Jain Temples of Sonagir

Introduction to Jain Temples of Sonagir:

"The soul, whose only desire is for the fullness of life, thinks that penance, self-control, and restraint are pointless, and thus comes to grief."-Mahavira

The above speech points out that Mahavira renounced the world because he wanted to gain supreme knowledge of life, and this he wanted to imprint in the minds of his followers. Thus, the Jain sect renounced all the worldly riches and lived with meager income that is earned through begging.

History of the Temples of Sonagir: Sonagir have been in its place from the very ancient times and has earned reputation for the unique places that it has. It is one of the main sites of tourist attraction at Madhya Pradesh.

Description of the Temples of Sonagir: The Main Temple 57 is also known as the Chandraprabhu Temple, because it has the gigantic figure of Chandraprabhu that is approximately 11 ft tall and is located outside the Jain Temple.

It stands in a 40 feet high pillar that is constructed of white stone. The idols of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras have been engraved in the walls of the temple, and they enrich the overall beauty and splendor of the temple concerned.

There is also the presence of a path of circumbulation leading ultimately to the feet of Mahavira on a Cenotaph or Chhatri. This path is also known as the Pradakshina.

The second Temple is the Temple 60 that is also renowned as the Hari Pisan Mandir, and according to the legend a very poor woman by grinding grain built it. The history of the Mandir is thus very interesting.

Leela Shimla