TARANGA IS A FAMOUS PLACE IN VADNAGAR OF GUJARAT IS THE OLDEST JAIN TEMPLE IN THE 12TH CENTURY

*Dr. Pruthviraj K. Chaudhary, Vidhi Dashrathbhai Chaudhary, Rutvi Govindbhai Chaudhari, Jaynakunvar Kuldeepsinh Chauhan, Mihirkumar Vasantbhai Chaudhari, Dipal P. Chaudhary, Shreya Patel, Daksh N. Chaudhary, Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen

ABSTRACT

Taranga is located 128 km north of Ahmedabad, and only 20 km from Vadnagar, the 3-peaked hill is significant for Buddhists and Jains. While the oldest Jain temple was built in the 12th century, Buddhist monuments dating back to the 4th century on this hill. Reaching the hilltop involves a trek. On reaching you can see small shrines dedicated to Buddhist Goddess, Devi Taranamata. Weathered terracotta images of Buddha and four carved images of Dhyani Buddha on a stone plate can be seen in cave formations. The Taranga Jain Temple is further up from here. This 12th century derasar is one of the best-preserved temples in Gujarat. There is a five-metre tall sculpture of the 2nd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Ajitnath, who represents inner stillness. The Svetambara complex consists of 14 temples, but there are 5 other Digambara shrines as well. Taranga is a Jain pilgrimage center near Kheralu in Mehsana district, Gujarat, India, with two compounds of Jain temples that are important examples of the Māru-Gurjara style of architecture.

Keywords: tirthankara, digambara, svetambara, derasar, ajitnath, aravalli range.