Bajra Matha Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Bajra Matha Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Bajra Matha Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras, located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

Gyaraspur was an important town in medieval India. It has several ruins of ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist places of worship dated between 9th to 10th century CE. The name Gyaraspur is derived from a fair held at the eleventh month of the Hindu calendar, gyaras means joy at the eleventh. Gyaraspur is also famous for a Salabhanjika sculpture, currently housed in Gwalior Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum (Gwalior Fort Museum).  The sculpture is considered an exceptional beauty by renowned historians. She is also called as Indian Venus or Gyaraspur Lady. The temple was built in 9^th century CE dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu. Later, the temple got converted to Jain temple.

The Temple

The temple is built over a raised platform. It consists of three shrines in a row. All these shrines are attached to a mandapa in the front. The central shrine was dedicated to Surya, the southern shrine to Lord Vishnu and the northern shrine to Lord Shiva. All these shrines are now occupied by Jain idols belonging to the Digambara sect.

The doorway of the sanctum is profusely carved. The shikara is unusual in its plan and design. The exterior walls and doorways are carved with various deities of Hindu pantheon. Narasimha, Varaha, Vishnu, Shiva, Tripurantaka etc. can be seen in the niches on the external walls of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 36 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha, 46 Kms from Sanchi, 75 Kms from Sagar, 95 Kms from Bhopal and 100 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location | Photos