Shri Tera Teeth located at Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is situated at a distance of some 84 km from Bhuj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Tera Teeth
According to history Shri Tera Teeth dates back to the ancient times. It is one of the five tirthas in Abadasa. Earlier the town of Tera remained safe guarded from all the sides for its strong castle. The temple of Lord Parshvanatha was built in 1915 of the Vikram Samvat Era by Sheth Hirajibhai Dosabhai and Sheth Pasavira Raimal, the two Jain Shresthis. Since its construction the temple has been repaired and reconstructed many times. As per reference the last renovation of this temple took place in 2027 V.S. at the auspicious hands of Acharya Shri Gunasagarasurishvarji. The deity is believed to possess great miraculous powers. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from different places. It is said that by worshipping the Lord with full devotion one can get all their wishes fulfilled.
Temple of Shri Tera Teerth
The temple of Shri Tera Teerth houses the idol Lord Parshvanatha. The temple has been brilliantly decorated with intricate artistic designs. It stands as a unique example of ancient architectural beauty. The idol of the Lord is almost 68 cm in height and is seated in a padmasana posture. The temple is adorned with nine peaks with flags fluttering on it. These look very attractive even from a far off distance and enhance the beauty of the temple. The creative designs of these peaks look very attractive. There is a vast quadrangle around the temple. Apart from the main idol there are many other idols installed in the temple. The eulogy of Sheth Hirajibhai Dosabhai and Sheth Pasavira Raimal who constructed the temple can be seen carved on the walls of the temple. There are 110 Jina idols and 74 Siddhachakras located here. Another striking temple of Shri Shamalia Parshvanatha Bhagavan can be seen in the vicinity of the temple. The temple has been embellished with gorgeous glass-work. This temple was constructed some 300 years back by Goraji Hirachand Tarachand. The temple houses 13 other Jain idols in the temple.
The Temple of Shri Tera 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. 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. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stop is located at Naliya at a distance of 11 km. The nearest railway station is located at Bhuj at a distance of 84 km and the closest airport is located at Bhuj.
