Three peaked hill
Taranga Hill is a combination of Nature and stunning figurine, style of beautiful Jain temple surrounded by many small hills. The shrine is bounded by a total of the three-peaked hill. You can climb all three hills and it takes nearly around an hour per hill.
If you are probing for crags, Small trails for Trekking, Old architecture and religion place than this is the perfect one. Rich with cultures and societies of various kinds, India is dotted with temples, mosques, churches and other places of religious significance all over the country. Every year, certain main pilgrimage centres, like Rishikesh, Tirupati Ayodhya, Kedarnath, etc., are crowded with devotees, especially during the festive season. While we all know the places mentioned above, Taranga in Gujarat might be unheard of Taranga hills, located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, is a Jain pilgrimage site. It is located nearly 130 km from Ahmedabad.
The 3-peaked Taranga hills are huddled on the banks of river Saraswati. A pilgrimage to these hills is measured to be among the most blessed ones. While walking up the hills, you will come across many Jain temples and a few Buddhist temples on the way. Also known as Taranga Jain Temple, this was erected in the 12th century and is one of the most well-preserved Jain temples of Gujarat. King Kumarapala of Chalukya dynasty shadowed Jainism under the guidance of Acharya Hemchandra, after which he built this temple in the 12th century, which is one of the oldest Jain temples. Right in the middle of this beautiful temple, sits the idol of the second Jain Thirthankar, Shri Ajitnath, which is ornamented with valuable stones. The entrails of the temple are red while the temple is made of white sandstone and bricks. The style of the temple reflects the wonderful artistry of the Chalukyan dynasty.
The temple has seven ceilings, idols of King Kumarapala and Goddess Padmavati on the front. The top season to visit this attractive temple is during the full moons of April and November months. It is a wonder in itself as to how they fetched stones to shape these many shrines on the hill. It is supposed that thousands of Digambaras achieved moksha on this hill. There are 14 Digambara temples on the hill that is devoted to different Tirthankaras.
It can be seen through the presence of relics that Buddhists existed between the 4th to the 8th century. Towards the north of the hill, there are shrines devoted to local deities Taran Mata and Dharan Mata. A stream flows alongside these shrines, and on the right side of the stream, and altered Buddhist stupa is present.
Tarange hill is a fantastic visit for those who love to explore the past, culture, religion along with some climb upside, trek, etc.
This post is written as a part of #blogchatterAtoz challenge. For my other post on #charismatic Gujarat please visit www.explorenbite.com
15 Comments
Sandy N Vyjay
Taranga Hills is indeed a lesser-known gem. But the place seems to be filled with a divine aura and makes for a good trek too. Having stayed in Ahmedabad for many years, it is a pity that I was not able to visit Taranga.
Surbhi prapanna
My brother and his family has visited this place and had a great time. I will also try to visit this when visit India next time. Looking like a great place to spend some great fun time with family.
Sundeep
This looks so beautiful and peaceful. Love places that are away from everything! I am going to have to plan a trip here soon.
Urvashi
It sounds like a beautiful place with all nature and serenity. Being a jain I am impressed how hain temples are carefully built to keep the balance of nature.
Rahul Prabhakar
I have never heard of the Three Peaked Hill, so I am definitely intrigued and looking forward to visit it someday. Once I’m there, I’d also like to visit the Jain shrine.
Samidha Mathur
I missed this place when I visited Ahmedabad last year for two weeks. Yes, it is a lesser-known place, but for the people who are in Ahmedabad for many years, this is an awesome place to visit.
Subhashish Mandal
What an intriguing locations and history to visit. The naturescape and the peaked conditions is natures magic yet again
Yogesh Kapadi
I didn’t know place like this existed, i had never heard of it before. Thanks to you that i got to read about this beautiful place.
Docdivatraveller
I have been to Taranga hills. It’s so beautiful! Loved reading your experience.
Cindy Dsilva
Wow I love visiting temples and hills. This is something I’m going to put on my trips to do list. Hopefully we can travel comfortably soon.
Jenifer
I have never been to Gujarat & wish to visit. The hill looks a good tourist place to explore.
Hansa Kajaria
I’ve heard of Mesana but never heard about TaRanga hills. It’s really amazing how in those days and tmes they managed to make such beautiful structures.
Raksha
Wow Taranga Hills look so beautiful. And so nice to read about the history and information about the temple. I didn’t even know about a temple for King Kumarapala. It’s a good read.
Jyoti
Wow this Tarange hill is a fantastic visit for those who love to explore the past, culture, religion along with some climb upside, trek, etc. I will definitely like to visit
Aritro Chattopadhyay
It seems like Taranga hills is quite a weekend getaway place and one can visit it to enjoy its aura.