Mahuva Teerth located in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre that is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara. The town is located on the sea shore. It is one of the five teerths of Shatrunjaya.
History of Mahuva Teerth
According to history Mahuva Teerth dates back to the ancient times. Earlier the town was named as Madhumati. The temple of Shri Jeevit Swami is also located in this town. Since the construction of the temple of Lord Mahavira, it has been renovated and repaired several times. This teerth kshetra was last renovated under the inspiration of Shri Vinayaprabhavijayaji Mahraj Saheb in the year 1885 of Vikram Samvat Era. The renovation work took place on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the month Magha. Many famous Jain sages and acharyas have been born here. They have made remarkable contributions to the Jain order. Famous Acharyas like Shri Vijayanemisurishvaraji and Shri Vijayadharmasurishvaraji were also born here. They are credited being the saviors of this teerth Kshetra. Shri Vijayanemisurishvaraji was the last renovator of this teerth kshertra. In his memory a grand Jain temple named "Shri Nemivihara" has been built here. It is regarded as a famous pilgrimage centre for the devotees. A famous Jain Acharya Shri Vijayanemisurishvaraji breathed his last here in this town. Hence in his memory another Jain temple has been constructed in the place where his funeral rites took place.
Temple of Mahuva Teerth
The temple of Mahuva Teerth houses the deity the Lord Mahavira. Being one of the five teerths of Shatrunjaya, this pace is regarded as very sacred. The idol of the temple is white in colour and is 91 cm in size. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The idol is known as Jivita Swami. It has been referred by this name in the fourteenth century by Upadhyaya Shri Vinayaprabhavijayaji in "Tirthamala". Apart from this temple, a vast temple-complex of Shri Keshariaji Adinatha Bhagavan is also located here. The temple organises many annual gatherings and festivals. The teerth kshetra is surrounded by scenic beauty and natural greenery that captivates the heart of the pilgrims. There is provision for dharamshala or rest houses that are well equipped with all modern facilities.
Mahuva Teerth is well connected with road and rail. The nearest bus stop is located at Mahuva town. Busses and taxies are easily available for the teerth kshetra. The nearest railway station is situated at Bhavnagar.
