SHRI BAMANWADA TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Mahavir Bhagwan in praval coral color, seated in a lotus posture of height 60 Cms located in a shrine at the foot-hills near Virwada 7 Kms away from SIrohi Road. (Shve).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

In rock – inscriptions this place has been called by its ancient name of Brahmanvatak. This shrine is well known as “Jivitswami” (Living Divine Presence). According to the succession records of Tapa Gachchha (Tappa Gachchha Pattavali), this temple was built by Raja Samprati who had taken a vow to go on a pilgrimage four times every year to five shrines which include the name of Brahmanwad.

Acharyas Nagarjunsuriji, Skandansuri and Padaliptasuri had also a similar vow and their five shrines included too Brahmanwad. As a result of religious discourses of Sri jayanandsuriji, the Porwal minister Sri Samanthshah had carried out renovations to several shrines in Vikram year 821 and those shrines had included Brahmanwad. In a compostion entitled “Ashtottari Tirthmala” of Sri Mahendrasuriji of Anchal Gachchha in Vikram year 1300 or there about, it is stated that in this temple of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan, there existed his Foot-Prints anda stupa. In “Tirthmala” composed by Pandit Sri Saubhagyavijayji in Vikram year 1750, these Foot-Prints have been referred to. The glory of this shrine has been sung inlaudatory poems composed by poet Sri Lavanyasamaygani in Vikram year 1529, by Sri Vishalsundarji in Vikram year 1685, by Pandit Sri Kshekushalji in Vikram year 1657, and by Sri Virvijayji in Vikram year 1708. This ancient shrine must have undergone renovations several times. After the most recent renovations, the temple was ceremonially consecrated at the hands of Acharya Sri Sushilsurishvarji on the 5th of May 1979.

It is said that the torture of striking nails in the ears of Bhagwan Sri Mahavir was committed here where there exist today his foot-prints. Acharya Sri Nagarjunsuriji, Sri Skandansuriji, Sri Padaliptasuriji and Raja Sri Samprati visited this spot regularly for worship and offering prayers. Shri Shivsinhji Maharaj of Sirohi had no hopes whatever to gain his throne but it was only due to faith and devotion to this shrine that he later became the ruler of Sirohi. In order to look after this shrine with proper care, he gifted to the shrine sufficient land for agricultaural, a number of wells and water fetching rotating- wheels and to this effect prepared a copper plate document of Jyest Sukla 5 inVikram year 1876. Miracles still happen here and devout followers invariably get all their wishes fulfilled. It is noteworthy that in Vikram year 1989, the All India Jain Shvetamber Porwal Conference was held here in the benign presence of the Yogiraj of Mt Abu, Sri Vijayshantisurishvarji. On the termination of the conference on Chaitra Krishna 3, the entire Jain community had honored the Yogiraj then with several titles. Always hundreds of pilgrims come here but specially on the 11th day of the bright half of every lunar month they come in a still larger number.

In this temple there are painted marble slabs covered with glasses showing the chart of 27 previous incarnations of Bhagwan Mahavir which is extremely beautiful. The idol of the Lord made of sand particles with pearl plaster which can scarcely by found any where else is not only dignified but also impressive. Heart of every devotee is captured here as a result of which he is engrossed in deep devotion. This place being located in a forest has such an appeal that peace and happiness are just spontaneous.

On the hill, a replica of the shrines at Sametshikhar is made which is very attractive. On the hill, there is a room which has been sanctifies because Yogiraj of Mount Abu used to practice there deep meditation. On the bench where he sat, there is now kept this picture. In the room is also kept his idol.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby railway station of Sirohi road is 7 Kms away where taxis and buses are available. Villages of Pindwala is 8 Kms from here. The town of Sirohi is 16 Kms away. From Mount Abu as well as from Sirohi Road, all buses going to Sirohi town go via Bamanwada. Opposite the dharamashala, there is the public bus stand.