Gajpanth, also known as Gajpantha, is a revered Digambar Jain pilgrimage site (Siddha-kshetra) located in Mhasrul village in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Known for its spiritual significance, Gajpanth is regarded as the place of salvation for seven legendary Balabhadra heroes and millions of Jain monks who attained moksha from this hill.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Gajpanth is said to be the site where seven Balabhadras—Vijay, Achal, Sudharma, Suprabh, Nandi, Nandimitra, and Sudarshan—achieved liberation. According to tradition, these heroes brought salvation to eight crore (80 million) Yadav kings and numerous Jain monks (sadhus) from this sacred location, making it a place of immense spiritual importance for the Jain community.
The Chamar Leni Caves and Temples on Gajpanth Hill
Gajpanth is home to three ancient caves, known as Chamar Leni Caves, which house Digambar Jain idols and three temples on the hill itself. The journey to these sacred sites involves climbing 450 steps to reach the caves and temples, which are situated 400 feet above ground.
- First Cave Temple: Features several Digambar Jain idols, including notable statues of Tirthankaras.
- Second and Third Cave Temples: Also display idols of Tirthankaras, enhancing the sanctity of the site.
In addition to the hilltop temples, the Gajpanth site includes two prominent Digambar Jain temples at the base of the hill, as well as the historic “Samavsharan Jain Temple” in the nearby village of Mhasrul.
The Samavsharan Jain Temple and Other Temples in Mhasrul
- Samavsharan Jain Temple
- Main Idol: Lord Mahaveer in a sitting posture (2.1 feet tall), installed in 1945.
- Additional Idols: Lord Adinath, also in a sitting posture (2.1 feet tall), along with 31 metallic idols of other Tirthankaras.
- Three Temples at the Base of the Hill
- Parshvanath Temple: Main idol of Lord Parshvanath in a seated position, 10.4 feet tall, installed in Vikram Samvat 1937.
- Padamprabh Temple: Houses Lord Padamprabh in a seated posture (1.5 feet) and Lord Vasupujya, installed in Vikram Samvat 2433.
- Jain Cave Temple: Featuring a seated Lord Parshvanath, 4 feet tall.
The Column of Dignity – In front of the Samavsharan Jain Temple stands the “Column of Dignity,” a monument that adds to the spiritual ambiance of the pilgrimage site.
Additional Highlights and Historical Importance
- Significance of Chamar Leni Caves: The caves, known as Chamar Leni, are famed for the sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras. The Parshvanath cave in particular is a noteworthy site. Chamraj Odeyar, the king of the Mysore state renovated this place.
Hence this place is also called Chamarleni. Leni means Cave in the local language. - Sallekhana of Muni Sudharmsagarji: Muni Shree Sudharmsagarji achieved Sallekhana (a peaceful Jain ritual of renunciation) here on September 24, 1973, marking the site with profound historical and religious importance.
- A new Temple dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha was recently built at this place.
- Annual Fair: An annual fair is held on Kartik Shukla Trayodashi, attracting devotees from across the region.
Location – It is located at a distance of 7.5 Kms from Nashik and 49 Kms from Mangi Tungi.