About The Tirth
Shri Vasupujya Swami Temple (Mulnayak)
Aglod Jain Tirth is a prominent Jain pilgrimage site in North Gujarat, and its main temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vasupujya Swami. The Mulnayak idol is a white-colored marble murti of approximately 151 cm in height, installed in Padmasan posture. The idol reflects traditional Jain iconography and is the central focus of worship for devotees visiting the tirth.
Historically, the original temple at Aglod had fallen into a dilapidated condition due to age and lack of maintenance. Recognizing its religious importance, the Jain Sangh undertook a complete renovation of the temple in Vikram Samvat 2041 (1984 CE) under the guidance of Acharya Vijay Bhuvansurisvarji and his disciples. The renovation transformed the temple into a large, well-planned, and architecturally significant structure in North Gujarat.
The present temple measures approximately 130 feet in length and 82 feet in width, with the height of the main shikhar reaching around 53 feet from ground level. The garbhagriha (sanctum) is designed as an 11-foot square space, maintaining traditional Jain temple proportions. The temple is constructed with detailed marble work and features three prominent shikhars, reflecting a classical Jain architectural style.
The temple complex is spacious and well-organized, allowing smooth movement for devotees during darshan and rituals. It is also suitable for religious activities such as sadhana, pratikraman, and other Jain practices. Facilities such as Dharmashala (accommodation) and Bhojanshala (meals) are available within the tirth premises, making it convenient for pilgrims visiting from different regions.
Shri Adinath Bhagwan Temple (Ancient Cellar Shrine)
The temple of Bhagwan Adinath represents the most ancient and historically significant part of Aglod Jain Tirth. Even after the reconstruction of the main temple, special care was taken to preserve the original structure and its continuity. The idol of Adinath is installed in the cellar (Bhoyra) of the temple, which is believed to be part of the original shrine.
This underground section maintains a simple and traditional layout, reflecting the style of older Jain temples. The environment in the cellar is calm and suitable for meditation and spiritual practices. Devotees often visit this section separately to experience the historical and religious depth associated with the original temple.
Within the overall temple complex, additional shrines are dedicated to Gautam Swami and Padmavati Devi. These shrines are located near the main structure and are regularly included in the darshan sequence by visitors.
The preservation of the Adinath idol in the cellar highlights the importance given to maintaining the authenticity of the tirth. It ensures that while the temple structure has been modernized, its original religious identity and historical roots remain intact.
Shri Manibhadra Veer Temple
Aglod Jain Tirth is also an important place of worship for Manibhadra Veer, who is regarded as the protector deity (Rakshak Dev) of the Tapagaccha Sangh.
In this temple, the “Dhad” (body portion) of Manibhadra Veer is worshipped in the form of a headless trunk (Tunk), installed in Vikram Samvat 1733. It is believed that Acharya Shantisomsuriji Maharaj performed a 121-day fast at this place to invoke his presence and strengthen the religious importance of the tirth.
According to traditional belief, Manibhadra Veer was previously a Jain Shravak named Manekshaw from Ujjain and a disciple of Acharya Hemvimal Suriji. During a pilgrimage towards Shatrunjaya, he sacrificed his life while protecting fellow pilgrims from robbers and was later revered as a Yaksha and protector deity.
It is believed that his body was divided into three parts, which are worshipped at three locations: the lower part (Pindi) at Magarwada, the body (Dhad) at Aglod Jain Tirth, and the head (Mashtak) at Ujjain. Visiting all three places in a single day is considered auspicious.
