Shri Dhanari Teerth located in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the Purohit Street in the Dhanari village on the bank of the Banas River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the sixteenth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Dhanari Teerth
According to history Shri Dhanari Teerth dates back to the ancient times. As per reference the teerth is believed to belong to the year 1348 of the Vikram Samvat Era. It is said that the main idol of the temple was earlier Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. Later during the renovation of the temple the idol of Lord Shantinath was installed in the temple. Since its construction the temple has been repaired and renovated several times. The final renovation was done in the year 2006 of the Vikram Samvat Era at the auspicious hands of the revered Acharya Vijayjinendrasurishvarji. The seat of the Pujyas of the Tapagachchhiya Kamalakalash branch is here. It is regarded as a branch of the seat at Patan. The idol of Lord Shantinath is believed to possess miraculous powers. Thousands of Jains and non Jains 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 Dhanari Teerth
The temple of Shri Dhanari Teerth houses the idol of Lord Shantinatha. The Swetambara 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 and paintings. The idol of the Lord is 60 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 many small beautiful temples built in the garden in the vicinity of the temple. In one these temples the foot images of predecessors of His Holiness Mahendrasurisvarji have been installed.
The Temple of Sri Dhanari Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. Every year a flag is hoisted on the temple on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh. 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 teerth is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings. 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 railway station is located at is at Sarupaganj that is at a distance of 2 kilometers.
