Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Kshetra located in Serona in Uttar Pradesh is a pilgrimage centre of the Jains. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. Place of Miracles. Serona is a beautiful sacred place located on the banks of the Khaidar River in Lalitpur District. It is located around 18 km from Lalitpur. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Shantinath, the sixteenth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Seronaji Atishaya Kshetra
According to history Seronaji Atishaya Kshetra is an ancient place. The place serves as a centre of Jain culture and art. The Jain temples located here have been constructed by Shri Devpat Khevpat Panashah. He is credited with constructing many Jain Temples at various places. The temples here have been constructed in V.S. 964. The Kshetra is spread over a large area. Several ruins of the temples and idols have also been found here which suggests that earlier there were many temples here.
Temple of Shantinath Digambar Jain Kshetra
Shantinath Digambar Jain Kshetra is surrounded by a rampart. The temples located here are very ancient and have been magnificently designed with artistic work. The first temple located here has several ancient idols and broken fragments. The second temple here is the main temple. It houses the principal deity of Lord Shantinath. The idol is seen in a standing posture and is very attractive in its appearance. It is 18 feet in height and is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is said that devotees who visit the temple get their wishes fulfilled on praying and worshipping the Lord with full devotion. The temple also houses idols of the other 23 Jain Tirthankaras. Many other idols have also been discovered from the fields while digging. The third and fourth temples also have many ancient idols installed in it. On the pylon of entrance gate 12 constellations have been carved and enhance the beauty of the temple.
Shantinath Digambar Jain Kshetra is situated in the midst of natural surroundings. The scenic beauty surrounding the temple mesmerizes the pilgrims. The Khaidar River flowing near the Kshetra looks very appealing. The temple organises three days festival every year in the month April on the Anniversary of Tri Gajaratha Mahotsava. It has provisions for dharamshals or rest houses for the pilgrims. Shri Vidyasagar Bhavan is a dharamshala located here has two big halls.
Shantinath Digambar Jain Kshetra is well connected to road and rail. Busses and taxies are easily available from Lalitpur. The nearest railway station located here is the Lalitpur Railway station.
