While traveling through the Baglan region, two pinnacles on the Selbari-Dolbari mountain range constantly draw one’s attention, creating a desire to know more about them. These pinnacles are ancient Jain caves, ranked first in Maharashtra and second in India as a pilgrimage site. A tour of Baglan’s forts is considered incomplete without visiting these pinnacles, making a visit here essential. Located in Satana taluka, the Mangi-Tungi pinnacles can be reached by coming to Bhilwad village at the foot of this mountain. Bhilwad village is about 150 km from Nashik via the Nashik–Satana–Taharabad route. There are several Jain temples in Bhilwad, also known collectively as Mangi-Tungi temples. ... There are two routes from the village to the pinnacles. From the main road in Bhilwad towards the peaks, the road splits into two. The right road goes to the base of Mangi-Tungi, while the left goes towards Nhavigad. Taking the right road to the base requires climbing about 2,500 steps to reach both pinnacles. Starting from the base, after covering half the distance, two rock-cut caves appear on the left—one housing an idol of Lord Naininath and the other of Lord Suvratnath. These caves have carved halls and nearby water tanks, though the water is not potable. After climbing around 2,000 steps, one reaches a stone arch, which takes about two hours from the base. The second route starts about half a kilometer ahead on the road towards Nhavigad. This path is less strenuous, faster, but slightly more expensive. At 4,000 feet below Mangi pinnacle, a 108-foot-high idol of the first Jain Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev, has been carved into the rock. Its consecration and grand anointing ceremony took place in February 2016. A rough road leads to the idol, with private vehicles provided by the local trust for a donation fee of ₹100 per person. This road is convenient but steep, requiring a 4x4 vehicle; private vehicles are not allowed for safety reasons. The ride takes about 15 minutes to reach Lord Mahavir idol, and from there, a 10-minute walk connects to the main steps. Since there is no water further up, visitors should refill at Mahavir idol. This route saves about 1,800 steps of climbing. From there, about 200 steps lead to the stone arch mentioned earlier. Inside the arch, the right path goes to Tungi pinnacle and the left to Mangi. As Tungi is higher and farther, it is recommended to visit it first. Turning right through the gate brings you to the ridge between Mangi and Tungi. A 15-minute walk along the ridge reaches Tungi’s base. Along the way, there is a marble temple with the footprints of Shri Ram and Balabhadra, and the rock-cut Krishna Kund, symbolizing Krishna’s last days. Legend says Balram cremated Krishna here and then took Jain initiation. From here, a climb of about 300 steps in 30 minutes leads to Jain caves inside Tungi at 3,612 feet above sea level. Tungi has a circumambulatory path with a water tank and three caves, each containing carved idols of Jain Tirthankaras coated to preserve them. The first cave is dedicated to Lord Ramchandra and has three meditating Jain monks carved inside. The second is of Lord Chandraprabhu, with three monks on each side. The third is the Panchbalayati cave, housing five idols of Mahavir in different forms. Outside the caves, other deities are carved on the rock. After completing Tungi, return to the arch and head towards Mangi. Visiting Tungi and returning to the arch takes about an hour. In Bhilwad, a Jain Dharamshala offers accommodation and meals at nominal cost. Mangi-Tungi is a Jain Siddha Kshetra, believed to be the place where Hanuman, Sugriva, Nal, Neel, Mahanil, Gav, Gavaksha, and 99 other monkey warriors from the Ramayana attained liberation. The 11th Baglan king, Viramshah Rathod of the Bagul lineage, commissioned the excavation of the Mangi-Tungi caves. Note: For walking to the pinnacles, start early in the morning to avoid heat. Visiting both pinnacles from the base takes about 6 hours. There is no potable water on the route or at the pinnacles, so carry enough from the base or refill at Lord Mahavir idol.
© Suresh Nimbalkar