Koniji
Shri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Kundalgiri (Koniji)
Gram – Koni Kalan, Taluka – Patan, District – Jabalpur (M.P.) Pin – 483113
Phone 07621-294895, 205895, 220405, 220459, 220488, 220588 and 220680
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Shri Kundalgiri (Koniji) Atishaya Kshetra is situated near Hiran River in the valleys of Bhander-Kemor mountain range. The Vindhyachal mountain range in Jabalpur District of M.P. This Kshetra is about 1000 years old and is present amidst natural surroundings.
The effect of Kalchuri Periodic Art of 10th-11th century is clearly visible in the art of temple and the idols present here. The temples of this Kshetra have restored the historicity & art in its usual form.
The ruins and fragments of Jain temples available here are so much in quantity that it is difficult to find out the exact number of temples which existed here in the past. According to one report the 13 Jinalayas & temples do existed here in the year 1934 but up to 1944 only 9 Jinalayas & temples were left.
The 10 temples are constructed here in one compound only and the 11th temple exists on one hill in north direction of the Kshetra.
The carvings of ‘Nandishwar Dveep’ & ‘Sahastrakoot Chaityalaya’ are quite artistic and miraculous. It is said that till a few years ago, dev and devis from the heaven used to come at this Kshetra on ‘Ashtanhika Festival’ and use to offer their prayers on this occasion.
The shower of saffron also occurs here on this occasion and the whole environment get filled with fragrance of saffron. The 7th temple of this Kshetra in which Sahastrakoot Jinalaya exists, is famous as Sanctum Temple (Garbha Mandir). Even after the presence of 2 ventilators & 2 gates in this temple one feels cool in summers & warm in winters.
The Chaaritra Chakravarti Acharya Shanti Sagar Ji Sasangh & Mahamanishi Sant ‘Shullak Ganesh Prasad Ji Varni’ were deeply impressed by the serene & peaceful environment of this Teerth Kshetra.
The ruins & broken fragments scattered all over this area shows that mass destruction took place sometime in the past here. It is said that this place was attacked during the British rule and heavy guns and artillery was used to destroy the area. The idols of huge Jain Temples were sent to Patan and the Koni city was burned & the local residents of this place never came back to Koni city again.
In this Kshetra 10 spired temples have been constructed in one single compound and most of the idols belong to the period between 10th – 11th century. The 8th temple is the main temple in which the 4 feet high Padmasan miraculous idol of principal deity Bhagwan Parshvanath surmounted with seven serpent hoods is installed. The idol is made of white stone.
The idol is so attractive that by just looking at it, the devotees are filed with great peace. This idol is also called as ‘Vighnahar Parshvanath’. It is said that problems of person get solved if the person offers his prayers devotionally to ‘Vighnahar Parshvanath’.
The 7th sanctum temple is famous for its air-conditioned miracle. The unique Sahastrakoot Jinalaya, which is also famous for its artistic style, is siuated in this temple. All the 8 Panels (slabs) are carved on octagon shaped platform & the sum of idols on this is 1008.
The antique magnificent artistic style (carving) of Nandishwar Dveep is also present in the 10th temple.
Nearby places:
Jabalpur 36 km
Damoh 70 km
Katangi 28 km
Shahpura Bhitoni 26 km
