Gurugram Asthapad Tirth Kshetra

Shri 1008 Ashtapad Teerth Kshetra Jain Mandir is located on National Highway-8 (Delhi-Jaipur Highway), 66 kilometers from the capital city of India (Delhi) and 33 kilometers from Gurugram (Haryana). Initially, there were plans to construct a Jain college at the site of the temple, but due to lack of appropriate funds, it could not materialize. Jain Saints often pass through this route while traveling from Delhi to Jaipur. However, there was no proper arrangement for their stay during their visits. Hence, the decision to construct the temple was made. The main contribution to the construction of the temple was made by Pandit Dharmachand Shastri Pratishthacharya Ji. It is through his determination and guidance that the construction of the temple was completed.

The main attraction of the temple is the 27-feet tall red stone idol of Shri 1008 Adinath Bhagwan Ji. While passing through the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway, you can catch a glimpse of the idol from a distance. The idol is sculpted and carved from red stone in the temple premises only. Along with the idol of Shri Adinath Ji, idols of Shri Bharat and Bahubali Bhagwan, as well as the Charan Chhatar, have also been established. But initially in 2008, under the inspiration of Acharya Shri 108 Bharatsagar Maharaj Ji, the idol of Shri 1008 Mahavir Bhagwan was established firstly. Later, the Panchkalyanak (consecration ceremony) of this idol of Shri Mahavir Bhagwan was conducted in the presence of Muni Shri 108 Amit Sagar Ji Maharaj.

Then in 2010, Ganini Aryika Shri 105 Kushalika Rajmati Mata Ji arrived at the temple. Inspired by the Jain community and Mata Ji, a 31-foot high Manastambha was erected in the temple premises at that time. In 2014, the construction of Mount Kailash was undertaken in the temple, which houses a temple with idols of all the Jain Tirthankar and a Sahastrakoot Jin Mandir with 1008 idols. Within the temple complex, there is also a Vedi (altar) dedicated to Shri 1008 Parshvanath Bhagwan, along with the Vedi of Mata Padmavati and Guardian Deity Shri Kshetrapal Baba Ji. The auspicious Parshvanath Kalikund Yantra, which is believed to destroy our sins, is also placed in the Vedi. This Yantra is carved from a single stone, making it very rare to find. Underneath the Vedi of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan, there is a meditation center constructed, adorned with idols made of gold, silver, and precious stones.

In 2014, when the construction of Kailash Parvat within the temple premises was completed, a Panchkalyanak was again conducted. At that time, in the ten-acre land adjacent to the temple premises, which falls under the temple's jurisdiction, the ceremony was organized. All the idols were placed in the same tent. After the Panchkalyanak of the idols, they were carried into the temple. While all the pratima were lifted quite easily, when they started lifting the pratima of Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, it did not move from its place. It seemed as if this idol had become immovable. Despite many attempts, the idol would not budge. After this incident, Maharaj Ji came to the scene and also pleaded with the deity to grant permission to move from the tent saying that we will establish your idol here only. After some time, the idol was easily lifted. After this incident, a suitable pedestal was constructed by the Jain community, and the idol was established at the same spot. Daily rituals, including Puja Prakshal (worship) and Abhishek (auspicious bath of the idol), are regularly performed at this spot for the idol.

While circumambulating the Ashtapad Mountain in the temple, we witness the Chaubisi of Tirthankar from a distance. The construction of the Ashtapad Mountain has been designed in such a way that when you commence the circumambulation from one side of the mountain, you get to see the Vedi of all twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras until you reach the end of the circumambulation. It is believed that by just having a glimpse of these Tirthankaras, all kinds of negative traits are eradicated. A meditation center has been established alongside each Vedi, where Jain Saints can practice meditation. Daily rituals of worship and Abhishek of the idols are performed regularly in the temple. People from distant areas come to the temple to witness these attractive idols established within the temple. Within the temple complex, the construction work of a 151-feet tall Shani-Grah Nivaraka 1008 Shri Munisuvratnath Swami's idol is being made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals) with the auspicious blessings of all the Acharyas, Munirajs, Aryikas, Tyagis, and revered Bhattarak of Bharatvarsha (India). A staggering 35,000 tons of metal will be used in the construction of the world's largest magnificent and uninterrupted Jain idol. Additionally, a 180-feet long and wide canopy will also be constructed alongside the statue. This statue will be constructed using modern technology without any molds or forms. It will utilize various metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, bronze, German silver, tin, aluminum, and others.