Ahichchhatra Jain temples

The Ahichchhatra Jain temples is a group of Jain temples in Ahichchhatra village in Aonla tehsil of Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh. Ahichchhatra is believed to be the place where Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism, attained Kevala Jnana.

Ahichchhatra Jain temples
Shri Ahichchhatra Parshvanath Atishaya Kshetra Digamber Jain Mandir
Religion
AffiliationJainism
SectDigambara and Śvētāmbara
DeityParshvanatha
FestivalsMahavir Jayanti, Ahichhatra Jain Mela
Location
LocationAhichchhatra, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
Location within Uttar Pradesh
Geographic coordinates28°22′23″N 79°07′06″E
Architecture
CreatorKing Vasupal
Temple(s)7

Jain tradition

Parshvanatha sculpture excavated from Ahichchhatra, 7th century BCE

The history of Ahichchhatra starts from the period of Rishabhanatha, the first tirthankara. According to Digambara belief, this place was visited by all 24 Tirthankaras. Ahichchhatra is believed to be the place where Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism, attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience).[1] According to the Jain texts, This places was visited by Parshvanatha during vihara and Kamath in an attempt to obstruct Parshvanatha from achieving Kevala Jnana caused continuous rain. Parshvanatha was immersed in water up to his neck and to protect him the serpent God Dharanendra held a canopy of thousand hoods over his head and the Goddess Padmavati coiled herself around his body. Following this event, the place was renamed to Ahichchhatra (transl.Serpent umbrella).[2][3][1]

Vividha Tirtha Kalpa, composed by Jinaprabha Suri in the 14th century CE, mentions Samkhyāvatǐ as earlier name of Ahichchhatra and gives description of two Jain temples dedicated to Parshvanatha in the area.[4] According to Ahicchatra-nagri-kalpa, this place was visited by Goddess Ambika.[5] Kaivalyamala, written by Jain acharya Udyotansuri in c.778 CE,[6][7] mentions that Harigupta of the Gupta empire took diksha here.[8][9]

History

Ahichchhatra is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas empire.[10] Ahichchhatra was considered as an important town during the visit by Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century.[11] A number of ancient Jain ayagapata was excavated from this site including the famous Namdighosa ayagapata dated early 1st century CE.[12][13] A total of 27 Jain inscriptions discovered here bears dates below c.100 CE.[14] A number of Jain temple were discovered by Alexander Cunningham during excavation.[15]

Many idols, stupas and pillars from Kushan and Gupta period have been discovered from this place.[8]

Temples

Parshvanath idol commonly known as Tikhal wale Baba
Shwetambar Jain temple

The temples in Ahichchhatra are built to commemorate Parshvanatha attaining Kēvalajñāna kalyāṇaka.[16][1][17]

Digambara Jain temple

The Digambara Jain temple was initially constructed during the reign of King Vasupal. The temple was later reconstructed in 1975. The temple contains 7 vedis, one has a 6-foot (1.8 m) idol of Mahavira while others houses idols of Parshvanatha in different postures. The main idol of the temple dates back to the 10th century and is popularly known as Tikhal wale Baba.[8]

This temple is dedicated to Parshvanatha and is major Jain pilgrimage center.[18][19] According to Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Ahichhatra Jain Temple witnessed over 436,000 visitors in 2019.[20]

Tis Chaubisi temple

The Tis Chaubisi temple was constructed in 2002 CE. The temple houses 720 idols of the 24 Tirthankaras. The mulnayak of this temple is a 13.5-foot (4.1 m) idol of Parshvanatha.[8]

Bhagwan Parshvanath-Padmavati temple

The Bhagwan Parshvanath-Padmavati temple was constructed in 2007 CE. The temple houses an idol of Parshavantha in the centre with idols of Dharanendra and Padmavati on either side.[8]

Chaubisi temple

The Chaubisi temple is build near the old Digambara Jain temple in area of 17,500 square metres (188,000 sq ft).[8]

Shwetambar Jain temple

The Shwetambar temple is a beautiful structure known for its unique architecture. The temple is made of buff sandstone and houses a thousand images of the Jain pantheon.[8]

Both Digambara and Shwetambar Jain temple also has a dharamshala equipped with all modern facilities and bhojnalaya.[8]

Fair

Ahichhatra Jain Mela is the primary festival of this temple and is organized annually in March.[19]

See also

References

Citation

Sources

Bibliography

  • Tandon, O. P. (1986). Jaina Shrines in India. Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 9788123024547.

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