Nakoda ji is one of the famous Jain temple of India.This sacred tirtha is at a distance of 13 km from Balotara Railway station and 1 km from Mewad city. It is situated in the forest in the hills. In this tirtha with a charming natural atmosphere all-around, we have an idol of Mulnayaka Shri Parshvanath Bhagavan. It is black in complexion, 58 cm in height and in Padmasana posture. The idols is extremely charming and miraculous. The miracles of the presiding deity of this spot, Shri Bhairavaji Maharaj are well-known. We have a reference which states that the ancient name of Nakoda was Virampur. It is said that in the third century before the Vikrama era, two brothers, Shri Virasen and Shri Nakoresen raised two villages Virampur and Nakorenagar at a distance of twenty miles. They also get constructed two temples of Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagavan and Shri Suparshva Bhagavan. The main idol is that of Shri Nakoda Parsvanatha. This statue was brought here from the village Nakoda which is near Sinduri., hence the place is called Nakoda Parsvanath temple. But this alone is not the attraction of the temple.
The idol of Shri Nakoda Bheruji was installed by Acharya Shri Vijay Himachal Suri who also established idols of other Teerthankars in this temple. This is a very ancient temple and the construction work has been going over the centuries. This place has become a pilgrimage that people from every religion visits here. The devotees believe that every particle of this wholly pilgrimage of Nakoda is sacred. This is a universal feeling that entry into the place is very pleasing. Elam and tranquility descends upon the visitor. A feeling of Divine bliss is around. This is also believed that who so ever is pays visit here, has his wishes fulfilled. Although the temple is very ancient one but from time to time renovations and repairs and additions have been made to the temple. So it is in a very sound position. The temple has about 246 inscriptions which amply show that over the centuries, the temple was extended, renovated, rebuilt and additions were made to it. Even today the construction work is continuing. It is among the hills in the distant forest at a distance of 13 kilometers from Balotra. The nearest railway station on Jodhpur-Samadari-Barmer section of North Western Railway is at a distance of 12 kilometers from this temple. Bus service, and private vehicles from every tirth in Rajasthan to this place are available. In the compound of the temple there is a Dharamshala (disambiguation) (rest-house) with excellent lodging facilities. The other important town nearby is Jasol at distance of 5 km. There are regular buses from Jalore, Bhinmal, Sirohi, Jodhpur, Balotra, Barmer, Udaipur and Jaisalmer to Nakoda.
Shree Nakoda ji Temple Architecture
The main temple consists of the teerth Adhiraj idol along with with the idols of Shri Adinath Bhagwan & Shri Shantinath Bhagwan in other temples in its campus. Shri Nakoda Parshwanath Bhagwan in Padmasan mudra, 58 cm in height, is an amazing blueish color statue.
The life history of Shri Shantnath Bhagwan is displayed in the form of idols and placed on the walls of the Shri Shantinath Bhagwan temple. There are several small and big temples near the main temple. On the right side of the temple, a magnificent idol of ‘Sanwalia’ (dusky) Parshwanath is installed.
On the right, outside the main temple, stands the magnificent temple of Lord Shantinath. Here the full-size images of Lord Parshwanath and Lord Shantinath are etched on marble. Outside the main temple, two ancient idols of Lord Neminath stand in meditational posture.
Hundreds-thousands of travelers come here daily from every corner of India and maintain partnership in the name of Bhairav even in their business. This is indicative of a unique faith towards Bhairavdev. A big fair is held here on Poush Krishna Dashami, which is the birthday of Lord Parshwanath.
Monuments in Barmer
Occupying an area of 28,387 sq. km, Barmer is among the larger districts in Rajasthan. Being in the western part of the state, it includes a part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is to the north of this district while Jalore is in its south. Pali and Jodhpur form its eastern border and it shares a border with Pakistan in the west. Partially being a desert, this district has a large variation in temperature. The temperature in summer can rise up to 51 °C and falls to 0 °C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After travelling a length of almost 500 km, it passes through Jalore and merges in the marshy land of Runn of Kutch.
In 12th century this region was known as Mallani. It’s present name was give by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 kms from present city of Barmer. After Parmer’s, Rawat Luka -Grand Son of Rawal Mallinath, establish their kingdom in Juna Barmer with help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna & made it their capital. Thereafter, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, established the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD and shifted his capital to Barmer from Juna. He build a small fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. The estate of Barmer was hereditary bhumia Jagir (independent principality), being an alloidal vassal state of Marwar (Jodhpur) in Rajputana Agency and as against the other Nobles, Jagirdars and Chiefs of Jodhpur State who hold land on condition of regular services being rendered, the Rawat owes nominal allegiance and offers service only during emergencies.
Once a camel trade route, This area is rich in craft that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints. Several festivals are held in Barmer, Most important being the Mallinath Cattle festival which is held at Tilwara village in remembrance of Rawal Mallinath who was founder of Mallani Pargana.
