Shri
Sirohi Tirth
Mulnayak:
White-colored idol of Bhagawan Adishvar in the Padmasana posture.
How to reach: It is in the Derasar street in the Sirohi town. The nearest
railway station of Sirohi is at a distance of 24 kilometers. Buses and private vehicles
are available. There are provisions for boarding and
lodging. An upashraya, a gnanamandir, a dadawadi etc. are there.
Art and Architecture: temples
Historicity:With its two Jaina dharmashalas
and a well-conducted bus station, Sirohi is a convenient stopover for travellers who
are inclined towards discovering for themselves lesser known, but in no way inferior, holy
Jalina sites in the vicinity of this ancient city that was founded in about the fourth
century BC under the name of Shivapuri. From 1405 onward, after the devastation of
Chandravati at the south- eastern foot of Mount Abu by Muslim forces, it was the capital
of Sirohi State, up to Independence in 1947 when it was incorporated into Rajasthan.
In
Sirohi itself there are sixteen temples, all Shvetambara. The earliest of the thirty-four,
inscriptions discovered in these temples dates from 1167. But most of the shrines were
built in the sixteenth/seventeenth century. The best known is the Parshvanatha temple. The
partly deserted palace of the Sirohi royal family, towering above the old part of the town
where most ofthe Jaina temples are situated, is closed to the public.
To
illustrate the view of Sirohi being a suitable place for undertaking short excursions,
there is, to start with, seven kilometres from Sirohi Road towards Abu Road a prominent
hill with a large complex of temples called Bamanvad. It is sacred to Mahavira and a
popular destination for Shvetambara pilgrims. The earliest inscription on this hill dates
from 1292, but there are remains which are much older. An. extensive re-renovation took
place in 1979. Lord Mahavira's
footprints are worshipped on top of the hill.
Maharao Shivabhan’s son Shesmalji Chauhan settled this town in the year 1482
of the Vikram era. This temple was built still earlier. This is called the temple of
Achalagachchha. It was the result of excellent and pure thoughts that this temple was
built in a forest where even the town was not settled. In course of years, the place was
changed into a city. It is still unravished. All this is the influence of good thoughts.
Jagadguru Hirvijaysursvarji got here the rank of an Acharya. Gold mohurs were distributed
on this auspicious occasion of the great festival. This is noteworthy. The idol of the
four-mouthed Bhagawan Adishvar in the four-storeyed temple was installed in the year 1634
of the Vikra era. Its art etc. are very distinct even today. Many great Acharyas did many
religious activities here on this land. From the door of the open square of the sanctuary
behind the temple of Bhagawan Adishvar to the palace, there is a subterranean passage.
Perhaps, it was made for the King and the queens to come to the temple. They had boundless
faith in religion. At present, there are nineteen temples beside ancient temple of
Bhagawan Adinath. The idol of Saraswatidevi installed in the Pausadhashalas near the
Achalgachchha temple is very beautiful. In the temple of 52 idols, the idol of Mulnayak
Bhagawan Adinath is studded with gems. The sculpture is very beautiful. One hundred
ancient idols of Panch dhatu (five metals alloy) are very delightful. The sculpture of
arched-gates, pillars and the pendal in the four-mouthed temple is sighty.
Trust: Shri Achalagachchha Adishvarji Jain Temple Pedhi, Temple Street,
State - Rajasthan, India.