The Sacred Nakodaji Jain Tirth

Location

Nakodaji Jain Tirth is located in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, India, between the villages of Vikrampura and Nakoda. It is a major Śvetāmbara Jain pilgrimage site dedicated to Tirthankara Parshwanath, and is equally revered by both Jains and Hindus. The site is especially famous for the worship of Nakoda Bhairava, a powerful guardian deity believed to grant prosperity and protection.

Historical Significance

According to Jain tradition, the original temple at Nakodaji was first established by Acharya Sthulabhadra in the 3rd century BCE. The present structure, however, was constructed in the 11th century CE under the Solanki dynasty.

The temple has undergone many renovations over time, with 246 inscriptions testifying to its rich history. During the invasion of Alam Shah, the main idol of Parshwanath, along with 120 other idols, was secretly taken away and preserved in a nearby village. Later, in 1449 CE, Acharya Kirtisuri reinstalled the central idol of Parshwanath and the icon of Bhairava in the temple, with further renovations sponsored by prominent devotees such as Kalija and Hetha Shah.

Spiritual Importance

• Tirthankara Parshwanath: The central deity of Nakodaji is a 24-inch black stone idol of Parshwanath, regarded as one of the 108 most revered icons of the 23rd Tirthankara. According to legend, the idol was revealed through divine visions, making it especially sacred.
• Nakoda Bhairava: A unique aspect of Nakodaji is the worship of Nakoda Bhairava, a guardian deity of the Śvetāmbara sect. He is believed to fulfill wishes, protect devotees, and bring prosperity. Many businesspeople even consider him a divine partner, offering a share of their profits in his honor.
• Prosperity and Protection: Devotees believe that offering puja at Nakodaji brings material success, spiritual strength, and freedom from obstacles, making it one of the most powerful centers of Jain devotion.

Major Attractions

• Idol of Nakoda Parshwanath – A 24-inch black stone idol of Parshwanath, one of the most revered images in Jainism.

• Shrine of Nakoda Bhairava – A red-colored idol of Bhairava, depicted with four arms, a moustache, and a dog as his vahana, holding symbolic weapons.
  

• Architectural Beauty – The temple showcases Makrana marble and Jaisalmer sandstone, with a grand shikhara, 52 domical sub-shrines, and magnificent sculptures, including life-sized elephants at the entrance.
  
• Facilities for Pilgrims – The temple trust maintains a dharamshala, bhojanalaya, and even a goshala for cow protection.

Why Every Jain Should Visit Nakodaji Jain Temple

Nakodaji is not just a temple—it is a place of divine faith, miracles, and prosperity.

• It is one of the most powerful centers of Parshwanath devotion in the Jain world.

• The presence of Nakoda Bhairava, who is uniquely worshipped here, makes it spiritually distinct.
  
• Pilgrims experience a blend of Jain ascetic values and folk traditions of protection and prosperity.

• The temple’s architecture and history reflect Jain resilience and artistic excellence.
  

Hidden Facts About Nakodaji Tirth

A rare and unusual practice in Jainism occurs at Nakodaji: offering prasada to Nakoda Bhairava. Unlike most Jain traditions, where food offerings are uncommon, here devotees prepare offerings that are then distributed as prasad. However, this prasad must be consumed within the temple premises and is not allowed to be taken outside, as it is believed to lose sanctity and bring misfortune.

For every Jain, visiting Nakodaji is believed to bring peace, protection, and prosperity, making it an essential tirth on the spiritual journey.

Dharamshalas

• Kunthunlal Jain Dharmshala

• Keshariyaji Jain Dharmashala

• Bhuriba Yatrik Bhavan

• Maharashtra Bhavan

• Samdadi Bhavan

• Samovasaran Mandir

• Jirawala Parshwanath YATRIK BHAVAN

• Achalgacch Jain Dharamsala

• Dakhibai Singhania Dharamshala

• Nakoda Bhavan (Palitana)

• Shree Mukta Jivan Swamibapa Dharamshala

• Shri Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra Muktagiri

• Mahuva Tapagach Jain Dharamshala

• Maniyarnagar Jain Derasar