Nandgiri Atishay Kshetra. Praswanath Digambar Jain Gumpha Mandir, Nandgiri (Fort Kalyangadh), Dhumalwadi, District - Satara (Maharashtra)

This Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra has remained unattended for years all-together and is on the verge of extinction.

3537 feet above sea level, this hill was under King Nandraja. Not only King Nandraja but also all of his ministers were Jain. Once upon a time there was a huge Jain population in the surrounding area. However, now there isn't a single Jain home in the adjoining area! The Kshetra is also referred as Nandgad as per Jain Gyan Kosh (Jain Dictionary). The fort is hardly seen from the bottom. Paint markers have been drawn on the rocks to give directions. Half way, we find a set of three ponds; which are believed to be connected to the main pond on the top. The entrance to the main pond is very small and one has to bend down to enter the water. The cave is huge within and spans few hundred feet in diameter. Walking through water to the end using the railing (recently built by the Jain Samaj), one reached the Parswanath Idol. The idol has recently undergone a WajraLep (Cover), of fiber glass. Water constantly drips on the idol and its surrounding. A Iron enclosure was done in 1930 to protect the idol. The temple is currently being looked after by the Shri 1008 Parswanath Digambar Jain Gumpha Mandir Trust, Nandgiri, whose office is located in Satara City. The Bharatwarshiya Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra Committee is also registers this Kshetra.