Home > Society > Religion in India > Shri Sanchore Teerth
Shri Sanchore Teerth
Shri Sanchore Teerth located in Rajasthan is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to offer their worship and receive the blessings of the Lord.

Share this Article:

Shri Sanchore Teerth, RajasthanShri Sanchore Teerth located in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the heart of the town of Sanchore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.

History of Shri Sanchore Teerth
According to history Shri Sanchore Teerth dates back to the ancient times. As per reference the teerth was earlier very rich and prosperous and was resided by many people. There were almost 130 Jain temples. However, with time all the temples were destroyed and presently only six temples remain. Earlier the town was named as Satyapur or Satyapuri. Sanchore has been the birthplace of the great poet Upadhyaya Shri Samayasundara Maharaj. The idol of the Lord finds its mention in the `Jagachintamani stotra` that has been composed by Gautamaswami. It belongs to the times of Lord Mahavira and was known by the name Jivantaswami. The temple has also been mentioned in the `Vividha Tirtha Kalpa` that was written in the 14th century by revered Shri Jinaprabhasuri. It states that in the year 130 of Vikaram Samvat Era, Shri Nahada Raja had built a huge temple here. He also installed an idol of Lord Mahavira made of gold. However, the idol was later taken to Delhi by Ala-ud-din Khilji. Another reference states that a king of Kannauj had built a wooden temple of Lord Mahavira in the 13th century of the Vikram Samvat Era. An inscription has been found in the temple that mentions that Bhandari Shri Chhada Sheth got the temple of Lord Mahavira repaired and renovated in the year V.S. 1322, on the 13th day of the dark half of Vaishakh. The last renovation of the temple took place in V.S. 1963.

The idol of Lord Mahavira 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 Sanchore Teerth
The temple of Shri Sanchore Teerth houses the idol of Lord Mahavira. 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 white in colour and 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 Shri Sanchore Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. 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. Being located on the hill 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. Devotees visiting the temple need to climb almost 250 steps. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stop is located at Sanchore. Bus facility is also available from Jalore, Bhinnamal, Badmerm and Jodhpur. The nearest railway station is located at Raniwada at a distance of 48 kms. The closest airport is located at Jodhpur.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Religion in India


Religion in Indus Valley Civilization
Religion in Indus Valley Civilisation included Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Details about the religion in Indus Valley Civilization have been gathered from archaeological artefacts.
Shaivism Religion
Shaivism is the second largest “religious community” in modern India with its roots deeply seated in the Hindu Vedic belief.
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is among the more popular denominations of Hinduism, with its own distinctive ideas about spirituality and morality. Vaishnavism concentrates on worshipping god Vishnu and of his incarnations.
Hinduism Religion
Hinduism is more of a philosophy which is a way of living according to the understanding of the principles of Vedas and Upanishads.
Islam
Islam is a religion that beliefs in Allah as the one and only God and creator of the Universe. Islamic law or Sharia is characterised by the five pillars of Islam which comprise the essential duties of every Muslim.
Christianity
Christianity is a religion based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ and it is the largest religion in the world.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and a philosophy that encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, practices and traditions that are chiefly based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha and its later disciples.
Jainism
Jainism chronologically preceded the religion of Buddhism. It is considered as one of the oldest religions of India. Jainism in India shared with Hinduism and Buddhism. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect and not a Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, closely related to Judaism, Christianity and Islam was founded by Zoroaster.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion started by Guru Nanak in land of Punjab in 15th century A.D.