Sonagiri Temples

Sonagiri is a major pilgrimage site for the Jain community, it is about 60 kms from Gwalior,. This region holds a lot of religious significance because it is where Nanganag Kumar attained salvation along with 15 million devotees. According to Jain texts, since the time of Chandraprabhu (the 8th Tirthankar), five and half crores of ascetic saints have achieved moksha (liberation) here. The place is considered sacred by devotees. There is a 3 metres (9.8 ft) rock cut image of Chandraprabhu dating back to 5th to 6th century. There are a total of 103 temples with 77 on hill and 26 in village. The Samavsharan of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu came here seventeen times. Nang, Anang, Chintagati, Poornachand, Ashoksen, Shridatta, Swarnbhadra and many other saints achieved salvation hereSprawling over 132 acres, this sacred place is known as the Laghu Sammed Shikhar. This region is dotted with several ancient Jain temples dating back to the 9th century. 77 of the total temples are perched on the hill and the rest is set in the village.

The 57th Jain temple located on the hill is the main temple of Sonagiri. It is frequented by ascetic saints and devotees who practice self-discipline to achieve liberation from the cycle of life and death. This place of worship is an epitome of architectural glory. The artistic spires and the intricate carvings add to the striking grandeur. This temple contains the 11 feet tall deity of the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha doing meditation. Two other idols of Lord Parshvanatha and Lord Sheetalnath are also installed.