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Bandhaji

    Bandhaji is an ancient Jain heritage centre in Tikargarh district of Madhya Pradesh with a recorded history of over 900 years.

    Main Deity – About 2.5 feet high ancient idol of Tirthankar Ajitanath in padmasana.

    History – Bandhaji is one of the seven Bhoyare (underground celler) of the Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh.  The seven Bhoyare include – Pava; Deogarh;  Seron; Karguan; Bandhaji; Papora and thuvon. Legends say that these seven Bhoyare were built by two brothers Deopat and Khevpat.

    The main deity of Tirthankar Ajitanath was installed in the year 1142A.D. On the either side of Bhagwan Ajitanatha idols of Bhagwan Adinatha and Shambhavanatha are found (installed in 1152A.D.). Another idol of Bhagwan Neminath is also found here. Besides the bhoyara, a very attractive 65 feet temple built in 18th Century AD is also found at .This temple  was built by  the religious mother of Seth Girdharlalji. Many legends and miracles are associated with this place. It is said that in 1953, Acharya Mahavirkirtiji Maharaj has put some gandhodak of Abhisek in a dry well which started giving water.

    The local authorities have collected the jain idols scattered is and around Bandha  and have kept it at a place in the for of a museum. The idols in this museum depict the rich heritage of Jaina art and architecture.

    Historians are of the opinion that this place was developed during the time of Chandel Kings and Bhonyare (Basement) constructed during the time of Muslim rulers to keep idols safe from invaders.

    How to Reach – Shri Digamabar Jain Atishay Kshetra, Bandhaji is 10 Kms south of Bamhori-Barana village in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. It is 50 Kms from Tikamgarh on way to Jhansi via Niwari.

    Photos by – Rushab Shah (Mumbai)

     

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