Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple

Shri Mahaveer Ji temple is in Karauli district in Rajasthan, India and is 110 km from Sawai Madhopur town. Earlier known as Chandanpur, this small village became famous as a Jain religious site after an ancient idol of Mahaveer was excavated from its soil several hundred years ago. It was then renamed as Shri Mahaveer Ji This idol was excavated over 200 years ago from the same spot, after which the temple was constructed. Thousands of worshipers flock from across India to catch a glimpse of this famous statue.

Symbol of emotional integration Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Shri Mahaveer Ji is a holy place of pilgrimage in Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Lord Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankar. Shri Mahaveer ji draws people of all classes, creeds and communities from all over the world. Thousands of pilgrims throng here every day to have Darshan of Lord Mahaveer and offer prayers for attaining peace and solace. The devotees who come here experience eternal happiness and self-contentment, which is unique in itself.

History of the Temple
The principal deity of Lord Mahavira which is established in this temple was originally found on a mound, where it miraculously appeared. The villagers excavated the idol only because they noticed a cow (a special Kaamduhadhenu) pouring its milk on the mound every day. When the villager grew curious they excavated the mound and were surprised at the appearance of the idol of Lord Mahavira. It was when the wishes of people who prayed to this deity started getting answered, a temple was constructed for the idol by Shri Amar Chand Bilala of Jaipur. This was later renovated in the 17th and then 19th century. The temple has enjoyed the patronage of the kings that ruled Jaipur as they provided generous grants that contributed in the upkeep and maintenance of this holy shrine.

Major Attractions
The Mahavirji temple is a mind-blowing blend of ancient and modern architecture of Jains. This temple is entirely made of white marble and engraved with complex designs, just like all other Jain temples. The things to notice in the temple are the main idol of Lord Mahavira, which sits erect in a padmasana posture and is made up of sandstone. On his right is the idol of Lord Pushp Danta, and on the left is the idol of Lord Rishabdev. The beautifully carved temple boasts of a colossal 32 ft. high statue of Lord Shantinath, the sixteenth Tirthankara of Jains. Apart from this, there are idols of all the twenty-four Tirthankaras. The temple looks very alluring during the evenings when the entire premise is lighted with thousands of lights. The pillars and the ceilings of the temple are embellished with marvelous motifs and offers a peaceful, sanctified and serene atmosphere to the disciples.

Other Jain temples to visit in this village are Kirti Ashram Chaityalaya (small temple) and Bhagwan Parshvanath Jinalaya, which is also known as 'Kanch Ka Mandir' because of its magnificent colorful glass work. The most favorable time to visit the shrine is from March to May, during the annual fair. Besides this, you can also visit the shrine in the winter season, when the weather is at its best.