SHRI DUNGARPUR TIRTH

  • SHRI DUNGARPUR TIRTH

It is said that in Vikram year 1526, this temple was built by Sheth Sanvaldas Davda and therein a large size metal idol of Sri Adinath Bhagwan was installed and consecrated at the hands of Sri Udayvallabhsuriji and Sri Gnansagarsuriji, disciples of Acharya Sri Ratnasuriji. During the muslim period the idol was damaged thinking that it was of gold. The new idol of white color therefore was gain installed after consecration. The metallic “Parikar” however still exists intact on which there is an inscription dated Vikram year 1526.The specialty of the temple is the metallic “Parikar” in which are cast images of a total of 72 Tirthankaras- 24 past, 24 present and 24 in the future to be. Similar idol with such a frame is extremely difficult to come by any where else in the world. The Pabasan ( Pedestal) also on which the lord is seated is made of metal in which 14 dreams, 9 planets, Asthamangal and Yaksha-Yakshinis can be seen. In this temple, there is also an idol of Sri Shanthinath Bhagwan, of height 33 Cms. Made out of crystal transparent stone and 34 Jinabimbs cast in five metals of the period of king Samprati which are very fascinating.The brave and valiant Sheth Sri Shalasha of Oswal dynasty, chief minister of Raja Gopinath and Somdas of Dungarpur lived here. By subjugating local “bhils” the Shalasha had fluttered here the Jain flag of Victory. Not only he was brave, but also religions minded and very devout. He had built the multi-domed temple of Sri Parshwanath Bhagwan in vikram year 1312 which exists today in the old Ghati Mohalla. Dungarpur was a very large city during the period of Shalasha. The number of Jain householder families was then 700. At present, there are six more temples besides this one.