Kundalpur, located in the Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, is an important pilgrimage site for Jains. It lies 37 kilometers northeast of Damoh city and is home to numerous Jain temples, including the renowned Bade Baba Temple, dedicated to Rishabhanatha (also called “Bade Baba” or “Adinath”).
Moksha Sthana – This site is also historically significant as the place of salvation for Shridhar Kevali.
Main Deity – 15 feet 3 inches high, brown colored idol of Bhagawan Mahavir and 12 feet high idol of Bhagawan Adinatha in the Padmasana posture.
History and Restoration
Bade Baba Statue and Temple Complex
The Bade Baba Statue is the most prominent feature of Kundalpur, standing atop the hill in a striking 15-foot form of Rishabhanatha seated in the padmasana (lotus position) on a 3-foot pedestal. This central figure, commonly referred to as “Bade Baba,” is flanked by two statues of Parshvanatha of equal height, creating a powerful focal point for worshippers and pilgrims.
The Bade Baba Temple itself is the most renowned of Kundalpur’s 64 temples. Originally established during the 8th century CE, it houses this ancient idol, which dates back to the post-Gupta period. Originally, the Bade Baba Temple was enclosed within a fortified compound dating featuring smaller shrines alongside its main garbhagriha (sanctum). The temple complex was rediscovered by Bhattaraka Surendrakirti of the Mulasangha-Balatkaragana-Sarasvati Gachchha lineage, who, with support from Bundela ruler Chhatrasal, led its reconstruction. This restored the temple’s significance, and it was reestablished as Shri Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra Kundalpur.
Renovations – In 1700 CE, further renovations were carried out by Bhattaraka Surendrakirti’s disciples, maintaining the historical connection. Starting in 1999, construction began on a new, larger structure that incorporates elements of Nagara and modern Rajasthani architectural styles, with the aim of making it one of the tallest Jain temples in the world. This new structure is now approaching completion and continues to be an architectural and spiritual centerpiece for Jain devotees.
Temple Architecture – The new Bade Baba Temple, designed in Nagara style, features:
+ A garbhagriha, gūḍhamaṇḍapa, nrityamandapa, and a 90-foot manastambha.
+ The temple will be encircled by water upon completion, enhancing its scenic appeal.
The construction of the new temple began in 1997 under the guidance of Acharya Vidyasagar, popularly known as “Chhote Baba” in relation to the Bade Baba statue. A major milestone occurred in 2006 when the Bade Baba statue was transferred to the newly built temple. This event attracted a large gathering of devotees and is described in several Jain literary works.
Other Temples and Structures
+ Jal Mandir: Located in the center of Vardhamana pond at the foot of the hill.
+ Samosharana Temple: Built in 1974 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s parinirvana.
+ Manastambha: Erected in 1975, located at the center of the dharmashala complex.
Kundalpur Festivals and Celebrations – Maha Mahotsav and Consecration Ceremonies
The temple hosts grand consecration events. In 2001 and 2016, ceremonies were conducted under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji. A grand Panch Kalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsava festival was held in February 2022, attended by approximately 500,000 people, including notable public figures. The festival featured a gajarath pheri procession with 24 rathas and the consecration of 2633 images. In 2022, another Panch Kalyanaka Mahotsav and Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony took place, attended by 1.5 million devotees, during which 2007 idols were installed.
Modern Architecture: The new temple, nearing completion, will be the tallest Jain temple globally, using an unprecedented amount of stone in its construction.
How to Reach – Kundalpur is at a distance of 38 kms from Damoh and 16 kms from Hatta. Good bus facilities are available from Damoh. The boarding and lodging facilities are available in the Dharmashalas at Damoh and Kundalpur.
