58. Jain Chaurasi Temple
Mathura, the Braj Bhoomi is not only a sacred place for
Hindus but also for Jains. Jain Chaurasi Temple in Mathura stands as a proof to
this. This has been constructed in memory of Jambu Swami, who attained nirvana
at the age of 84 in Mathura. Mathura the pilgrimage city is sacred place for
all major religions of India like Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, etc. Situated on
the banks of River Yamuna, this holy city apart from being the birth place of
Lord Shri Krishna is also the place where first Kevali (a tirthankara who
preaches and establishes Jain doctrine and order) Anantvirya Bhagvan Bahubali
started the Moksha tradition in the chaturtha kaal. He was followed by all the
24 tirthankaras who attained moksha or nirvana through the path for salvation.
Jambu Swami was the last Kevali of Chathurtha Kaal. He
belongs to Vaishya Vanshiya and attained nirvana, when he was of 84 years, in
Mathura which was encircled by 84 forests in those days. From that day onwards
this place was called as Chaurasi which in Hindi means 84 and has become land
of peity for Jains. This place was established during the 7th teerthankar Shri
Suparshwanath Bhagawan. It is said that the artistic and beautifulstoop
(pillar) along with the idol of moolnayak Shri Suparshwanath was placed by
Kubera Devi who appeared in front of Dharmaruchi and Dharmghosh, the munis
whose hard prayers have made her happy.
The mulnayak of the present temple is Ajitnath Bhagwan
the second teerthankar whose pratima was discovered during the excavation of
land in Gwalior. The pratima is carved out of beautiful white stone and looks
stunning. After the nirvana of Jambu Swami his charan was obtained and placed
in the main vedi along the mulnayak and this temple was constructed. Jain
Chaurasi Mandir in Mathura is also called as Antim Kevali Shri 1008 Jambu Swami
Nirvan Sthal Digamber Jain Mandir Chaurasi Mathura. The temple is being managed
by Shri Management Committee of Antim Kevali Shri 1008 Jambu Swami Nirvan Sthal
Digamber Jain Mandir Chaurasi Mathura. Apart from the Pratima of Ajithnath
Bhagwan and the charan of Jambu Swami, the temple also has shrines of Neminath,
Parasnath and Mahavir Bhagwan. The statues of ×rst Kevali Bhahubhali and the
antim Kevali Jambu Swami add glory to the temple. These two statues are placed
to face each other. Though many of the monasteries and temples were destroyed
by Mughal rulers, some of them stand still and attract pilgrims from every nook
and corner of the world. One such temple is Jain Chaurasi Temple in Mathura
which is one of the few places of worship of Jain culture and faith in Mathura.
This temple is located on the banks of River Yamuna and near a forest. The
temple has colourful paintings and inscriptions on the walls portraying the
Jain culture and art. There is a big hall in the main temple which can
simultaneously hold up to 500 people during pooja and aarti.
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