MODHERA TIRTH

Categories : All Jain Tirth

MODHERA TIRTH

SHRI MODHERA TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Chintamani Parshvanath in white color seated in a lotus posture, of height 45 Cms in Modhera village (Shve).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

This shrine is believed to be of a period before 9th Vikram century because according to a statement made in “Prabhavak Chaitra” Sri Bappabhatsuriji took Diksha at this place in Vikram year 807 at the hands of Sri Siddhasensuriji. This is also the birth place of Kalikal Sarvagna Sri Hemchandracharyaji. Outside the limits of this town, ruins of ancient Jain temples can be seen. Opposite the temple, there is a large reservoir where in small single room shrines Jain idols seated in lotus postures can be seen. It is stated that while digging for this reservoir, several Jain Idols were discovered which were again buried under the earth. There is no doubt that if excavations are undertaken here, many artful relics and Jain idols will be found because this is an ancient shrine and it can be shown that Jain temples existed in 14th Vikram century Sri Jinprabhsuriji while describing the temple of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan at this place, mentions that during ninth century Sri Bappabhattacharyaji used to visit this temple for worship and prayers after flying in the sky. In Vikram 8th century, Sri Siddhasenduriji came here for pilgrimage.

Modhera Gachchha was founded here Kalikal Sarvagna Sri Hemchandracharyaji belonged Modh clan and this is the place of his birth also. The Jain Acharya Sri Bappabhattacharyaji who gave religious discourses to the well known devout Malwa king had taken Diksha at this place. Acharya Sri used to come here on a pilgrimage regularly from wherever he was by his Yogic powers of flying. By giving discourses on Jain religion to Sri Am, the king of Kanoj in this place, he had got him converted to Jainism. Mahatma Gandhiji belonged to Modh clan and MOdhera is also the birth place of his ancestors.

There is no other Jain temple nearby. The Sun temple of Modhera is world famous because of the style of its sculptural art. The town being ancient and historical many relics of rare beauty of ancient days are discovered here at several spots.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby Railway station of Bachraji is 13Kms away from where Buses and taxis are available. Modera is 15 Kms away from Chanasma 16 Kms away from Rantej 25 Kms away from Mehsana and 35 Kms away from Patan. Buses and cars can go right upto the temple doors.