Monday, 05 October 2009 09:38

Ajit Nath Temple - Mehsana

About:

Ajitnath Temple located 56 kms from Mehsana, nestled in the hills of Taranga, is the temple devoted to Ajitnath, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jains. One of the most beautiful locations, the temples are a "must visit" on a Gujarat traveller's circuit. Though the hills are not high, only 365 metres (1200 ft), they offer a marked change from the surrounding region, due to their atmosphere and panoramic views.

The highlights of the temple are its huge pillars, softened by the beautiful carvings over them. In the centre is the octagonal nave topped by a beautifully decorated carved ceiling, 11mts in diametre. The porches on the sides are large and spacious with equally impressive columns. The temple, which has retained its original form and design has a storeyed arrangement both inside and outside.

In the center of a huge plateau at the peak of Mount Taranga stands this beautiful temple of light sandstone, 45 m long and 30 m across. The large temple spire is supported by enormous pillars with beautiful maidens in winding, supple movements, figures carrying musical instruments, and topped by round lotus capitals. The exterior walls are also replete with figures carved in life-like poses and 12th-century dress and ornamentation. The central image of Bhagvan Ajitnath in lotus position, a 5 m statue carved from a single block of white marble, sits amongst breathtaking carvings and is among the tallest Jain sculptures in India.



The soul that became Bhagavan Ajitnath, in its earlier incarnation, was the
great king Vimalvahan of Susima city in Mahavideh area- He led a sanctimonious life inspite of all the riches and princely grandeur. Due to his pious practices, his deep meditation he purified his soul to that extent where he could get the Tirthankar - nam - karma.

Location info:

Address:Mehsana,Gujrat,India
District: Mehsana
Nearest City: Ahemedabad
Best time to visit: October and March.

Climate/Weather:

Maximum:43.C & Minimum:7.0.C

History:

Ajit nath, in the month of Magh, discarded all the worldly things attached to his body, plucked his hair in just five jist full and recited 'Namo Sidhanam' and disappeared. From village to village, jungle to jungle, Ajit nath tried to spread the words of Sidhas. Such was the power of his words that all the natural enemies like lion and cow, wolf and deer, snake and mongoose used to sit around him peacefully and hear him speak.

Interesting things to do:

Langhanaj locality:
The Langhanaj locality of Mehsana is an interesting place. It is an excavation site, where 14 fossilized skeletons and monoliths were unearthed. The locality bears evidence to the life of early man of Langhanaj. It bears close affinity with the East Africans.

Interesting things to Visit:

Rani Udaymati Vav:
Rani Udaymati Vav is an architectural wonder of Gujarat. It is one of the largest step wells of the state. The vav was constructed by Queen Udaymati in 11th century, in the loving memory of her Husband, King Bhimdeva I of the Chalukya Dynasty. The well is beautifully adorned with 800 stone sculptures and reliefs. One can see the impressive images of Hindu Gods, their incarnations and their consorts. The artistic and architectural majesty of the well is rarely to be seen elsewhere.

Bahucharaji:
Here, there is a famous temple namely to the Goddess Bahucharaji and also there is a collection of three temples termed as Adyasthan [original site] and Madyasthan. During the full moon day devotees swan in to perform tonsorial ceremonies. The important fair is hosted by the Bahucharaji temple during the month March-April in order to perform rituals at night.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Mehsana railway junction
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad. airport
Road Transport:State and private buses are always available. Apart from this, taxis and private cars are also viable options to reach Mehsana by road.

Nearest Visiting places:

Jain temple:
This place is famous for the Jain temple around. The nearby attractions are Kunadal, Adundara villages and Shri Bhoyani Teeth.

Swaminarayan Temple:
Kalol Swaminarayan Temple is the main attraction for the tourist. Moreover, the large Indian handigraft emporium namely Shri Vishwa Karma handicraft is located here, and nearby 7kms you have Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited as the tourist visiting spot. The Shri Vamaj Tirth, a serene Jain Temple at Vamaj is also near to this place.

Mundera:
The other name of this place is Mundera, it is a big pilgrim center with numerous temples around and brings in a huge number of devotees from places around every year. This spot is renowned to be very ancient even from the dates of Puranic age. It is believed that in this township, where Lord Ram performed a Yajna [sacrifice]of sanctification for the sins of having killed Ravana, the king of Lanka.this city of temple is located on the banks of the Pushpavathi River,in Mehsana district and the people worship Lord Surya as this main deity. The main attraction here is the Sun temple which built in the pattern of solanki architecture and it dates to the 11th century during the rule of king Bhimdev 1 of Patan. Here, there is a pond namely Surya Kund, often used by the devotees, the amazing site is that, over 100 small temples are seen on the step-terraces around this high pond.

Taranga Hills:
The hill region is thronged three peaks around and Taranga is near to the Jain Temple of Idol which is said to be the Jain Siddha Kshetra. These hills have 5 Digambar and 5 Shwetambar temples and it is said that several saints have obtained final emancipation after powerful austerities from here. The beautiful temple of Lord Ajitnath is located here, this was constructed during the 12th century by the Shwetambar Solanki king, Kumarapal of Patan.

Thol wildlife sanctuary:
The circumference of this jungle is 7sq. km and it is a home of nature and beauty filled in with variety of wildfowl, flamingos, gray pelicans, black ibis and wetland birds. The best seasons are the month of October to March.

Umia Mata:
This town is another antique location of the district. Here, you have the temple of Umia Mata, dedicated by the family of Kadva Patels. It serves as a base for those who visit Modhera temple. Apart, from this, the village is famous for Ayurvedic pharmacy and Medicine Manufacturing. The main trade transaction from this village is Jeera, Oilseeds, Cumin, Variyali and Isabgul. The main ritual to this village is the marriage custom of Kadvakanbis who still inherits here, Great Bonanja of fair is held oft a Maha Sud and Vaishak Sud.

Vadnagar:
The town is very ancient and has great important historical values. The six 12th century gates with great work of historic ambience welcome you to this town, which really takes us back to the past. This town is enriched with numerous temples, narrow lanes, small houses, plinths and pillars talks about the values of ancient architecture. The town is still at its old charm un faded. Among the six 12th century Gates, Amarthol is the oldest one that still exists in this town. The major attractions are the Kirti Mandir, which is significant for its 12th century Torana Gates is here and the famous Lord Shiva temple known as the 17th century Hatkeshwar temple is a prime pilgrimage center.. Other places of tourist interest are Kasivishvesvara Shiva temple, Swaminarayan Temple, Sitla Mata Temple and two other Jain Temple.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Jyothi Petrol Pump:Mehsana, Gujarat,India

Petrol Pump:Ladol,Mehsana, Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Cambay Spa & Golf Resort - Hotels:Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India

Hotel Yatri:Near Shalimar Cinema,above DCB bank, Gandhinagar, Gujarat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Sai Krishna Hi-Tech Hospital:Radhanpur Highway Mehsana, Gujarat,India
Civil Hospital:Mansa, Gandhinagar, Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.gujaratdetails.com/mehsana.php

Video

Dynamic View

Sun Temple
The Sun temple of Gujarat is situated at Modhera. It is akin to the Sun Temple at Konark and is dedicated to the Sun God, Lord Surya. Though the temple has lost its glory of the yore, it is still an architectural and art master piece. The temple serves as the venue for the Dance Festival held in January each year. It was built in 1026 AD by the Solanki King Bhimdev I of Patan. The Solankis were Suryavanshis, the descendents of Sun God and therefore built this temple in the honor of Lord Surya. However, the temple was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni.Devotees perform ceremonial ablutions here before worshipping the Sun God. The structure of temple consists of Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Sabha Mandap is big hall used for meeting and conference. Sabha Mandap is open from all sides. Guda Mandap is the original temple of Lord Sun where rays of the rising sun fall directs on image of Lord Surya.....more
Langhanaj Mehsana
Langhanaj Mehsana is a municipal city situated in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. It is located at a distance of 74 km from Ahmedabad. Mehsana is one of the largest cities in Gujarat and houses one of the biggest iron and steel markets in India. In addition to this, it also has a Dudhsagar Co-operative milk dairy, which boasts of being the largest milk dairy in entire Asia. The Oil Natural Gas Corporation of India has set up a big establishment in the city. Thus, the city is quite important from Industrial perspective. However, the city also offers some attracions, which make it significant from travel and tourism point of view....more
Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Mehsana district of the western Indian state of Gujarat, the Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is quite rich in its wildlife composition. The sanctuary is situated about 40 kms northwest from the city of Ahmedabad and covers an area of approximately 7 sq. km. The sanctuary is primarily based on the Thol Lake, which was established in the year 1912. However, it was declared as a sanctuary in the year 1988. It is also well known as the Thol Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is mainly based on the Thol Lake that attracts thousands of migratory birds, every year.The main attraction of the Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is its great collection of avifauna. Several bird species including both resident and migratory types can be found in this sanctuary......more
Shankeshwar Temple
The idol of Mulnayak Bhagawan Shankheshvar Parshvanath is very ancient. Formely, the idol of Mulnayak was in the temple in the one-storeyed residential place in the orchard of Shri Maganlal Karamchand. Many times musical notes were heard here at night. Shri Anandji Kalyanji Trust brought this idol for hospitality to the temple of Bhagwan Dharmanath in Panjarapole in the year 2015 of the Vikram era. it was to be taken to C.N.Vidhlaya. But since the residents of this place raised an objection, Shri Anandji Kalyanji Trust built this new temple and on the first day of the dark half of the month of Vaishak in the year 2023 of the Vikram era, this idol was installed under the auspicies of Acharya Udhaysuri Maharaj Saheb and Nandansuri Maharaj Saheb. In this temple, there are idols of Bhagwan Adishwar, Bhagwan Shantinath, Parshva Yaksh and Padmavatidevi.....more