Hathundi Teerth located in the Aravalli Mountain Ranges in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is situated at a distance of 32 kms from the Ranakpur teerth, 28 kms from the city of Falna. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Hathundi Teerth
According to history Shri Hathundi Teerth dates back to the ancient times. The temple of Lord Mahavira is said to have been built in the year 370 of the Vikram Samvat Era by Shri Viradeva Shreshthis. He got constructed the shrine under the inspiration of revered Acharya Shri Siddharsuriji. It thus belonged to the fourth century. The city once served as the capital of Rashtrakuta Dynasty. It was earlier known by two names, Hastikundi and Hastitundi. Below the idol of the Lord installed here there is a mark of an Ashtapada lion with the face of an elephant. It is believed that it is for this reason the city was named as Hastatundi which means mouth of an elephant. Such a mark cannot be seen in any other idol. Thus this particular idol of Lord Mahavira bears a distinctive status.
As per reference in 973 of the Vikram Samvat Era Vidagadha the son of king Harivardhana became a follower of Jainism. He then began the renovation of the temple of Lord Mahavira. He repaired and decorated it beautifully and ceremoniously re-installed the idol.
The descendents of king Vidagdha were also followers of Jainism. They thus helped in propagating and spreading the Jain religion. Apart from the idol of Lord Mahavira, the temple houses the idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. The idol was ceremoniously installed at the auspicious hands of revered Shri Shantyacharyaji Maharaj in V.S. 1053. It is also stated that the temple was finally repaired and renovated in V.S. 2006 at the auspicious hands of the lion of Punjab, revered Acharya Shri Vijayavallabhasurishvaraji.
Temple of Shri Hathundi Teerth
The temple of Shri Hathundi Teerth houses the idol of Lord Mahavira. The temple has been magnificently decorated with artistic designs and stands a perfect example of ancient art. The idol of the Lord is red-coral in colour and is 13.5 cm in height. It is seated in a padamasana posture. The temple organises several annual functions. Every year a fair is held on the thirteenth day of the month of Chaitra. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Being located in a village, the temple is surrounded by scenic beauty that attracts and mesmerises the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment makes it a suitable place for religious activities. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Bus service and vehicles are easily available for the kshetra. The nearest railway station is located at Javaibandh at a distance of 20 kilometers away.
