INDIA - Sonagiri - The Sacred Jain Hill

Sonagiri is a famous pilgrimage of the Jains, who come in large numbers annually to worship at these beautiful temples. 

History- Previously this place was called as Shravangiri. The history of the place prior to the year 335 of the Vikram era is not traceable. Many Jaina Ascetics have attained salvation from this place. This is also the place of samavasarana of Bhagawan Chandraprabh Swami, the eighth Tirthankar. On the hill, there is broad-mouthed cocoanut basin. It is cut from a slab of stone in the shape of a coconut. There is also another slab of stone, when beaten it produces sound like that of a metal. Hence it is called as ‘Bajani shila’.

This is the pilgrim site for Digambara Jains and can be quite interesting, as they are known as the "Sky clad", that is those who go naked. An annual fair is held here in the month of Chaitra (April).

This temple of Shri Chandraprabhu Swami is located at Sanaval village alongwith several other temples on a hill. The nearest railway station is Songir on Gwalior-Jhansi route near Datia. It is 69 kilometers from Gwalior. This place in olden days was called "Dhavalgiri". The historical background of the temple is not known but it is said to have been built in or before Vikram Samvata 335. Since then, it has been renovated several times. The architecture and art work in the temple is very impressive and attractive. The idol in the temple is standing position and 12 feet tall. This temple also belongs to Digambar sect. 

The above Siddha Kshetra is 5 kilometers away from Sonagiri rail station. It is the salvation place of 5 1/2 crore Munis including Gurudatta and two sons of Maharaja Arinjaya-Nung & Anung. This tirth is above 1000 years old having 22 temples on the foot hill and 77 temples on the hill. Vandana way of the hill is very and even the child of 7-8 years can easily reach on the top on foot. 

Main idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu is 9 ½ feet high in temple No. 57 on the hill. Outside this temple, idols of Bhagwan Bahubali, Nung & Anung are worth seeing, on the hill. Not only this, but Nariyal Kund and Bajni Sheela are the point of attractions for pilgrims. It is said, Samavasharam of Bhagwan Chandraprubhu also here. 

At foot-hill temple No. 15 is the oldest one, constructed by Bhattrak of Gwalior in Vikram Samvat 800 and temple No. 16 is having different pictures in cut-glass. One temple has recently been came into existence - namely Parmagam temple having facilities for boarding also. Large number of old and new Dharamshalas are here.

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