idol of Shri Parshvanath remained buried in the ground. It was known as Kesariababa. The temple of the Lord was earlier in the hands of the Government. Thus the Swetambara Jain Sanghas requested the Government to give them the temple. The government approved their request and the Sangha was handed over the temple. The manager of Shri Anatariksha teertha Shri Chaturbhujabhai saw a dream on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Maha of the 1966 of the Vikram Samvat Era. As per the dream he received divine orders from the Lord to repair the temple. Thus the Sangha repaired and renovated then it. An inscription has been found on the idol of Lord that dates to the 1133 of the Vikram Samvat Era. The idol of Lord Parshvanatha 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 Sri Bhanduka Teerth The temple of Sri Bhanduka Teerth houses the idol of Shri Kesariya Parshvanatha Bhagwan. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art. The idol of the Lord is 152 cm in height and is black in colour. It is seated in a semi-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 the main temple there are two other temples located here that are dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabh Dev and Shri Guru. These have also been beautifully designed and are worth visiting. The Temple of Sri Bhanduka Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. Every year, on the tenth day of the dark half of Margashirsha, a fair is held here. 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 and railway station are located at Chandrapur. The nearest airport is situated at Nagpur. The chief city from this village is Chandrapur and Nagpur. |
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