Overview

Madhya Pradesh is known for its deep spiritual and religious tourism. The Barwani district is home to the famous Jain pilgrimage site known as Bawangaja or Siddha Khetra Choolgiri. This site features the 84-foot-tall Khadgasana idol of Lord Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankar, making it one of the tallest megalithic monuments worldwide. The intricacies of this statue showcase a flawless expression of emotions like joy, mercy, and detachment, skillfully carved from a single mountain of rock.

Significance

The area features twelve temples on the hill and eighteen more at its base, including the Choolgiri temple synonymous with self-realization among three Jain scholars who meditated here. One of the notable events at Bawangaja is the Mahamastakabhisheka festival held in January every twelve years, attracting thousands of tourists and pilgrims.

Historical Context

This site also has links to the Ramayana, believed to be where Meghnaath, the son of Ravan, achieved meditation and Nirvana. Approximately eleven temples were constructed on the hills of the Satpura range in the fifteenth century, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views.

Visiting Bawangaja

Bawangaja is accessible year-round, but the ideal months for a visit are from October to April. Travelers can reach Barwani via car from Indore’s railway station, approximately 150 km away, with the nearest airport being Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, about 154 km from the site.