SHRI AJARI TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Shri Mahavir Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture of height 75 Cms in a shrine located in the village called Ajari (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
This is a very ancient place, antiquity of which is very difficult to ascertain. Kalikal Sarvagna (Knower of all happenings in this part of the cycle time ). Sri Hemchandrarcharya when he practiced intense austerities in the temple of Sri Saraswatidevi at nearby Markandeshvar had the privilege of having sight of the personal presence of Goddess Saraswati in this Jain temple. There is found an inscription dated Vikram year 1202 in a Vav adjacent to the temple which gives description of the Parmar King Yashodhaval. Here on some idols made of metal there are found inscriptions of Vikram 11th and 13th centuries. On the idol of the Presiding Deity, no inscription is found. From the art model of the idol, it looks that the idol is very ancient. In this magnificent temple with 52 surrounding small single room shrines, it appears that all idols belong to the period of raja Samprati. There are some beautiful images of Acharyas also in the temple one of which is quite outstanding on which there is found an inscription of the 12th Vikram century.
Shri Hemchandracharya had got installed in this temple the idol of Goddess Sri Saraswatidevi after he was graced with the benefit of having the sight of her personal presence. This idol can be seen in the temple even today. On this idol there is an inscription which states that its consecration ceremonies were conducted by Sri Shantisuriji on Vikram year 1269. It is possible that idol was commandeered by Sri Hemchandracharya and ceremonially consecrated by Shantisuriji. The miracles brought by Sri Saraswatidevi are well-known. Even today many devotees both Jain and Non Jains, come here in all humility to gain knowledge and their desires are fulfilled. This shrine is one of Panch Tirthi of Chhoti Marwad. The Yogiraj of Mount Aby Sri Shantisuriji had also practiced intense austerities in the forest nearby and in the temple of Sri Markandeshvar and it is said that Goddess Saraswati had appeared to him too. The place where Sri Vijay Shantisurishvarji resided in Markandeshvari can still be seen as it used to be. This place happens to be birth place of Poet laureate Kalidas also.
In this temple as well as in the temple of Markanseshwar the ancient idols of Sri Saraswatidevi are very impressive. Such idols to be seen anywhere else is almost impossible. There is no other temple besides this one. The temple of Sri Saraswatidevi in Markandeshvar s 1 Km away from this place.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The nearby railway station of Sirohi road is 5Kms away from where autos, taxis and small private buses are available. From Bamanwadji this shrine is 12 Kms away and from Nandia it is 10 Kms away on the road between Sirohi Road and Mount Abu. There is a tar road upto the temple .
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
Near the temple, there is a dharamshala but presently facilities are not available. So it is advisable to stay at Bamanvadji or Pindwada and visit here.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Kalyanji Saubhagchandji Jain Pedhi
P.O. Ajari – 307 021
Dist : Sirohi , Rajasthan
Tel : 02971 – 20028 (Pindwada) P.P.
