Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple, Ramtek

The mythical ancient historical religion Ramtek is known as Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra. The 15 feet high Atishaya purna idol of Bhagwan Shantinath is placed in the Kayotsarya posture. By having darshan of Bhagwan Shantinath the devotees get rid of their meseries, diseases and other troubles, it is believed. Around this temple, there are eight temples. There is also a very splendid and beautiful Manastambha and it is very ancient. The architecture of the pinnacles of these temples is very intricate, extraordinary and distinct. The newly built temple is famous as Panch Bal Yati Temple or Chaubisi Temple and is created out of Pink Sand stone. The new temple has a large 60' diameter dome in the basement and 60' diameter dome on the ground floor that is beautifully engraved. The ground floor dome is standing on 24 pillars with 24 small temples surrounding the mandap. The legend goes that the ruler of Nagpur Appasaheb Bhonsle came to Ramtek with his State Minister Vadhman Sawvaji about 400 years ago. After having darshan of Ramchandraji, invited Sawvaji to share meals with him.But he refused with an entreaty that he wouldnot have meals without Jindarshana. Hence a search was carried out by royal order and the said idol of Bhagwan Shantinath was found lying under a tree.Thereafter only Sawvaji had his meals. in compliance of the king's order a Jain Temple was built and a Ram Mandir was also raised at a nearby hill.