Whispers of ancient lore
The temple’s ancient stones whisper legends of Manua Bhan, a saint of enlightenment and mystical prowess who devoted his existence to the service of those in need. So mesmerising was the temple’s splendour that even the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, captivated by its beauty, decreed its restoration. Another legend goes that the temple has been built on a site where the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata took refuge during their exile. Interestingly, there is also a carved stone book on the Simha Gate of the temple, but its language has not yet been understood.
A confluence of religious pilgrimage
At the heart of this hallowed ground pulsates a lingam of extraordinary virtue, reputed for its healing touch upon the ailing. Devotees throng here during Shivratri, in pursuit of blessings and homage to the divine, inspired by legends of its creation by the Pandavas during their exile - where miracles pave the way for celebration. The temple thereby is a hub of activity during the festival of Shivratri, with thousands of devotees flocking to the site to offer prayers and seek blessings.
On the other hand, it is also a sacred place for the followers of Jainism, as the place is also known as Mahavir Giri, where the footwear of Jain saints Shri Jindutta Sureshwar, Shri Vijay Suri and Acharya Manutungare are kept on the 'tekri' here, accompanied by a statue of Shriman Bhadarji, another saint. Additionally, the 'Sadhana Sthali' of the Oswal Dynasty is also said to be at Manuabhan Tekri, which hosts a grand fair annually on Kartik Purnima.
