Paporaji Jain temple, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh: A Major Jain pilgrimage center

Paporaji, (also known as Pampapur), is a revered Jain pilgrimage site located about 5 km east of Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh. This atishaya kshetra (miraculous holy place) is home to 108 temples and has been a significant spiritual center for long  period - over eight centuries. The site is particularly known for its two ancient underground chambers (bhoyras), one of which houses three black stone idols of Bhagwan Adinath, the tallest being two feet and eight inches high. Inscriptions indicate that two of these Adinath idols were installed in Vikram Samvat 1202 (1145 CE), making them the oldest in the complex.

Paporaji,Jain temple Tikamgarh,MP..

Paporaji, Jain temple Tikamgarh,MP..justdial.com

The area gained prominence after the Orchha ruler Vikramajit shifted his capital to Tehri (later named Tikamgarh) in 1783. An inscription from Vikram Samvat 1840 (1784 CE) refers to Paporaji as an emerging tirtha during his time. Scholar and spiritual leader Motilal Varni, associated with Ganesh Varni, established a religious school here and donated his collection of handwritten manuscripts. The school has since produced notable scholars like Darbari Lal Kothia.



Paporaji,temple Tikamgarh,MP. jainheritagecentres.com

The oldest above-ground temples date from the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1860, a striking cluster of 24 temples and a grand entrance gate shaped like a chariot were constructed. Further temples were added in 1965 and in more recent years, including a circular Bahubali temple. Many temples feature both old and modern wall paintings.

The temple of Chandraprabhu, with an idol from Samvat 1524, is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. A temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath includes a rare image of Padmavati Devi. Among Paporaji’s miracles is a now-inactive pond that once returned utensils to pilgrims. The nearby Patrakhan Well is famed for miraculously filling with water following the prayers of a devout elderly woman.

The site also houses a school, library, hostel, Udasina Ashram, four dharmashalas, a rest house, and a dining hall. The Shri Digamber Jain Atishay Kshetra Paporaji Prabhandhkarini Committee manages the complex, with its members elected every five years.s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paporaji

https://www.jainheritagecentres.com/jainism-in-india/madhya-pradesh/pap