Here is a simple overview of the history and importance of Mahavir Swami Bhamanwada (Bamanwada) Jain Temple:

1. Location and Identity

- This tirth is in village Bamanwada, near Sirohi / Pindwara in Rajasthan. - It is a Śvetāmbara Jain temple with Bhagwan Mahavir Swami as the main deity (mulnayak). - The idol is famous as “Jīvit Swami” (Jiwit Swami) – meaning Living Lord Mahavir.

1. Why it is called “Jīvit Swami”

- According to Jain tradition, this place (earlier known as Brahmanvatak / Bhamanwadji) is connected directly with the life of Bhagwan Mahavir. - The idol is believed to represent Mahavir Swami as he was living on this very earth, and therefore the tirth is honoured as Jīvit Mahavir Swami – a place of very strong living presence (pratyaksh anubhuti) of the Lord.

1. Connection with Mahavir Swami’s Upasarga (pain / torture)

- Jain katha-tradition says that Bhagwan Mahavir stayed here during his period of deep meditation and spiritual practice. - At this very place, he is believed to have suffered a severe upasarga, where cruel nails were hammered into his ears while he was in dhyān. - Even in such terrible pain, Mahavir Swami showed perfect kṣamā (forgiveness) and sahānubhūti (compassion), without anger or revenge. - Because of this incident, Bamanwada is remembered as a very powerful tirth of kṣamā and tapas.

1. Antiquity and construction

- The tirth is considered very ancient in Jain tradition. - Local Jain beliefs say the original temple here was associated with Nandivardhan, the elder brother of Bhagwan Mahavir, though like many old tirths it has been renovated many times over the centuries. - Today the temple is beautifully rebuilt and maintained, and is one of the important Mahavir tirths of Rajasthan.

1. Special features of the temple

- The main idol of Mahavir Swami in padmāsan, often described as being of coral (praval) colour, is the central attraction. - The place is known for a very peaceful, powerful meditative atmosphere, so many devotees come specially for pratikraman, prarthanā and dhyān. - Nearby, there are also marks and places associated in local Jain tradition with Mahavir Swami’s stay and his upasarga here.

If you want to read more about Bhagwan Mahavir Swami’s life and personality in general, you can see this JainKnowledge page “Who is Mahavir Swami”