Shri Nemi Saraswati Shwetamber Jain Tirth, Rantej,Mahesana,Gujarat

Nemi Saraswati Tirtha of Rantej, Gujarat, one of the rarest diamonds of the glory of the Jina rule which has been victorious for thousands of years, is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Lord Neminath.

Five hundred years ago a magnificent 52 Jain temple was buried under the ground. As per the dream of a Shravak from Dhansura a temple with 52 thresholds was found but there was no idol in it. As a result of the arduous penance, the presiding deity indicated a place and there the divine idol of Mother Saraswati was found along with 18 idols, including the current idol of Neminathji.

Rantej Tirtha, which is the ancient idol of the main deity of Mini, Lord Neminath, is 59 cm tall and has a beautiful dark coloured idol in the lotus position. Here, there is a beautiful and attractive statue of Goddess Saraswati, 111 cm tall, made from a single stone, which is 750 years old. In this temple, the statue of Mahavir Swami filled with Nandivardhan is also a center of attraction.

For the convenience of the pilgrims, there is a convenient Dharnshala and Bhojanshala facility at the pilgrimage. Shri Neminath Maharaj Karkhana Trust, Rantej District Mehsana, Gujarat is running the pilgrimage.

its’ history is mentioned at the temple. There was a city named Ratnavali in ancient times where Rantej stands today. The present temple was excavated few years back as remains of a 500 year old temple. This was then renovated to its present grandeur with exquisite carvings on the outside. The history there talks about a businessman from Katosan (nearby town) who used to stay there at night, on his business trips. It was revealed to him in his dreams, that there was a temple buried beneath a hill occupied by a Bavaji (saint). They requested the Bavaji to do excavation, which resulted in this find. There are inscriptions in the temple inner walls which mention renovation dates of the temple as back as 800 years. Around 18 idols including the Mulnayaka (main idol) of Neminath were found in excavation at Rabarivas there. Also found alongwith was a life-size idol of Devi Saraswati. Its’ sculpturous style dates it back 800 years to the Solanki era.

This ancient pilgrimage site, dedicated to Shri Neminath Bhagwan, is a hidden gem that beautifully blends history, spirituality, and tranguility.
The temple complex is stunning, with its intricate architecture and serene ambiance. The main Linalava, which houses the 2200-year-old idol of Shri Neminath Bhagwan, is a sight to behold.

It has a magnificent main temple surrounded by 52 smaller shrines (52 Jinalaya). Outside the complex are two other smaller temples, one housing the Goddess, in which the life size idol of Goddess Saraswati is fascinating.

Goddess Saraswati has always had a prominent position in Jain religious texts since ancient times. It is presumed that the River Saraswati ran through Gujarat, before it became extinct. Its remnant river banks are seen in Siddhpur.