Ashtamahavir Tirth is a set of eight tirths completely dedicated to Lord Mahavira. In few of these tirth reside “Jivit Mahavira Swami” meaning the idols were consecrated when lord Mahavira was on earth as Tirthankara.

In the last post we covered Rata Mahaviraji, an idol in red radiating divine presence!

The next place we’re talking about is one the of the places where a Jivit Swami resides.

Ashtamahavir Tirth #3

Nandiya Tirth

Nandiya Tirth is based in Nanidia village, in Sirohi district, Rajasthan India.

Nandia village, as per locals believe that the village was earlier known as “Nandigram” & “Nandivardhanpur” locals inform that the village was build by Lord Mahavira’s elder brother Nandivardhana. 

The idol residing in this tirth is of “Jivit Mahavira Swami” and it’s believed that the idol was consecrated by Nandivardhana himself when Lord Mahavira was alive on earth as a Tirthankara. The idol is white in colour and it’s in padmasana posture, many devotees describe the first visual encounter with the idol as overwhelming in its stillness and purity.

There are 52 jinalayas in total and every idol is enough to calm your soul with serenity. A unique feature is, the moment you enter the main temple the parigraha/garbhagruh has over 52 idols (51+1) small in size within the mulnayak idol. According to the belief of devotees this tirth was the very place Lord Mahavira calmed Chandkaushik, a serpent known to orchestrate atrocities on the Lord. There’s even a picture which defines the incident, what a spiritual satisfaction we get to experience when Mahavira Swami showered compassion on Chandakaushik that uplifted his soul to devlok.

While devotees firmly believe that this idol dates back to the lifetime of Lord Mahavira through Nandivardhana’s consecration, the historically verifiable layer of the tirth emerges through its stone inscriptions, which provide tangible archaeological evidence of its antiquity.

The great patrons, Ratnashah and Dharanashah were known to be the residents of the village. The inscriptions of V.S. 1210 (1153 CE) and later on also portrays that the temple was renovated constantly, Stone Inscriptions on the pillars of the temple belong to a period between V.S. 1130 (1073 CE) and 1210 (1153 CE) shows the antiquity of the tirth.

Historical records and local accounts also indicate that the temple witnessed periods of decline and partial abandonment over time. However, through collective efforts and devotional responsibility, the tirth was gradually revived, preserving both the idol and the spiritual legacy associated with it.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with Jaina philosophy, this tirth still offers an encounter with the divine idol and the aura surrounding the entire place which is enough to make you forget about all your mental worries. Nandiya Tirth, is a place where devotion and spirituality resides in every particle of the area.

Nandiya Tirth is one of those rare places where history and silence meet, untouched and powerful. If you’re ever anywhere near Sirohi, don’t miss the chance to stand before Jivit Mahavira at Nandiya some moments quietly change you.

The 8 forgotten Lord Mahavira’s Tirths in Rajasthan every Jain should know but hardly anyone does (PT3)