Shri Taranga Tirth
Mulnayak
Nearly 275 cm. high, white colored idol of Bhagavan Ajitnath.
Tirth
It is on the Taranga hill.
Historicity
Under the inspiration and instructions of Kalikalasarvajna Acharyashri Hemchandracharya, this temple was built in the year 1200 of the Vikram era. Of the 108 names of Siddhachalji, one name is ‘Tarangir’. For this reason, Taranga is regarded as a peak of Siddhachalji. In the centre of the main vast square of the length of 230 ft and the bearth 230 ft., this temple is 50 ft. long, 100 ft. broad and 142 ft. high. It has a perimeter of 639 ft. The 27500 cm. high wooden summit of this temple is beautifully carved. It has seven domes. On the right hand side of the temple, there are foot-idols of Bhagawan Ajitnath and of the 20 wondering Bhagawans and on the left hand side, there are a temple of Gaumukhji, the Samovasaran (the open lecture-hall), and the Jambudvip painting. On the outer platform of the main temple, there are idols of Padmavatidevi and Kumarpal Maharaja. The open square of this temple is ancient and beautiful. The sight of the splendid idol is really fascinating.
Other Temples
On this hill, there are four other temples and also there are five Digambar temples. On the hill at a distance of one kilometer, there is a sacred place called Kotisheela. It is said that many monks practiced penance here and attained salvation. Here, there is a moksha-window. In the north-west, there is peak called Siddhasheela. In it there are foot-idols of choumukhji and Bhagawan Ajitnath.
Works of art and Sculpture
Along with the vast open square, the well-curved, eye-catching, summit of the artistic, four-storeyed temple made of yellow stone looks beautiful like a God’s residence. It is said that the summit built by Kumarpal was of 32 storeys. Possibly, at the time of renovation, the height was reduced. Since the wood used in building this temple was of the tagar (veleriana hardwickii) wood, it is fire-extinguishing. when set to fire, it does not catch fire but oozes out water. This idol of god is lovely to see.
Guidelines
The nearest railway station of Taranga is at a distance of 6 kilometers from this place. From the Taranga hill station, Visnagar is 51 kilometers away and Mehsana is 70 kilometers away. Bus service and service of private vehicles are available. There are boarding and lodging provisions for Svetambaras and Digambaras. There are comfortable blocks too.
Trust
Shri Anandji Kalyanji Svetambar Murtipujak Jain Pedhi, Taranga-hill, Dist Mehsana, Gujarat State, India. Phone: 094280 00601