SHRI SIDDHAVARKUT TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Sri Mahavir Bhagwan, in white color, in a standing posture, of height 1.22 meters in a shrine near Omkareshvar (Mandhata) village which is on the banks of river Narmada, on the shore of river Cauvery. (Dig).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
According to Jain scriptures, this shrine is believed to be very ancient. Even today on several idols of other temples, inscriptions showing antiquity are found. On the idol of Sri Adishvar Bhagwan there is an inscription dated Vikram year 11.
In this temple, the gorgeous idol of Sri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan was ceremonially installed at the hands of Sri Somenswamiji in Vikram year 1545. The temple was renovated in Vikram year 1951. Every year between Falgun Sukla 13 and Poornima, an annual festival fair is held here. On the last day, the winding up of the pandal ceremonies are terminated by taking out a large procession of the chariot and abhishek of the idol by large special water pots.
In “Nirvana Kand” and other scriptures, it is found to have been stated that here tow “Chakravarti” kings Sri Sanatkumar and Sri Mandhva and 10 “Kamdevs” including Vatsaraj together with numerous saints had attained Moksha.
This shrine because of its location amongst wild hills in the western direction of the confluence of rivers Narmada and Kaveri is full of natural beauty and splendor.
At present, in the whole of this walled area, there are 10 other temples.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The nearby railway stations are 1) Badwaha 19 Kms and 2) Omkareshwar 11 Kms away from the shrine. The railway station of Mortaakka on Khandwa and Indore line is also called Omkareshwar road. The village of Omkareshwar is known by the name of Mandhata also. On one of the banks of river Kaveri – Narmada stands Omkareshwar and on the other stands this shrine. Indore is 80 Kms away and Khandwa 78 Kms away from this shrine. Taxis and Buses are available from these places.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
There is a dharamshala for lodging with all facilities Food can be prepared and made ready on advance intimation.
MANAGED BY :
Sri Digamber Jain Siddhakshetra, Siddhavarkut Trust
P.O. Mandhata (Omkareshwar) – 450 554.
Dist : Khandwa , Madhya Pradesh,
Tel: 07280 – 71229.