Which is Asia’s biggest Jain mandir?

The Ranakpur Jain Temple located in Pali district of Rajasthan is Asia’s biggest Jain Mandir.

Which is the oldest Jain temple in India?

The Mahavira Jain Temple of Osian in Jaipur is the oldest Jain temple in India.

Which temple is famous for Digambar Jain?

The Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Delhi is famous for Digambar Jain in India.

Spiritual Journey To Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple Indore

Satya (The Truth), Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Asteya (Not to steal), Brahmacharya (Celibacy) and Aparigraha (Non-Passiveness) are the main aspects that we can learn from Jainism. These pillars were taught by Tirthankaras of Jainism. As we are speaking about Tirthankaras, do you know about the Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple, which is solely dedicated to one of the known Tirthankaras, Lord Bahubali, who is said to be a symbol of spiritual victory in Jainism in Indore? Let’s learn more about Gommatagiri Jain Temple in Indore.

About Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple

The Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple is a shrine located on a small hillock named Gommatagiri, near the Nainod village of Indore. It is one of the famous Jain temples in the Indore region. The Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Bahubali, a symbol of spirituality in Jainism, and the statue of Lord Bahubai is about 21 feet in height and stands as a principal deity. The statue is believed to be a replica of Lord Bahubali statue of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. Let’s look at the hillock of Gommatagiri Jain Temple in Indore. It is also decorated with 24 marble shrines dedicated to all 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain community. The temple also consists of rare scripts studied by the Shravak Gana and Muniraj.

History of Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple:

If we look into the history of Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple, the concept of making an idol and worshipping Bhagwan Bahubali was envisioned by the Late Digambar Jain Acharya 108 Sri Vidyananda Muni Maharaj while on the journey to Shravanabelagola in 1979 and then Late Samajjan Dulichand Sethi, Shantilal Patni and Babulal Patodi took the task of establishing the temple in 1981.

Who Was Lord Bahubali?

If we turn the pages of the history of Jainism, Bahubali was the son of the first Tirthakara of Jainism, Adinatha and his queen, Sunanda. Bahubali had a brother named Bharata, destined to sit on the throne. Still, Bahubali won a duel and took control of the kingdom. Afterwards, he believed that Jains had to follow the spiritual path and decided to seek spiritual liberation.

He stood up in deep meditation in Kayotsarga posture, dismissing the body for a year without moving. Bahubali was so unmindful of the surroundings that vines grow undisturbed up in his arms and legs, and even anthills rose on his feet. The intense meditative state helped him in his spiritual victory according to the beliefs of the Digambara sect of Jainism. The values that Lord Bahubali taught include Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Tapasya (Austerity) and Vairagya (Detachment), and that is the reason why the grand statues of Bahubali are erected in his honour that symbolises spiritual victory and introspection. These statues are in Gommatagiri Jain Temple in Indore, Shravanabelagola Karnataka and Karkala.

The Architecture of Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple:

The architecture of the Jain temple is the best example of a fusion of traditional and modern styles of architecture. The temple complex is designed with intricate carvings that reflect the dedication and the skillset of the artisans. You can also find the smaller shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras that are beautifully crafted and maintained.

The temple also has a metal formation that is a symbol of Hrim, including Tirthankaras idol.

Things To See In The Temple:

1. The Main Bahubali Statue:

The 21-foot statue of Lord Bahubali is a main attraction, which is standing and expressing a sense of peace and spiritual power. The idol is in a Kayotsarga posture in Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple.

2. The Om Symbol:

As you enter the temple, right in front of the statue of Lord Bahubali, you can see the Om symbol in a metal form with Tirthankar idols, and it is about 25 feet away from the main idol.

3. Tirthankara Temple:

The Indore Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple also bears the idols of 24 Tirthankaras, which is located on the left side of the Bahubali idol. All of these idols are installed in separate sanctums, and they are in Padmasana postures. Every sanctum bears a separate shikhara. The colours, idols, and sanctums are similar to what is mentioned in Jain Shastras.

4. Pada/Charana:

In the Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple, on the left side of the Bahubali idol, you can find the Pada/Charan of Gautama Gandhara and other Acharyas of the Jain community.

5. Manastambha:

Just in front of the Lord Bahubali idol at a distance of 100 steps, you can find the Manasthambha, which is 41 feet in height.

6. Acharya Shri ShanthisagarJi Maharaj:

Just in front of the Manastambha, you can observe the idol of Acharya Shri Shanthisagarji Maharaj in Paryankasana posture on a platform.

7. Adinath Jinalaya:

Another thing that you can see is Adinath Jinalaya, who is just behind Lord Bahubali. The Adinath Jinalaya consists of an idol of Lord Adinath as a main deity.

8. Dharamshala:

Just behind the temple, you can see the Dharamshala, which offers lodging and boarding services to visitors and tourists as well as to members of the Jain community.

Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple Timings

The Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple Timings start from early morning 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm every day, and there is no such entry fee to pay.

The best time to visit Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple

As the temple is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the best time to visit Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple is said to be from the month of October to March since the weather is a bit calm enough to explore the temple as well as other places nearby in Indore.

Places to visit near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple

Now you know the timings and the best time to visit the temple, and you want to explore a few more places nearby. So here are some tourist attractions in Indore where you can pay your visit.

1. Kanch Mandir, Indore:

If you want to visit another pilgrim place in the Jain community, then the Kanch Mandir of Indore is one of the best places to visit near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple. The temple is known for its glasswork, intricate carvings and designs and other textures. Apart from the whole ornamentation of the temple, it showcases the mediaeval Jain style of architecture that uses multicoloured glasses and mirrors. The Glass Temple is one of the main institutions of Jain communities in Indore.

2. Rajwada Palace, Indore

If you want to learn more about the history and heritage of the Holkar Dynasty, then you can visit the Rajwada Palace in Indore, which was made by Malhar Rao Holkar in the 18th century for the administrative and residential purposes of the Holkar family. The Rajwada Palace or Holkar Palace of Indore is also known for its Maratha, Mughal and French style of architecture. The Palace is a seven-storey building where the lower three floors are made up of stone, and the upper four floors are made up of wood.

3. Patalpani Waterfall, Indore

If you are looking for a perfect place to picnic with your friends and family in Indore, then you can choose to visit the Patalpani Waterfall, which is known for its serene natural beauty. The waterfall is made by the Choral River, and it is surrounded by a dark green forest. You can take a ride on the Patalpani-Kalakund heritage train and enjoy the ride. You can also have a picnic with your best friends and family members and observe the waterfall during the light monsoon season.

4. Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore

If you want to visit the oldest pilgrim place, which was restored by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, then you can visit the Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is a God of wisdom in Hinduism. The Khajrana Ganesh Temple is known for its stories, and it is also believed that whoever wishes something with a pure intention, Lord Ganesha fulfils it.

Restaurants Near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple

You visited the Jain temple and places nearby, but why forget about our stomachs and stay hungry. So here are some of the restaurants where you can visit:

1. Shree Gajanan Bhojnalaya, Indore

At a distance of approximately 3 km, you can visit the Shree Gajanan Bhojanalaya in Indore, which is known for its scrumptious vegetarian meals. From Dal Makhni to Aalu Do Pyaaza, you will find everything here. The Shree Gajanan Bhojnalay is one of the best restaurants near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple.

2. Prithvilok Restaurant

If you are looking for another place that serves vegetarian as well as offers vegan options, then you can visit the Prithvilok Restaurant in Indore. This place is known for its comfortable ambience and value for food services.

Hotels Near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple

Exploring different places is different, and finding a hotel to rest in is another task, so here are some of the places where you can take a rest.

1. Hotel Abhinandan, Indore

If you are looking for a place that offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, then you can visit Hotel Abhinandan, which is one of the best hotels near Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple. The hotel is known for its value-for-money services.

2. Hotel Atharva, Indore

If you are looking for a place that offers a luxury experience, then you can visit the Hotel Atharva in Indore, which is known for its value-for-money services and other amenities.

Conclusion

Whether you belong to the Jain community, are a spirituality enthusiast or are just a visitor, the Digambar Jain Temple of Indore embraces everyone and allows you to explore your inner self. Apart from that, this temple offers you a unique experience because of its ambience, architecture and rich history and a visit to this temple will surely leave a long-lasting impression on your heart.

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Embrace The Inner Self Through Gommatagiri Digambar Jain Temple In Indore