Main Deity – The principal deity of the Ter Jain temple is Lord Mahavir, depicted in a 5-foot-4-inch idol. This black stone idol is renowned for its beauty and is housed within the temple’s inner sanctum, along with ancient idols of Bhagwan Adinath and Lord Parshwanath.
Historical Significance – Ter, known historically as Tagarpur, dates back to the 12th century A.D., flourishing as an important Jain center for over 500 years. It was a prominent commercial hub during the Satavahana period, trading with Greece and Rome, and is mentioned in ancient texts like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Excavations in Ter have uncovered artifacts, coins, and pottery that underscore its rich cultural heritage and history. Despite the village’s current lack of a significant Jain population, it continues to house temples dedicated to Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshwanath, both on the village’s outskirts.
Ancient Temples and Miraculous Legends – The Ter temple complex contains two primary temples:
- Mahavir Temple: Inside the inner rampart, dedicated to Lord Mahavir in a black stone idol of 5 feet 3 inches.
- Parshwanath Temple: Located near the entrance, this temple has a standing 5-foot-9-inch black idol of Lord Parshwanath. This temple features intricate carvings of snake images and is near a small pond associated with local legends.
The temple pond once held a reputation for miraculous properties: it was believed that travelers could request utensils by writing on paper and dropping it into the water, after which the requested items would appear. However, this phenomenon no longer occurs. Additionally, the bricks used in constructing the temples are said to have unique floating properties.
Pilgrimage and Access – Pilgrims can access the Ter temple by traveling 19 kilometers from Osmanabad. The temple remains open to visitors from 6 AM to 9 PM, and keys can be collected from the priest’s house within the village. Accommodation facilities are available in Osmanabad for visitors.
Annual Festivals and Gatherings – The temple holds an annual festival during Magh Shukla 5 (Yatra Mahotsava) and organizes a monthly gathering on every Black Night (Amavasya), drawing devotees from various regions.
Cultural Heritage and Excavations – Situated on the banks of the Terna River, Ter boasts a rich cultural history dating back to the Puranic period, where it was referred to as Satyapuri. Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as Roman coins, ivory objects, and ancient Jain inscriptions. The Ter caves, nearby, are also of historical significance, mentioned in Jain texts. Ter was also known as a center of spiritual and religious propagation in medieval times, notably hosting gatherings led by the saint Gora Kumbhar, a contemporary of Saint Jnyanesvar.
How to Reach – Ter is 19 Kms from Osmanabad, the district centre. Accommodation facilities are available at Osmanabad.