Sarnath Jain Tirth

Sarnath Jain Tirth, also called the Shreyanshnath Jain Pilgrimage, is a group of Jain temples in Sarnath. They are located near Dhamek Stupa.

History

Simhapuri, present-day Singhpuri village, is believed to be the birthplace of the Shreyansanatha, the 11th tirthankara. The place also marks four of five Kalyanaka of Shreyansanatha: Chyavan, Janm, Diksha and Kevala Jnana. Mahavira also delivered sermons at Sarnath and Varanasi.
The ruins near a relatively new Digambara temple are of an ancient Jain temple erected by the Śvetāmbaras.

About ''Digambara'' temple

The temple was constructed in 1824 CE to commemorate the birthplace of Shreyansanatha. The mulnayak of the temple is a large image of Shreyansanatha and impressions of footprints. The temple also features attractive frescoes depicting the life of Mahavira.