Chaalo, Nakoda Ji Chaala!

Shri Nakoda Ji Tirth is famous for Lord Parsavanath and Nakoda Bhairav Ji temple. Located in Nakoda Village of the Barmer District, Rajasthan, it is considered the most significant Jain pilgrimage site in India. Previously, the village was known as Nagara, Virampura, and Maheva. After the temple, this village became famous as Nakoda Parshva Jain temple.

Located on a beautiful hill 1500 km and 13 km from Balotara Railway station and 1 km from Mewar city, it is known as a tirth that fulfills wishes. Nakoda Bhairav ji is said to protect the temple, and locals believe that this temple is miraculous and drives thousands of believers worldwide. Every year, a fair happens on the tenth day of Magasar, the birth of Kalyanak day of Lord Parshavanath.

About Nakoda Ji:

There are many sculptures in the temple, including black stoned Lord Parshva (Tithankara), the major attraction of this pilgrim. During the third century, Veerasen and Nakorsan built this holy temple for the Jain community. The idol was bought by Nakoda village, hence named after the city called Nakoda Parsavanath Temple.

The temple enshrines the 24th Tirthankara Bhagwan Parshavanath Ji Mulnayak, a 58 cm high black-colored idol in Padmasana (lotus) position. It houses 120 idols of Jain Tirthankaras bought from Kalidrah in 1372 AD.

The temple’s darbar still witnesses many miracles, where the diyas (lamps) bow down to the sadhus as a sign of respect, since they are considered higher than kings.

History of Nakoda Ji Jain Temple:

According to some people, the Shri Nakoja Ji temple was built by Veerasen and Nakorsan in the third century, but others attribute it to Jain Acharaya Stulbhadra. The Solanki Dynasty ruled Gujarat and Rajasthan from the 10th to 13th centuries, and significantly altered the temple’s architectural style and grandeur. It has the presence of 246 inscriptions within the complex that detail various patrons, devotees, and rulers who helped build the temple.

Alamshah looted it later. In the 15th century, Acharya Shri Vijay Himachal Suri installed the Nakoda Bhairav Ji temple along with other Tirthankaras in place of Lord Parshava’s statue, which had been hidden in the Nakoda village.

Jains dedicates this temple to Lord Mahavira. You will see the history of Shantinath Bhagwan displayed in the form of idols. There are many small and big temples near the main temple. Statue of Shri Adinath Bhagwan and Shri Shantinath Bhagwan is installed on the premises. Many other temples are dedicated to Rishabh Dev (Lachi Bai Temple) and Shantinath Bhagwan. Outside the temple are two huge idols of Lord Neminath in the position of dhyana (meditation).

How to Reach Nakoda Ji:

Nakoda Ji Temple is 13 km from Balotara Railway Station and 1 km from Mewad district. If you are traveling from major cities like Udaipur, Ahmedabad, or Vadodara, you can take the NH 48 highway to Balotara. From Balotara, take the Balotara- Jasol- Nakoda road to reach here by car. From Udaipur, Nakoda ji is 300 km, and the nearest airport is Jodhpur, 110 km.

Reach here by train via Balotara railway station. Hire a cab, auto, or bus to reach Nakoda Ji. Government buses of RSRTC are easily accessible from this place from nearby towns like Jodhpur, Barmer, or Jalore.

• Address: Nakoda Parshavanath Jain Mandir, Nakoda, Mewa Nagar, Rajasthan

• Timings: 5.30 AM to 10 PM ( All days open)

Mystical Facts about Nakoda Ji Jain Mandir:

Nakoda Parshavanath Ji is Tirupati Mandir of the northwest, where devotees from all states visit regularly. Around 6 Lakhs is donated per day by devotees.

Legends say the temple faced an invasion by Alam Shah. To protect the sacred idols, they were miraculously hidden. Some believe divine intervention played a part in concealing them, ensuring their safekeeping.

Devotees consider a full moon day (Poornima) coinciding with a Sunday particularly auspicious for visiting the temple. It’s believed to bring a surge in spiritual energy and blessings.

The Prasad (blessed sweet offering) received at the temple should be consumed or distributed within the temple premises. Taking it outside is considered a bad omen by some devotees.

Hotels and Food Facility in Nakoda Ji:

Many budgeted hotels start from 900 INR per day near Nakoda Ji Mandir. As the temple is in a serene rural area, you have limited food options like:

• Shree Nakoda Riddhi Siddhi Bhojanshala – A restaurant serving Jain food located next to the temple. It has a user rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps with opening hours of 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM, 11 AM to 1:15 PM, and 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM.

• Shree Jain Restaurant Nakoda – A breakfast restaurant located in Nakoda. Its opening hours are 8 AM to 10 AM.

As Jainism is a religion that emphasizes non-violence and vegetarianism, most food options near the temple will likely be vegetarian or vegan. It’s also common for Jain temples to have dharamshalas or bhojanshalas offer simple meals to pilgrims for free or at a nominal cost.

Nearby temples to visit near Nakoda Ji:

Besides the mesmerizing Nakoda Ji temple, here are some famous temples to visit to complete your spiritual journey:

• Rani Bhaitani Temple ( 8.2 km)
• Vishnu Temple of Ranchhriji ( 14.3 km)
• Jasol Jain Temple ( 31.1 km)
• Mata Chamunda Ji Mandir, Meherangarh Fort ( 88.7 km)

Conclusion:

So, if you are traveling to Nakoda Ji Temple, remember the ideal time to visit this pilgrim’s journey is between October to March, as summers are very uncomfortable. Do dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple. Maintaining dignity and silence is our duty in this place of worship.

Have a nice trip!