SHRI MANDARGIRI TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Sri Vasupuja Bhagwan in white color in a standing posture of height 7.25 ft. (about 220 cms) and Foot-Prints representing the place of Keval Gnan and Moksha in a shrine located on Mount Mandargiri (Dig).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
It is understood that the antiquity of this shrine is from the period of Sri Vasupujiya Bhagwan. In ancient times, Champa was the capital of Aang Desh and Mandargiri was the extension of this Champa city. Champa was also known by the name of Malini, reference of which is made inMahabharat. Later it was called by name Champanagiri.
At some time earlier this was a very huge expansive, full of greenery and a beautiful town, Bagalpur, Nathnagar, Champanala etc., of the present times were parts of this city, it is learnt.
All the five Kalnayaks of Sri Vasupujiya Bhagwan were witnesses by this holy town. In this town at Mandargiri Mount, while delivering a religious discourse at the last moments of his life, he attained Moksha while meditation, along with 600 Munis. According to Digamber tradition, Bhagwan had attained even Keval Gnan over here. Hence on this mount, Prabhu had meditated attained Keval Gnan and Moksha.
After the above mentioned Kalnayaks of Prabhu, lot of temples might have been constructed on this holy land. But this city had seen rise and falls several times and was in ruins consequently. In this period earlier and later to Bhagwan Mahavir this city has seen the rise and fall, as it is understood. A reference is found that Raja Kunik had founded this nagari sometime.
According to a reference when Muni Sri Saubhagyavijayji had visited here during 17th Vikram century that time too the holy mount of Mandargiri had foot-prints of Sri Vasupujiya Bhagwan besides two temples.
Presently, it is difficult to find out the details of the ancient temples. There are a few temples in the present Chmapanagari. Nathnagar, Bagalpur etc., the description of which is also available in Champapuri Tirth, where Janm Kalnayak of PRabhu, was held.
In Mandargiri this is the only holy Digamber Temple where the foot prints and the idol of PRabhu have been ceremonially santicified. The importance of this place Mandargiri, is due tot the two Kalnayaks (Keval Gnan and Moksha) of Sri Vasupujiya Bhagwan. As stated earlier, Prabhu during his last few moments while delivering sermon in a meditative posture attained Moksha along with 600Munis and this is the reason every dust particle here is so holy. The vibrations here are so energized that the pilgrims whoever make a visit here are all contented with life.
The natural scenery of this holy mount is just beautiful and superb. The water and air over here are so pure.
Scientists after their research work concluded that whatever Rishi Muni’s have meditated, practiced austerities or thought over the thousands of years earlier, vibrations of those place are electrifying and felt by pilgrims going to such places. They find a lot of transformation after visiting such pilgrim centers as they forget all their worries. If given a chance, none should miss an opportunity visiting these places.
Presently besides this, there is a temple at the base of the mountain and on the mountain. A “Manastambh” and a description of “Chavvisi tonk” is also found. All these are Digamber temples.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
Bhonsi is the name of the village at the base of the mountain. Mandaryavarat is the Railway Station here which is close to the dharamshala at the base. From the base the ascent is 3Kms to the mount. One has to walk all the way to the temple tip, however chair carriers are available for those who cannot walk it up. Cars and buses can go up to the base of the mount. This shrine is 55Kms away from Bagalpur. The nearest airport is that of Patna 220Kms away from Calcutta which is 410Kms away.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
There is a dharamshala at the base of the mount, near the Railway station, with all facilities. A bhojanshala for meals is also available.
Managed By :
Sri Mandargiri Digamber Jain Siddhakshetra
P.O. Bhonsi – 813 105
Dist : Bhanka (Bihar)
Tel : 06424 – 37712
