Mangi-Tungi

Mangi Tungi peaks

Mangi-Tungi is a prominent twin-pinnacled peak with plateau in between, located near Tahrabad about 125 km from Nasik, Maharashtra, India. Mangi, 4,343 ft (1,324 m) high above sea level, is the western pinnacle and Tungi, 4,366 ft (1,331 m) high, the eastern.

There are numerous temples and is considered sacred in Jainism. It enshrines images of Tirthankaras in several postures including Padmasana and kayotsarga. Sometimes, it is described as Siddha Kshetra, meaning a gateway to the state of enlightenment.

Around 4,500 steps lead to the foot of the peak, which is enriched with several monuments of historical and religious prominence. Besides, there are numerous caves named after great Tirthankaras such as Mahavira, Adinath, Shantinath and Parshva. A grand fair is held here annually during Kartik (September-October) where people visit in large numbers to witness festival.

There are many inscriptions on idols, most of them are not clear due to deterioration with time. Many idol installed in V.S. 651 are here. Many inscriptions on rocks of the Adinath and Shantinath caves here are in Sanskrit Language.

Mangi Giri: There are seven old temples on this hill and many images of 'charanas' (feets) of saints are installed here. There is pond named Krishna Kund, which is said to be a witness of the last days of Lord Krishna. According to texts, elder brother of lord Krishna, Balram also practiced salvation and achieved fifth heaven. Here is a Cave named Balbhadra Cave where idols of Balram and many others are installed.

Tungi Giri: There are five temples on it. There are two caves named on Bhagwan Chandraprabhu, the 8th Tirthankara, and other is Ram Chandra Cave. Ancient idols of Hanuman, Gava, Gavaksha, Neel etc. are here. In one cave there is an idol of Ram’s chief of army Kritantvakra in the stage of ascetic saint. On the path between Mangi & Tungi Hills, there are two Caves of Shuddha & Buddha Munies (ascetic saints). a Colossus of Bhagwan Munisuvrat Nath is here in Padmasana posture. Lord Bahubali and other’s idols are also here.

Many idols on both the hills are carved on the rocks. Beautiful and attractive stone carvings of Yaksha and Yakshini (attendants of the Tirthankaras) and Indra can be seen here.

Mangi-Tungi is also an ideal spot for hiking.

See also

• List of forts in Maharashtra
• Mangi Tungi, Jain Teerth