Mangi Tungi

About

Mangi-Tungi is a prominent twin-pinnacled peak with plateau in between, located near Tahrabad about 125 km from Nashik, 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. Mangi-Tungi is only 100 km away from Dhule, a well known city and district place in North Maharashtra (Khandesh). 
Situated in Baglan tehsil, about 150 Kms from Nashik, Mangi Tungi is described as siddha kshetra which means it is a gateway to the state of enlightenment. The mythological tales assure those who are religiously inclined & who are seeking the path of enlightenment that more than 90 crore saints & celebrities such as Lord Rama & Lord Krishna had attained Moksha, the enlightenment at Mangi Tungi. Lord Krishna breathed his last & jettisoned his material body in the same area. It is further believed that his elder brother Balram, came out of the state of deep mourning after Lord Krishna's death & received paramadnyana, ultimate knowledge which further helped him attain enlightenment at Mangi Tungi only. 

Mangi Tungi from base

Apart from the religious importance of the place, Mangi Tungi boasts of a rich heritage value. Mangi & Tungi are actually the names of two peaks situated close to each other. The 3500 steps which lead one to the foot of the peaks where several important monuments of immense historical & religious value stand amidst breath-taking majesty of mother nature also assure the visitors instant reduction of flab gathered around their tummies. Hundreds of caves with idols of deities & sages, carved from the mountain rock, in them are the main highlight of the place. Near Mangi peak there are several caves named after deities & sages who were liberated there such as Seeta , Mahaveer , Adinath , Shantinath , Parshwanath  & Ratnatraya. Their idols in yogic postures are found in the caves. In Balabhadra cave too there are several idols in similar positions. The tourists find many huge idols in the open also. Krishna Kunda is close to the Tungi peak where Lord Krishna was believed to have been cremated. Other caves house the idols of Lord Rama & his dear & near ones. 

Mangi Tungi Information

1. Mangi Tungi Region: Baglan Tehsil
2. Mangi Tungi Base: Village Bhilwadi
3. Mangi Tungi District: Nashik
4. Mangi peak height: 4343 feet
5. Tungi peak Height: 4366 feet
6. Mangi Tungi Range: Selbari-Dolbari
7. Mangi Tungi Trek Grade: Easy  

Overview

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. 108 feet Rishabdev Bhagwan at Mangi Tungi. Around 3,500 (7,000 Up & Down) 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, Rishabhanatha, Shantinatha and Parshvanatha. 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 595 CE(V.S. 651) are here. Many inscriptions on rocks of the Adinatha and Shantinatha caves here are in Sanskrit Language.

In February 2016, The Statue of Ahimsa, a 108 ft idol carved in monolithic stone was consecrated here. It is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest Jain idol in the world.

Mangi view from Tungi

Mangi Giri

There are seven old temples on this hill and many images of 'charanas' (feet) 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 idols are also here.

Jain Tirthankaras in the caves

Beliefs of Jainism

Ram and Hanuman attained Moksh from Mount Mangitungi and are enjoying perfect bliss of the Siddha. It is learnt from the Nirvanakand that Ram, Hanuman, Sugriva, Sudeel, Gavya, Gavaakhyha, Nila, Mahaneel and ninety-nine crore monks attained Moksha from Mangitungi, which is a place of worship for Jain followers. 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. 

Jain temples at Mangi Tugi

108 ft Jain Idol of Rishabhdev Bhagwan

Lord Rishabhanatha is believed to be the first Tirthankara in Jainism. In February 2016, one world's tallest Jain statue with height 108 feet(113 feet including pedestal) was inaugurated. The consecration was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and many visionaries of Indian Government. Named as The Statue of Ahimsa, the idol is an exceptional piece of architecture and has become a pilgrim for Jains all across the world.

The foundation stone for this project was laid in 1996 under the inspiration of Gyanmati Mataji, a Jain monk. The motivation was given by Chandanamati Mataji. It was under their guidance that President Ravindrakirti Swamiji and Chief Secretary Dr. Pannalalji Papdiwal worked for 20 years to create this religious marvel.

108ft Idol of Rishabhdev bhagwan 

Jain Caves

In two main caves of Adinath and Shantinath Caves, an inscription of 1343(V.S. 1400) is found in Adinath Cave. There are several other caves named after deities and sages such as Seetalnath, Mahaveer, Adinath, Shantinath, Parshwanath and Ratnatrya. who were liberated there. At the foot of the hills there are three temples housing more than 75 idols. A Colossus of Bhagwan Munisuvrat Nath is there in Padmasana posture is present here.

On Tungi hill has two caves named on Bhagwan Chandraprabhu, the 8th Teerthankar and other is Ram Chandra Cave. 3.3 feet high idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu is carved in Chandraprabhu cave.

Mangi hill has ten caves. Mahavir cave has the Tirthankar Mahavir idol of white granite in padmasan posture. Cave #6 has the main idol of Parasvnath, beside his, are the images of Adinath. A 31 feet high statue of Bhagwan Bahubali has been erected recently.

Places to see nearby Mangi Tungi

• Fort of Kanchanpur
• Fort of Mulher which has many big tanks of water, many temples
• Caves of Dongaria Deo
• Tribal festival (Mela) is organized here on Margshirsh 15 every year.

How to Reach Mangi Tungi

• By Train Nearest railway station is Manmad and from there by taxi or bus
• By Road 451 km from Mumbai to Mangi via Shirdi, Nashik.

When to visit?

The fort is open whole year. But in the months of August to November the entire landscape becomes verdant. 

Attire and things to carry

Loose clothes especially trekking cloths and sports/trekking shoes.

Carry basic first aid kit, Cap, Scarf, Sunglasses, Water bottle (minimum 2-4 liters), Tiffin and some snacks, Electrolyte powder/glucose/sugar/chocolate. 

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