Nakoda Ji Temple information
Nakoda Ji Temple
**Nakoda Ji** is a revered Jain pilgrimage site located in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, India. Known for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture, the temple is dedicated to **Lord Parshvanath**, the 23rd Tirthankara, with a special idol of **Shree Nakoda Bhairav Ji**, the guardian deity.
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### 📍 **Location**
- **Place:** Nakoda, near Balotara in Barmer district, Rajasthan.
- **Distance:** About 110 km from Jodhpur and 13 km from Balotara.
- **Setting:** Scenic Aravalli hills backdrop with a serene environment.
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### 🛕 **Temple History & Significance**
- **Founded:** Approximately 3rd–4th century AD.
- **Renovated:** Multiple times, with significant contributions from various Jain communities.
- **Main Deity:** **Lord Parshvanath** (the 23rd Jain Tirthankara).
- **Idol:** Black stone, about 58 cm high, in a Padmasana (lotus) posture.
- **Guardian Deity:** **Shree Nakoda Bhairav Ji**
- **Belief:** Worshipped for fulfilling wishes and protection.
- **Offering:** Coconut and sindoor (vermilion) are commonly offered.
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### 🌟 **Key Attractions at Nakoda Ji**
1. **Shree Nakoda Bhairav Temple** 🕉
- **Power:** Known for miraculous powers and fulfilling wishes.
- **Custom:** Devotees tie threads or offer oil lamps for wishes.
2. **Parshvanath Temple** 🏛
- **Architecture:** Intricate carvings and detailed sculptures.
- **Highlights:** Marble corridors and serene prayer halls.
3. **Charbhujaji Temple** 🛕
- **Deity:** Lord Vishnu with four arms.
- **Specialty:** Popular for devotees seeking blessings for well-being.
4. **Gomukh Temple** 💧
- **Unique:** Natural water stream believed to be holy.
- **Ritual:** Devotees drink and bathe in the water for blessings.
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### 🍛 **Prasad and Bhojanshala**
- **Prasad:** Simple meals served to devotees as blessings.
- **Bhojanshala:** Offers free or nominal-cost vegetarian meals to visitors.
- **Special:** Authentic Rajasthani food like **Dal Baati Churma**.
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### 📅 **Festivals and Events**
1. **Mahavir Jayanti** 🕉 (March-April)
- Celebrated with grandeur and processions.
2. **Nakoda Bhairav Ashtami** 🔥
- Night-long prayers and offerings to Shree Nakoda Bhairav Ji.
3. **Paryushan Parva** 📿
- Eight-day festival with fasting and prayers.
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### 🏜 **Things to Do Nearby**
1. **Camel Safari:** Explore nearby sand dunes.
2. **Shopping:**
- **Buy:** Handicrafts, mojris (footwear), and Jain religious items.
- **Where:** Local markets near Balotara.
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### 🚗 **How to Reach Nakoda Ji**
1. **By Air:**
- Nearest Airport: **Jodhpur Airport** (about 110 km).
2. **By Train:**
- Nearest Station: **Balotara Railway Station** (13 km).
3. **By Road:**
- Well-connected by buses and taxis from Jodhpur, Barmer, and other nearby cities.
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### 🕰 **Best Time to Visit**
- **Ideal Months:** **October to March** (pleasant weather).
- **Avoid:** **April to June** (hot summers in Rajasthan).
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