Explore the serene and spiritually significant Shri Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra Sonagiri, located near Datia in Madhya Pradesh. Renowned as Laghu Sammed Shikhar, this holy site is a haven for ascetics and devotees seeking Nirvana (Salvation). It is celebrated for its historical significance and its stunning collection of Jain temples.
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About Sonagiri Jain Mandir
Sonagiri, meaning “golden peak,” has been a sacred place for Jainism since the time of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu, the 8th Teerthankara. The Samavsharan (divine assembly) of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu visited here 17 times, and over five and a half crores ascetics attained salvation from this sacred land.
Spiritual Significance:
- Saints such as Nang, Anang, Chintagati, Poornachand, and others attained Moksha here.
- Acharya Shubh Chandra and Bhartrihari, renowned Jain scholars, lived and practiced spiritual austerities here, composing significant texts.
Main Temple and Key Highlights
Temple No. 57 (Main Temple)
- Principal Deity: Bhagwan Chandraprabhu.
- An 11-foot-tall idol in Padmasana posture made of white stone.
- Accompanied by idols of Bhagwan Sheetalnath and Bhagwan Parshvanath.
- Manstambha (Column of Dignity): A 43-foot-tall column standing near the temple.
- Samavsharan Model: A large and attractive model of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu’s divine assembly.
Other Noteworthy Temples:
- 77 Jain Temples on the hills, featuring stunning architecture and high spires.
- 26 Temples in the Village:
- Many of these temples are centuries old, preserving the spiritual and architectural heritage of Jainism.
Kund-Kund Nagar
- Houses a colossal 18-foot statue of Bhagwan Bahubali in a standing posture.
- A hall below the colossus provides a serene space for meditation.
Natural Beauty and Surroundings
Sonagiri is nestled in a picturesque hilly region, offering:
- Scenic views of temples with high spires.
- A peaceful environment ideal for meditation and self-reflection.
Facilities for Pilgrims
Dharmshalas and Amenities:
- Delhiwali Dharmshala:
- 20 normal rooms, 25 semi-deluxe rooms, and 25 deluxe rooms.
- Mess facility and provisions for utensils, beds, and tents.
- Tyagi Vrati Ashram:
- 10 normal rooms and 4 deluxe rooms.
- Terapanthi Kothi:
- 30 normal rooms, 40 semi-deluxe rooms, and 15 deluxe rooms.
- Kund-Kund Nagar:
- 45 normal rooms and 45 deluxe rooms.
Dining:
- Three Jain Messes offer meals prepared according to Jain dietary traditions.
Annual Gatherings and Festivals
Annual Festival (Mela): Held from Falgun Shukla 14 to Chaitra Krishna 5, this grand event brings together thousands of devotees to celebrate and participate in rituals and prayers.
Accessibility
By Road:
- Located on the Gwalior-Jhansi Road, 5 km from Dabra-Datia Road.
- Local transport like tempos and tongas is available.
By Train:
- The Sonagiri Railway Station on the Agra-Jhansi line is 3 km from the Kshetra.
By Air:
- Closest airports are Gwalior and Jhansi.
Nearby Attractions
- Gopachal Atishaya Kshetra:
- Known for its majestic colossal idols of Bhagwan Adinath and other Teerthankaras.
- A must-visit for devotees to admire ancient artistry.
- Chanderi, Papouraji, Thuvonji, and Devgarh:
- These nearby sacred sites add to the spiritual significance of the region.
Why Visit Shri Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra Sonagiri?
- Spiritual Heritage: Sonagiri is a place where millions of ascetics attained salvation, making it one of the holiest sites for Jains.
- Architectural Marvel: With 77 hill temples and 26 village temples, the site offers stunning examples of Jain temple architecture.
- Peaceful Environment: Surrounded by hills and natural beauty, it provides a serene retreat for meditation and devotion.
- Comprehensive Facilities: Modern accommodations, dining options, and a supportive environment make it convenient for pilgrims.
