INTRODUCTION

Bawangaja or Siddha Khetra Choolgiri is world famous Jain pilgrimage site located in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh State. This place is famous for the ancient world tallest 84 feet megalithic statue of Khadgasana idol of Lord Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankar. There is no written evidence found regarding the construction period of this idol so it is very difficult to predict or mention anything about its construction period. The idol of Lord Adinatha is made in brown stone in Kayotsarga position. The hands of idol are not joined with legs but are made separate. The art and sculpture of this idol is unique. The idol is perfect depiction of all emotions like mercy, joy, and separation on the face of this idol. The statue is supported from the back. The Statue of Lord Adinatha is made by cutting rock of one single mountain only. This is similar in planning to that of the other famous Jain temples in India, such as Lord Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola. This statue is made from brown stone of which is situated in the Satpura ranges in Barwani district. This is an ancient place with a rich historic background from the time of Ramayana. It was the place of Meditation and Nirvana for Indrajeet popularly known as Meghnaath, the Ravan's son and of Ravan's younger brother Kumbhakaran. There are also three very ancient images of Indrajeet, Kumbhakaran and the others are present in this temple. There are around 11 temples on the hills of Satpura range which are estimated to be constructed in the fifteen century. This Siddha Khetra is located on the Satpura range and is covered with full greenery with beautiful sights. It is place of natural habitats like natural waterfalls, gardens in the arena of Temple etc. From the top of the hill the sunset and sunrise view are the main tourist attraction at this Siddha place. Including the world tallest statue of the Bhagawan Adinatha, there are many more ancient temples which are also a point to tourist attraction. There are twelve temples on hill and 18 other temples at the bottom of the hill near the tallest statue. The temple called Choolgiri which is also known as Siddha Bhoomi is located at the top of the mountain. This place is recognized as a holy place because three of the Jain scholars are meditated on the Divine and attained self realization. The idols of Lord Pushpadanta are being installed on the four sides of the Column of the Statue of Lord Adinatha. The Mahamastakabhisheka is one of the major festivals of this sacred place. This festival is performed in the January month after every twelve years and is a major tourist attraction of this place which draws a thousand of tourist and pilgrims at this place.

By Flight

The nearest airport is located at Indore which is approx 160 Kms from Bawangaja, Barwani and is easily reachable by hiring tourist taxis from or to Barwani at a comparatively reasonable cab fares.

DISTANCE CHART		LOCATION MAP
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Indore	160
Maksi	240
Bhopawar	80
Ujjain	230
Maheshwar	100
Dhar	120

 

By Train

There are no direct trains available to Bawangaja; however, the nearest major railhead is at Indore.

By Road

Bawangaja is located in the Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh which is only 160 Kms from the Industrial hub city Indore of Madhya Pradesh so this place is easily reachable by road. It takes around three and a half hour to reach Bawangaja from Indore by car or taxi via Indore-Dhar road and SH 38. The roads are quite good in condition and safe even if you are travelling in night time. This place is easily reachable from all the major cities by hiring tourist taxis or by your own car.

CLIMATE

The climate of Barwani is quite suitable for tourism throughout the year. Barwani district summer highest temperature in day time is in between 33 degree Celsius to 43 degree Celsius which quite high for climbing the mountain hills for Darshan. It is recommended to visit this place in between October to February months. The average temperatures of October to January are between 7°C to 28 °C.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

This is a sacred place located in the Satpura mountain range in Barwani District of Madhya Pradesh permits you to visit throughout the year because of the calm and cool weather and good connectivity of the place to the neighbouring major cities of Madhya Pradesh. However, if you want to see the lush green mountains and picturesque view during your spiritual trip then visit between Octobers to April, the best time to come at this place.

ACCOMMODATION

For accommodation at Bawangaja Jain tirth, rooms are available in dharamshala. After visiting Bharwani Jain temples, tourists have option to visit Indore, Ujjain, Maksi, Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar etc.