Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath Bhagwan – Ancient Jain Tirth & Divine Mahima
Among all Jain idols present across India, Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath Bhagwan is regarded as one of the most ancient and spiritually powerful idols. Worshipped by crores of deities and humans, this sacred idol has guided countless souls toward सम्यग्दर्शन, purified their faith, and removed obstacles in their spiritual conduct.
💛 “अटूट श्रद्धा से दर्शन–वंदन–पूजन करने से आत्मा निर्मल होती है।”
The Divine Idol of Shankheshwar
Located in Shankheshwar village, the idol of Parshvanath Bhagwan is 71 inches tall, radiant white in color, and adorned with seven serpent hoods (सात फण). Its divine beauty fills the devotee’s heart with peace and joy.
Many ancient Jain Acharyas have invoked Shri Shankheshwar Parshvaprabhu in the mangalacharan of their scriptures, acknowledging the idol’s unmatched spiritual glory.
Ancient History from the Era of Bhagwan Damodar
During the Utsarpini Kaal of Bharat Kshetra in Jambudweep, the reign of the 9th Tirthankara Bhagwan Damodar prevailed. Once, Bhagwan Damodar arrived in a city accompanied by Ashta Mahapratiharya and 34 Atishayas.
His धर्मदेशना illuminated thousands of souls with samyag gyan, destroying the darkness of mithyatva.
At that time, a devoted shravak named Ashadhi Shravak asked, “हे प्रभो! मेरी आत्मा इस भव बंधन से कब मुक्त होगी?”
Bhagwan Damodar replied that Ashadhi Shravak would become a Gandhar of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath Bhagwan, and attain moksha in the same birth.
Filled with devotion, Ashadhi Shravak began lifelong नाम-स्मरण और भक्ति of Parshvanath Bhagwan and installed His idol for daily worship.
Celestial Worship & Krishna’s Victory
After his death, Ashadhi Shravak was reborn in Soudharm Devalok. Through avadhi gyan, he located the Parshvanath idol and continued its worship in heaven. Later, the idol was worshipped by Indra, Surya, Chandra, Varun, and Nagkumar Devtas.
During a fierce war between Shri Krishna and Jarasandh, Krishna’s army was struck by Jaravidya. On the guidance of Neminath Kumar, the idol’s abhishek water revived the entire army. Krishna emerged victorious.
As a symbol of victory, Krishna blew the शंख, established Shankhpur Nagar, and installed Parshvanath Bhagwan in a grand Jinayala.
Shankheshwar Tirth & Renovations
From this village name, the Lord became renowned as Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath. The idol has been worshipped here for nearly 86,500 years.
In the 12th century, during Vikram Samvat 1155, Siddharaj’s minister Sajjan Seth, inspired by Acharya Shri Devchandrasuriji, renovated the temple and reinstalled the idol.
Further renovations occurred in VS 1760 and VS 1967. Ancient inscriptions dating back to VS 1114 confirm the temple’s timeless sanctity.
Spiritual Message
💜 “प्रभु की महिमा अपरंपार है – बस अटूट श्रद्धा और विश्वास चाहिए।”
🙏 जप और तप are the true gateways to liberation. Tapasya purifies the soul, while japa dissolves the illusion of maya. Without them, human life remains incomplete.
May all seekers continue to walk on the path shown by Bhagwan Mahavir, complete their tapasya without obstacles, and guide others toward moksha.