The Ahichhatra Jain Temple, located in the village of Ramnagarkila in the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Jains. Known for its historical and spiritual importance, this temple attracts numerous devotees and visitors each year. Let’s delve into the rich history and the various temples within this sacred site.
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A Rich Historical Background
The history of Ahichhatra is deeply intertwined with Jainism, one of the ancient religions of India. It is believed that the significance of Ahichhatra dates back to the time of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. According to Jain tradition, Ahichhatra was visited by all 24 Tirthankaras, making it a highly revered location.
One of the most notable events associated with Ahichhatra involves Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. According to Jain texts, during his meditation, Parshvanatha was obstructed by his elder brother Kamath, who caused continuous rain to prevent him from achieving Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Despite being submerged in water, Parshvanatha was protected by the serpent God Dharanendra, who held a canopy of a thousand hoods over him, and Goddess Padmavati, who coiled around him. This miraculous event led to the place being named Ahichhatra, which means “Serpent Umbrella.”
Archaeological and Historical Significance
Ahichhatra was once one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (ancient Indian republics). Its importance is highlighted by the visit of the famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century CE, who documented the site’s prominence.
Excavations have revealed a wealth of historical artifacts. In the early 20th century, Alois Anton Führer unearthed a Jain temple from the Indo-Scythian period, featuring idols from 96–152 CE. Alexander Cunningham also discovered numerous Jain temples, idols, stupas, and pillars from the Kushan and Gupta periods during his explorations.
The 14th-century text Vividha Tirtha Kalpa by Jinaprabha Suri mentions Ahichhatra, formerly known as Samkhyavati, and describes two Jain temples dedicated to Parshvanatha. Other texts, such as Ahichchatra-nagri-kalpa and Kaivalyamala, further emphasize the site’s historical and spiritual significance, noting visits by figures such as Goddess Ambika and Harigupta of the Gupta empire.
Temples within Ahichhatra
The Ahichhatra complex houses several important Jain temples, each with its unique significance and architectural style:
- Digambara Jain Temple: Originally constructed during King Vasupal’s reign, this temple was rebuilt in 1975. It features seven vedis (sacred platforms), including a prominent 6-foot idol of Mahavira and various idols of Parshvanatha. The main idol, known as Tikhal wale Baba, dates back to the 10th century. This temple is a major pilgrimage center, with over 436,000 visitors recorded in 2019.
- Tis Chaubisi Temple: Established in 2002, this temple is renowned for its impressive collection of 720 idols of the 24 Tirthankaras. The main idol here is a 13.5-foot statue of Parshvanatha.
- Bhagwan Parshvanath-Padmavati Temple: Constructed in 2007, this temple features a central idol of Parshvanatha with idols of Dharanendra and Padmavati on either side.
- Shwetambar Jain Temple: Notable for its unique buff sandstone architecture, this temple is adorned with a thousand images of the Jain pantheon. It is a beautiful example of Jain temple architecture.
Visiting Ahichhatra Jain Temple
For those planning to visit, Ahichhatra offers various facilities:
- Accommodation: The temple complex provides rooms for visitors, making it convenient for overnight stays.
- Dining: A bhojnalaya (dining area) is available where visitors can enjoy meals.
- Transportation: The nearest railway stations are in Bareilly (55 km), Budaun (40 km), Rampur (60 km), and Muradabad (75 km). The temple is also accessible by bus from Aonla (14 km).
Major Events and Festivals
Ahichhatra Jain Temple hosts several significant events throughout the year:
- Chetra Krishna Ashtami to Dyadash
- Srawan Shukla Saptami
- Paosh Krishna Ekadashi
These events draw many pilgrims and devotees, making them vibrant times to visit the temple.
Contact Information
For more information or to plan your visit, you can contact the temple administration:
- Phone Numbers: 05824-236418, 236501, Mob-09319931401, 09319931297
- Address: Ramnagarkila, Aonla, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Pin-243 303
Ahichhatra Jain Temple stands as a beacon of Jain heritage and spirituality. Its rich history, coupled with its serene atmosphere, makes it a significant destination for those interested in Jainism and Indian history.
To learn more about Jainism, check out our section on Jain Temples, where we explore their history and beautiful designs. You can also visit our Jain Symbols page to understand the meanings behind different symbols. Join us on Jain Alerts as we share and celebrate the rich heritage and teachings of Jainism.
