Thursday, September 15, 2011

Story of Maangey-Tungey Shrine

There are 24 Tirthankars  in Jain religion. In each part of India there are Jain shrines which has its own ancient story. During my childhood, my mother used to tell me about our Jain teerth sthal or shrines.  I have a hazy memory of Maangey-tungey sthal, yesterday I read about this shrine in a book. Near Nasik, there is a mountain with the height of about 4300 feet. This mountain has two peaks, one is called Maangey and another as Tungi. Around these mountains there is a dense forest where there is a temple of Lord Parasnath. Ram,Sita,Sugreev,Nal.,Neel,Baldev.and many others attained their salvation in this place. It is also said that when Dwarka was in flames, Krishna and Baldev went to this forest, while roaming in the forest Krishna started  feeling thirsty, Baldev asked Krishna to lye down under a tree until he gets water for him. Baldev searched each hook and corner of the forest but could not find water, after a while he saw a cave in which there was a pond. Meanwhile, when Krishna was sleeping under the tree, the lotus signs in his feet were shining like the eyes of a deer. Raja Jaradh Kumar who belonged to the same clan of Krishna, went to the same forest for hunting. Thinking it as the eyes of a deer he shot an arrow which stuck Krishna's feet. When Raja Jaradh realized his mistake , he went to Krishna to apologize. Krishna forgave him and asked him to immediately leave the forest otherwise Baldev would not be able to control his anger and would kill him.
When Baldev reached, Krishna was dead by then. Baldev carried Krishna's dead body on his shoulders and went each place for someone to revive Krishna. When devtas saw this act by Baldev, they reminded Baldev in different ways that it is impossible to bring Krishna back to life. Being in a state of complete sorrow, Baldev performed Krishna's pyre and performed the last rituals for Krishna. Till date Krishna's samadhi is present in Maangey-tungey. Baldev also attained his salvation by being in this place.

It is said that by visiting this shrine, human beings are freed from their sorrows and difficulties which they are facing in their lives.                       

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