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Shantinath Digamber Jain Mandir at Ramtek
The ancient site of Ramtek, situated outside the village of the same name, is known as Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra and includes 15 temples and shrines framed by a wall. The idol of Bhagawan Shantinatha installed in the Shantinath Mandir is believed to fulfill the desires of the devotees. Ramtek has been decribed by Kalidasa in his lyric poem Meghadūta (“cloud messenger”). It is believed that Ramchandra once had visited this place.
According to a legend the ruler of Nagpur, named Appasaheb Bhonsle, came to Ramtek with his Minister Vadhman Sawvaji about 400 years ago. After having darshan of Ramchandraji, he invited Sawvaji to share meals with him. But Sawvaji, who was a Jain, refused with an entreaty that he would not have meal without having Jinadarshana before. Hence a search was carried out by royal order and the mentioned idol of Bhagwan Shantinath was found lying under a tree. Then, after having darshan, Sawvaji had his meal. The king's ordered to built a Jain temple at the place where the idol of Bhagwan Shantinath was found. In addition Ram Mandir was erected on a hill nearby.
Ramtek - 441106, District Nagpur
Maharashtra, India