Shri Mundava Teerth located in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the Mundava village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Mundava Teerth
Shri Mundava Teerth as per history dates back to the ancient period. The village is located in the vicinity of the city of Sojat. The teerth is associated with many miracles and legends. According to a popular legend about the origin of the teerth a shravaka had once taken a vow of bowing down before the God before taking his meals. Thus he went to the temple to in a village at a distance of five miles to fulfill his vow. The god was very pleased by his devotion and love and thus appeared in his dreams. He gave him instructions and also ordered him to find his idol under a particular tree located outside the village. He was also told to carry a basket full of barley grains and keep it there under the tree throughout the night. The shravaka followed the orders and found the idol at the said place. The barley grains that were kept under the tree had turned into gold. With the gold he built this splendid temple and installed the idol of the Lord. The idol of Lord Parshvanatha 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 Mundava Teerth
The temple of Shri Mundava Teerth houses the idol of Bhagwan Mundavara Parshvanatha. The Swetambara temple has been brilliantly decorated with artistic sculptural work. The intricate temple work depict 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 32 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.
The Temple of Sri Mundava Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions that are celebrated with much enthusiasm. 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 in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings. Being located in a village the temple is enclosed by scenic beauty and greenery that mesmerizes and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment makes the teerth 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 Chandraval that is 4 kilometers away from the temple. The chief city of Sojat is situated at a distance of 15 kms. The teerth is managed by the Chandal Jain Sangha.