Taranga is a major Jain pilgrimage center near Kheralu, around 20 km from Vadnagar in Mehsana district. Taranga Hills of Aravali range is well known in Jainism and Bhuddism where Jain temple built by Chaulukya king Kumarapala residing at Patan and also associated and influenced with Buddhism as well.
As per the Jain sacred scriptures, this place is described as Tar-ur, Taravarnagar, Tarangiri, Tarangadh etc. The present Swetamber Jain temple was built by king Kumarpal of Solanki Dynasty in Vikram samvat year 1221. White Idol of Sri Ajitnath Bhagwan second Tirthankar seated in a lotus posture and of height 2.75 meters is placed in temple. Temple was renovated couple of times in Vikram year 1479 and 1642 and also found some evident that original shrine was built earlier than Vikram 1st century. The temple measures are 50 feet in length, 100 feet in breadth and 142 feet in height with perimeter of 639 feet with magnificently carved and one of India’s most precious works of architecture.
Apart from this, there are four Swetamber Jain temples and five Digamber Jain temples located on top of hill. Kotishila or 1st Tunk where lot of saints performed meditation and 2nd Tunk called Mokshabari or Puyabari is in the eastern direction about a kilometer away. The pure and natural surroundings on the mountain helps in experiencing of extra ordinary peace for soul.
Facilities for Jain Pilgrims at Taranga Hill
Dharamshala for both Swetamber and Digamber with all required facilities are situated near the Taranga Hill. For devotee there are few bhojanshala on the hill as well where they can have pure jain food at convenient time. Devotee and tourist can easily reach by road and railway here.
