Kunthalagiri/Kunthalgiri is a Jain siddhakshetra known after the legends of Deshbhushan and Kulbhushan.
Originally royal princes, Deshbhushan and Kulbhushan embraced Jain asceticism to pursue salvation. During their time at Kunthalagiri, they faced adversities from past-life enemies. According to legend, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita aided them, helping them overcome these challenges, leading the saints to attain Kevalgyan (supernatural knowledge) and, ultimately, salvation. Their white stone idols are installed in the main temple on the hill.
Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj’s Samadhi – In 1955, Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj attained Samadhi (final liberation) at Kunthalgiri. A memorial was established near the Chandraprabhu Temple to honor this significant event.
Main Deity – The temple’s main deity is a 160 cm high black stone idol of Bhagwan Parshwanatha.
Historical Significance of the Parshwanatha Idol – The idol of Bhagwan Parshwanatha is considered miraculous. According to tradition, King Satyaeshwar was cured of a severe illness after his queen, Padamashri, prayed to this idol. In gratitude, the king built a temple and enshrined this sacred idol. On a hill approximately 2 km from the village, a cave houses the idols of Bhagwan Parshwanatha and Goddess Padmavathi. This site, known as Jhari Parshwanatha, features a natural spring that drips over the idols. Another hill, 4 km from Jhari Parshwanatha, also features a black stone idol of Bhagwan Parshwanatha.
Key Features and Temple Layout
- Number of Temples: 11 temples total (7 on the mountain and 4 at the base).
- Mountain Features: The main hill features a 150-step climb, with doli (palanquin) services available.
Temples on Kunthalagiri
- Shri Kul Bhushan – Desh Bhushan Mandir (Bara Mandir)
- The main idol is of Lord Munisuvratnath, with additional idols of Lord Shantinath and Adinath.
- The Adinath idol is in Ardh Padmasan posture, and a white Parsvanath idol with 11 cobra hoods is also present.
- Shantinath Temple
- Built in 1875, this temple’s primary idol (Moolnayak) is a 2 ft 3 in black stone idol of Lord Shantinath in Padmasan posture.
- The temple also includes idols of other Tirthankaras, along with Goddess Padmavati and Goddess Sarasvati.
- A prominent 53-foot Manstambha, erected in 1944, features four idols of Lord Munisuvratnath at its top.
- Other Temples
- Additional temples are dedicated to Bahubali, Adinath, Ajitnath, Neminath, Mahaveer, the Kanch Mandir, and the Ratnatraya Temple, each offering unique Jain artistic and spiritual significance.
Festivals and Special Gatherings
Annual gatherings are held on Marga Shirsha Shukla Purnima and Acharya Shantisagar Mahapunya Tithi (Bhadrapad Shukla Dwitiya).
How to Reach
Kunthalgiri is located 4 km from Kirloskarwadi on the Pune-Satara-Miraj route and 51 km from Sangli. Boarding and lodging facilities are available at a nearby Dharmashala for visitor convenience.
