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Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple
Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple located in Madhya Pradesh was constructed by ‘Panashah’ in V.S. 1662. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shantinath.

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Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple in Ishwara is a Jain pilgrimage centre in Madhya Pradesh. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. a Place of Miracle. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, sixteenth Jain Tirthankara. Ishwara is situated in the mid part of Vindhyanchal mountain range in Sagar District.

History of Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple
According to the history Ishwara Atishaya Kshetra is about 400 years ancient. It is the birthplace of Muni Shri Sudhasagarji. He was the disciple of Acharya Vidyasagarji Maharaj. The temple of Lord Shantinath was constructed by famous a popular businessman, `Panashah` in V.S. 1662. It is located on a hill of this Kshetra near to the village. The temple has spires and soars up very high. It houses Khadgasana idols of Jain Tirthankaras like Lord Shantinath, Lord Aranath and Lord Kunthunath. The idols are almost 9 feet in height. Idols of Chakravarti and Kamdeo are also located here.

There are many miracles and legends associated with the temple. According to one miracle, there was fall of lightening on the sanctum of temple in the year 1999 on September. The current flowed across all objects but it did not affect the two Shravakas (devotees), who were offering prayers in the sanctum during that time. Besides, the sanctum was also not affected. The temple was again struck with lightning on October 1999 but neither the temple nor a single devotee present in the temple premises was affected.

Temple of Lord Shantinath
The temple of Lord Shantinath, it was built by Shreshthi Panashah` in V.S. 1662. The temple is located on a hill and is surrounded by natural beauty. It is tall, huge and has been magnificently carved with intricate architectural designs. The temple is adorned with spires. The temple housing the 9 feet idols of Lord Shantinath, Lord Aranath and Lord Kunthunath are also beautifully carved. These idols show an exquisite beauty and skill of the craftsmen. The 5 feet high Khadgasan idols of Lord Chandraprabha and Lord Neminath are also installed on both sides of idols. Below each idol the `Chanvar Vahak` (Whisk Carriers) has been constructed.

Apart from these there are many other temples located here. A magnificent Jinalaya has been constructed here that is adorned with three altars. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Mahavira. It is installed the main altar and has been beautifully carved. There are other 9 idols installed on other two altars. The scenic beauty surrounding the temple makes it worth visiting. The Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple organised an annual gathering on the Vasant Panchmi. The Annual Ratha Yatra is also celebrated with much pomp and show for three days. A fair is also organised during this time. The nirvana Festival (the day of Salvation) is also celebrated during Jyeshtha Krishna in memory of Lord Shantinath. The temple has provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims.


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