Shri Rujubaluka Teerth located in Jharkhand is a Jain pilgrimage centre near Barakar village on the banks of Barakar River. The Teerth Kshetra is situated on Giridih Madhubani Road. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara.
On account of Lord Mahavir"s 12 years" intense penance and his attaining "Kevalgyan", this place has become holy. In this river an ancient idol of Lord Mahavir of exquisite beauty was found and this idol is at present installed in the temple.
Legend of Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The present day Barker River was the "Rujubaluka River" of the ancient times. It is believed that this great teerth was Rujubaluka. On the farm of the farmer Shyamak on the bank of this river under a Shal tree at an auspicious time of Vijay Muhurta on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh Lord Mahavir attained omniscience. Thus, this is a very sacred and holy place of Lord Mahavir Swami"s attainment of Kevalgyan.
Temple of Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The Teerth of Shri Rujubaluka Teerth dates back to the ancient times. It was earlier a very rich and prosperous city. Earlier, the temple was made by Shri Dhanpat Singh Ji. Presently, on the auspicious occasion of the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami "Foot Prints in all 4 Directions" were installed in the premises of the Rujubaluka Temple. The temple has been beautifully decorated with intricate designs. These stand as unique example of ancient art and boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art and paintings. Outside the temple, the Shal tree is in existence.
Deity in Temple of Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The temple housing the idol of Lord Mahavira with his foot prints in all 4 directions is stunning. The idol of the Lord is 15 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. On the left hand side of the Garbagriha, there remains the original red coloured idol of the lord that has been found underneath the Rujubaluka River. There are 2 images of holy cows present with the idol of the Lord. On the outer sanctum of the Garbagriha, another idol of Lord Parshwanatha Ji is installed.
Celebrations at Temple of Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The Temple of Sri Rujubaluka Teerth organizes many annual gatherings and functions that are celebrated with much enthusiasm. The idol of Lord Mahavira is believed to possess miraculous powers and is visited by thousands of Jains and non Jains from far off places. They come here to offer their prayers to the Lord and receive his blessings. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims.
Tourism in Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The Teerth being situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings attracts many pilgrims. The surrounding greenery and the beauty of the teerth mesmerize and fascinate the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil village environment makes it a perfect place for religious activities. The scene of the temple situated on the bank of the river is very pleasing.
There are provisions for Dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims that are well equipped with all modern facilities. There are also facilities for Upashrays, Ayambilshala and Jnanabhandar.
How to Reach Shri Rujubaluka Teerth
The Kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. Buses and cars can ply right up to the temple. The nearest bus stand and railway station is located at Giridih that is at distance of 12 km. The nearest airport is located at Patna. Madhubani is located at a distance of about 18 km.