Shri Idar Teerth located in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated at a distance of one kilometer from the Idar village and one and a half kilometers from the foot of the hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the sixteenth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Idar Teerth
According to history Shri Idar Teerth dates back to the ancient times. Earlier the place was known as Iladurg or Ilapadra. As per the granthas the beautiful temple was built by King Samprati on the fort just after 285 years of passing away of Lord Mahavira. He also formally installed the idol of Lord Shantinath there. There are 52 other idols here. Since its construction the temple has been repaired and renovated several times. King Kumarpal renovated the temple and got the idol of Bhagawan Adishvar installed there. The final renovation was done in 1970 by Achayra Labdhasurishvarji. It was done for re-establish the prosperity and richness this sacred place. Idar has been the birthplace of great Acharyas and charitable Shrvakas. Many valuable scriptures have been written here by great sages and Acharyas. This place is thus regarded as very sacred and holy and holds great significance.
Jirnodhar of the present temple was done by several great shreshthis in past hundreds of years. There are other five Swetambara temples and three Digambara temples in the city. The idol of Lord Shantinath is believed to possess miraculous powers. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to offer their prayers. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims
Temple of Shri Idar Teerth
The temple of Shri Idar Teerth houses the idol of Lord Shantinath. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls of the temple have been beautifully designed with ancient paintings. The temple is located on a hill. One needs to ascend 600 steps for climbing the hill. The palace of the king is on the way and is known as the Idario fort. The idol of Lord Shantinath is almost 68 cm in height and is white in colour. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone and looks very appealing. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there is a beautiful Digambara temple located on the hill. In the village of Idar, there are five other Swetambara temples and three Digambara temples that adorn the teerth kshetra. At a distance of two kilometers on the Ghantio hill, Shrimad Rajchandra practised spiritual exercises and attained knowledge. A temple is also located on this hill. It houses the idol of Lord Munisuvrat Swami. On this hill, there is a study centre of Shrimad Rajchandra.
The Temple of Shri Idar Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. Every year on the fifteenth day of the bright half of the months of Kartika and Chaitra, a fair is held here. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Apart from this there are Upashrays, an Ayambilshala and a Jnanabhandar. The temple being located in a village is enclosed by scenic beauty that enthrals and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment and the surrounding greenery make it a suitable place for religious activities. A beautiful garden is located in the vicinity of the Temple. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stop and railway station is located at Idar. The closest airport is located at Ahmedabad. This sacred place is located 20 kms from the chief city of Khedbrahma and 60 kms from Kumbariaji.
