- A rare five-inch Ashtadhātu image of Bhagavān Mahāvīra was discovered during excavations at the ancient Tundali Jain temple complex, Tundla, on 11 January 2026.
- Scholars believe the image belongs to an early historical period and was originally consecrated in a Jain shrine.
- The discovery evoked deep devotion, with Jain devotees gathering for prayers and chants at the site.
- The find affirms the antiquity and continuity of Jain presence and heritage in Tundla.
- After purification and consecration rites, the image will be installed at a secure and appropriate place.
Tundla, Firozabad District, Uttar Pradesh, 11th January 2026: During the ongoing excavation at the ancient Tundali Jain temple complex in Tundla town of Firozabad district, a highly significant and venerable discovery was made on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at around 11:30 a.m.
The excavation brought to light a small yet remarkable image of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, measuring approximately five inches in height and cast in Ashtadhātu. Despite its modest size, the image is of considerable artistic, religious, and archaeological importance. On the basis of its form, meditative posture, and metallurgical composition, scholars and members of the Jain community believe that the image belongs to an early historical phase and was once duly installed in a Jain shrine. Over the passage of time, it appears to have been buried beneath the ground, possibly due to the decline or destruction of the temple structure.
The moment the sacred image emerged, the temple vicinity was filled with an atmosphere of deep faith, devotion, and collective reverence. Upon receiving the news, a large number of Jain devotees gathered at the site, and the discovery was marked with devotional chants and religious observances in praise of Bhagavān Mahāvīra.
Senior members of the Jain community have rightly observed that this find stands as strong testimony to the antiquity of Jain presence in Tundla and to its rich and continuous religious heritage. Plans are presently underway to undertake the necessary rites of purification and consecration, after which the image will be installed at a secure and appropriate place.
This discovery is not only of immense significance to the Jain community but also constitutes an important contribution to the broader cultural and religious history of the region.— Jain Heritage Centres News Services | News & Image Courtesy: Pandey Jayant Jain, Tundla | Rahul Jain, Agra