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Taranga Hill Jain Temple
Taranga refers to a three-peaked hill located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, on the banks of the river Sabarmati. It is located at a distance of 130 km from Ahmedabad. Taranga Hills holds great importance for Jains as they consider it to be one of the five most Mahatirthas. The famed Ajitnath Jain Temple is located here. Though the hills are a major pilgrimage site for the Jains, the temples’ architecture is a delight to anyone, not just to a person from the Jain community.
Taranga Hill Jain Temple History
The construction of the temple was commissioned by the then Solanki King Kumarpala(1145-72 AD). It is said that the temple was built under the guidance of Hemachandracharya, a famed poet and Jain scholar. After many centuries, the temple was renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The temple measures 50 feet in length, 100 feet in breadth, and 142 feet in height with a perimeter of 639 feet with magnificently carved and is one of India’s most precious works of architecture.
Ajitnath Taranga Hill Jain Temple Architecture
Apart from this, there are four Swetamber Jain temples and five Digamber Jain temples located on top of the hill. Kotishila or 1st Tunk where a lot of saints performed meditation and the 2nd Tunk called Mokshabari or Puyabari is in the eastern direction about a kilometer away. The pure and natural surroundings on the mountain help in experiencing extraordinary peace for the soul.
Apart from Ajitnath Jain Temple, the hills are famous for a series of Digambar Jain temples. The 14 temples here are dedicated to different Tirthankaras who attained salvation here.
Also known as Ajitnath Temple, the temple, dating back to the 12th century AD, sports stunning architecture. One has to climb nearly 700 steps to get here. Along the path, many smaller temples are scattered, which are dedicated to Buddhist goddesses.
Upon reaching the summit, what welcomes one is the imposing sight of the seven-domed temple. It houses a 5-meter tall sculpture of Shri Ajitnath, the second Jain Tirthankar.
The Sanctorum bathes in red color, while the exteriors of the temple are made up of white sandstone and bricks. One may also see the footprints of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, on the right side as also the footprints of 20 Thirthankaras on the left side of the temple. The outer walls display an array of idols, mostly of women, in dancing positions. Many munis are believed to have attained enlightenment at the temple.
Taranga Jain Temple Timings
Timings:- 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Facilities for Jain Pilgrims at Taranga Hill
Dharamshala for both Swetamber and Digamber with all required facilities is situated near Taranga Hill. For devotees, there are a few bhojanshala on the hill as well where they can have pure Jain food at a convenient time. Devotees and tourists can easily reach by road and railway here.
Taranga Jain Temple’s Contact Number
Taranga Jain Temple contact number:- 094280 00601
How To Reach Taranga Jain Temple
By Road
Approx. 130 km from Ahmedabad, 50 Kms from the Ambaji shrine, and 56 Kms from Mehsana. Bus service and private vehicle rental are available from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, Siddhpur, and Ambaji. Your bus will drop you off at Timba near Danta.
By Train
The nearest major railway stations are Visnagar (38 km), Mehsana (52 km), Unjha (54 km) & Vijapur (60 km) approx. A slow local train also travels from Mehsana to Taranga (2 hrs.) The temple is 5 km from the railway station.
By Air
The temples are about 100km from Gandhinagar and 130km from Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport and railway station connect other key cities of India and across the world.
Ahmedabad to Taranga Jain Temple Distance
Approx. 130 km from Ahmedabad,