Sri Nandiya Teerth located in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is situated among the hills covered with beautiful trees outside the Nandiya village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Sri Nandiya Teerth
According to history Sri Nandiya Teerth dates back to the ancient times. Earlier the names of this teerth kshetra were Nandigram and Nandivardhanpur. As per reference earlier the place was very rich and prosperous and was resided by many people. The city of Nandiya was established by Nandivardhana, the elder brother of Lord Mahavira. The idol belongs to the time of Lord Mahavira. Several stone inscriptions have been found here of the years from 1130 to 1210. These prove the antiquity of this place. Since its establishment the teerth kshetra has been repaired and renovated several times. It is believed that the Lord had delivered religious sermons to the snake, Chandrakaushik. The builders of Ranakpur Teerth, Dharana Shah and Ratna Shah, were the residents of this city. The temple of the Lord was repaired and renovated in 1210 of the Vikram Samvat Era.
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 Sri Nandiya Teerth
The temple of Sri Nandiya 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 idols of God`s feet and a figure of snake have been carved attractively here. All the idols of 52 Jinalaya stand as a rare specimen of art. The idol of the Lord is 210 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 is a small temple on the hill in the vicinity of this temple.
The Temple of Sri Nandiya 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. 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 bus stop is located at Sirohi. The nearest railway station is also located at Sirohi at a distance of 10 kilometers away. The closest airport is located at Ahmedabad and Udaipur. Nandiya is at a distance of 6 kilometers from the Bamanvadaji teerth.
