SHRI ANANDPUR TIRTH

  • SHRI ANANDPUR TIRTH

In ancient times this village was also well known as Chamatkarpur, Madanpur, Anandpur. In Jain Granths they were termed as Vradhunagar and Anadpur. At once upon a time, it was a huge city. There are many temples, Vav and wells. It is said that, at one time this was at the base of Sri Shatrunjay Giriraj.In Vikram year 523, the discourser of the most religious Aagam Granth “Kalpasutra” was the first started here which is now done at every place. It is also said that this was first discourse by Sri Dhaneshvar Surishvar in the presence of the king Sri Shroovsen and his subjects. This proves that this teerth existed much before the above said period. King Sri Kumarpal had made a magnificent fort in Vikram year 1208 whose doors, Toran etc., reminds is of that time.In Vikram year 1524, in the poem som sowbhagya written by Prathistasomji there is a mention of pond called Samela situated in Vrudhnagar, Jiwitswami and two temples named Veer.Thus, many temples must have been built but presently there are only 5 temples of which this temple is believed to be an ancient one, and is named as chotavala temple. It is said that, this temple was built by King Samprati. Here the temple of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan is also as old as this temple which is named as Hatiwala temple. It is said that the cellar of Chotawala temple goes till Taranga. The last renovation is said to have done in Vikram year 1845.Acharya Sri Somsundersuriji honored Sri Devtaj with the title of “Acharya” in a function organized by Sri Munisundarji, Sri Devraj Shreshthi along with Sri Munisundarsuriji took out a sangh to Shatrunjay, Girnar etc., from here.This was a developing place for the people of Nagar community who were followers of Jainism and got many idols consecrated. They also built many temples. The idols of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan present in every cubicle (dehri) of the 52 devkulikas in the Hatiwala Derasar, which is got sanctified by various nagar people, is very attractive and worth seeing.There are four more temples apart from this temple.