Mangi-Tungi

Twin pinnacles held to be a siddhakshetra, carrying rock-cut caves and, since 2016, a monolithic Rishabhadeva of about 108 feet.

Two rock pinnacles rising together above the Satpuda foothills, joined by a saddle and ringed with rock-cut caves and Tirthankara reliefs. The tradition holds it a siddhakshetra — a place from which souls attained liberation — and names Ram, Hanuman and Sugriva among those who did so, which is one of the points where Jain and Hindu tellings of the same figures diverge sharply.

In 2016 a monolithic figure of Rishabhadeva of about 108 feet was consecrated on the Mangi pinnacle, carved from the living rock rather than assembled. It is generally cited as the tallest Jain image in the world.

Worth knowing

• The climb is several thousand steps and is taken barefoot; most pilgrims start before dawn.

For opening times and access, check the temple's own announcements — they change, and we would rather list nothing than send you to a closed door.

Written for Jain Times. Corrections are welcome — see sources and licences.