SHRI MANDAR TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Sri Mahavir Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture and of height 120 cms in a shrine of Mandir Sheri in Mandar village.

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

In ancient inscriptions this place has been referred to as Maharud or Mahahad. The great erudite scholar Acharya Sri Vadidevsurishvarji was both in this village in Vikram year 1143. The name of this village also happens to be included in the committee formed to celebrate the annual festival of Lavanyavasahi temple of Abu-Dilwara in Vikram year 1287. In “Tirthmala” composition of the poet Laureate Sri Megh of Vikram year 1499 there is a reference to the temple of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan existing here. This temple appears to have been buried some time during the tremors of earth quakes. The large size idol of the existing Presiding Deity Sri Mahavir Bhagwan and two other idols in meditating standing posture of Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan and Sri Vimalnath Bhagwan (with an inscription dated Vikram year 1259 on the idol of Sri Vimalnath Bhagwan) were discovered from underground near a hill outside the village. Probably this is the same idol of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan which has been referred to by poet Megh in his Tirthmala. Once again after building the temple here, this ancient heavenly idol was ceremonially consecrated and installed in Vikram year 1920.

Maharid Gachchha was founded at this place. From innumerable ruins lying scattered outside the village, it looks as if this large city had numerous Jain temples, it looks as if this large city had numerous Jain temples. Reference are available about the local shresthis having participated in many religious occasions outsides the village from time to time.

Every year on Magh Sukla 13 a dhvaja is hoisted here on the mast of the temple Sikhar.

The idol of the Chief Deity as well as the idols of Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan and Sri Vimalnath Bhagwan in meditating standing posture all discovered from underground as a result of digging are not only attractive but very expressive and impressive. Besides this temple, there is one other ancient temple of Sri Dharamnath Bhagwan in the vicinity here.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby railway station of Abu road is 50Kms away where taxis and buses are available. Direct buses come here from Sirohi, Deesa and Abu Road. The bus stand is only 200 meters from the temple. Buses and cars can go upto the temple.

AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :

For lodging there is only an Upashraya where water and electricity are available. An Ayambilshala is also available.

MANAGED BY :

Sri Panch Mahajan Jain Dharmada and Dharmik Trust Bhandar
P.O. Mandar – 307 513
Dist : Sirohi, Rajasthan.
Tel : 02975 – 36131