Taranga is one of the most famous pilgrimage centres for the Jains. Though the three-peaked Taranga hills is a less-frequent stop on the standard tourist trail, yet it is considered to be having one of India’s most treasured works of architecture having the potentiality of becoming a favourite among tourist. Taranga perhaps is a testimony of the diverse culture of India. The picture perfect location of Taranga is bound to impress any tourist and will definitely create an indelible impression on his mind. A true cohesion of religion and natural beauty, Taranga is fast making a place as an important tourist destinaation.
Temple of Jain tirthankar Lord Ajitnath from hilltop
Where is Taranga?
Taranga, the famous Jain pilgrimage centre is in the Mehsana district of Gujarat at a distance of 140 Km from Ahmedabad.
About Taranga
Situated at an altitude of 1300 feet, this place is considered as a Jain Siddha Kshetra. It is believed that numerous saints, after powerful austerities, obtained final emancipation at this peak. On this hill, there are 5 Digambar and 5 Shwetambar temples which are not only favourite among Jains but are also exponents of architectural masterpiece.
In the 12th century, the Shwetambar Solanki king, Kumarapal, constructed a beautiful temple in the honor of the 2nd Jain Tirthankar Lord Ajitnath. This Jain temple is an architectural masterpiece and is considered to be one of the most popular Jain temples in India. The main statue of lord Ajitnath is around 15 feet high and is considered as one of the biggest statues of India. The huge statue of Lord Ajitnath in transcended and peaceful action creates an intense aura of stillness and calm beyond expression. The temple is around 260 feet high and is situated in the central place on Taranga hills. This Shwetambar Jain temple is one of the five most important Mahatirthas of the Jains.
In and around Taranga
Apart from the famous Jain temple the temple of Ambaji roughly 30 miles from Taranga is a poplar Hindu pilgrimage destination. The temple of Ambaji is the seat of Ambe Mata, the mother goddess and is considered as one of the major Shakti peethas.
Temple of Ambaji
Millions of devotees from around the world visit the temple every year. The huge temple is an architectural masterpiece in itself. There is no image of Ambaji Mata in temple, people worship the yantra.
The temple of Devi Taranmata is a favourite among tourist and locals where Devi Dharanmata identified as Tara Devi is worshipped as the goddess of tantric Buddhism. The journey to this temple though is quite tough yet is an experience by itself which tourists must undertake to have a entirely different kind of feeling.
Idol of Bhagawan Neminath
The two hillocks named Kotishila and Sidhhshila have idols of Bhagwan Neminath and Bhagwan Mallinath. Both this idols are an important place of worship and are popular among tourists and visitors visiting Taranga.
How to reach Taranga?
By Air - The nearest Airport is Ahmedabad, approx. 125 Kms from Taranga.
By Rail - The nearest major railway stations are Visnagar (38 kms), Mehsana (52 kms), Unjha (54 kms) & Vijapur (60 kms) approx. A slow local train also travels from Mehsana to Taranga (2 hrs.) The temple is 5 km from the railway station.
By Road - Bus service and rented private vehicle are available from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, Siddhpur and Ambaji. Bus will drop you off at Timba near Danta from where one can get a shared (Rs. 5/-) or private (Rs. 50/-) jeep for the 8 km to Taranga.
Where to stay at Taranga?
Balaram Palace (02742 – 84278, 84378-79-80)
Poshina Palace are the two luxurious staying options.
Rajdhani, Utsav, Apsara, are budget staying options.
