Bawangaja-A Jain Pilgrimage Centre Amid Heavenly Lush green Satpura Range

Bawangaja, India

Bawangaja is a famous Jain pilgrim center in the Barwani district of southwestern Madhya Pradesh in India. Located about 8 km from Barwani town in the Satpura Range. The temple is world-famous for the statue of the first Tirthankara, of Jain Religion, Lord Adinatha, which is carved out of the mountains in the Satpura range. The statue is carved out of one single rock and is impressive in its dimensions, location, and its sculpture. It stands 27 meters tall and is carved right in the middle of the Satpura mountain range at a height of 396 meters, which is at the base of the mountain. The place is being named Bawangaja since the Idol is having the Height Equals to 52 Yards (In Ancient times one Gaj was measured as one and a half hands).

India is the land of religious places and many pilgrimage centers. You can find innumerable mystic places in each and every state of India, they have existed since time immemorial. Ranging from mosques to temples and gurudwaras to churches, India is rich heritage culture and religious place. Bawangaja is one of the most visited and holiest places in India for the Jains religion. It is around 6 km from the Narmada river in the Satpura Range. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism.

Hostory of the Bawangaja

The statue of Adinatha is renowned for being the world’s tallest known statue of the first Tirthankara in Jainism. The statue was sculpted in the early part of the 12th century and still retains its glory and magnificence. This idol also holds the record for being the highest (location-wise) in the world. The Bawangaja Temple is a large complex of 11 temples that are scattered all around the hilly terrain. Another place at the top of the mountain is called Chulgiri, also known as Siddha Bhoomi. The place has ancient foot images of Indrajit, Kumbhakarna, and other scholars who attained nirvana through meditating in the lush green Satpura Range. Visitors can also find several idols of Jain Tirthankaras in the main compound of Bawangaja Temple.

The architecture of the Temple

The Bawangaja is an excellent example of Jainism architecture. The statue of Adinatha is depicted as sitting in the Khadgasana posture. The hands of the Statue are not joined with the legs. The statue is unique in that it is perfectly proportionate to the emotions of the face that are etched out beautifully to denote a serene expression that is a mixture of compassion and joy. The left side of the idol has a statue of the Gomukha Yaksha and the right side has the statue of the Yakshi Chakreshwary.

The geology around The Bawangaja

The Statue of the Lord Adinath is carved out in rocks of Basaltic flows of Deccan trap occupy a major part of the area in the district. They have been as Satpura groups confined to the south of the Narmada River. Satpura group comprises 55 flows of varied types between 198 m. and 1033m. elevations above the m.s.l. The general thickness of the individual flows varies between 15m and 40m. Deccan traps belong to the type called plateau basalt’ and are uniform in composition corresponding to dolerite or basalt. These are dark to dark greenish-grey in color.

Main Attraction of Bawangaja

The main attraction of Bawangaja is its megalithic statue of Lord Adinath which is carved out of a mountain. Jain pilgrims come here to pay their respects and get Lord Adinath’s offerings. This mega statue is made out of the brownstone and is an exemplary masterpiece structure, in its structural formation, and style. Apart from this, the monument is an excellent example of a piece of fine artistry.

Bawangaja houses natural marvels in the form of lush green hills and lofty terrain of the Satpura Range. visitors can also explore its rich surroundings and hike to nearby hills. The presence of Bandhan Waterfall and certain other Hindu temples adds to the existing beauty of Bawangaja.

Bawangaja Yatra, an annual fair, is organized every year on full moon day. In 2016, Bawangaja Trust carried out several development works including the restoration of the temple complex and the building of a 3-story dharmshala with 108 rooms having all modern facilities.

Chulgiri

The Chulgiri temple, situated on the hilltop, contains two inscriptions dated 1166 and 1459 AD. The Indrajit, Kumbhakarna & various other scholars attained Nirvana through the self-meditation here. The 3 ancient foot images of Indrajit, Kumbhakarna & the others are present on the premises of the temple. The two idols of Lord Mallinatha & Chandraprabha are also installed on the main altar.

Also, Read- The hidden Chitrakote Waterfall of Chattishgarh-Geotourism

How To Reach Bawangaja

The best way to reach Bwangaja from metro cities is by Air. The nearest airport is located at Indore which is at a distance of 170 km from Bawangaja. Once you have reached the airport, you can hire a cab to Bawangaja. There are no direct trains available to Bawangaja, The nearest major railhead is at Indore.

Best Time To Visit Bawangaja

Bawangaja is located in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh and due to its Cool surroundings and pleasant weather throughout the year is a year-round destination. if you wish to look at and enjoy the greenery of Satpura Range, then the best time to visit Bawangaja is from October until the end of April.