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In ancient times, during the reign of Chandravanshi King Shripal of Alachpur Nagar, a miraculous event took place. The king suffered from leprosy, and despite trying various remedies, he found no cure for his affliction. One day, while searching for water, he came across a well in Vigoli desh. Thirsty and desperate, he washed his hands, legs, and face with the water from the well. To his astonishment, after drinking the water and sleeping in his tent, he woke up to find his leprosy completely cured.
Puzzled by this miracle, King Shripal prayed to the Dev (divine being) associated with the well. The Dev appeared before the king and revealed that the well water had miraculous healing powers due to an ancient idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath submerged within it. The king, amazed by the powers of the idol, pleaded with the Dev to grant him the idol. Touched by the king's devotion, the Dev gave him the idol and instructed him on how to retrieve it from the well.
The next day, following the Dev's instructions, the king attempted to retrieve the idol. However, as the chariot carrying the idol moved away from the well, it came to an abrupt halt. Despite numerous efforts, the idol remained suspended in mid-air under a tree, approximately seven hands above the ground. People passing by could walk beneath the idol on horseback or carry water pots on their heads.
Due to this extraordinary phenomenon, the idol came to be known as "Antariksh Parshvanath," signifying its celestial position. Over time, a magnificent temple was constructed to house the idol, and it was installed on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Magh in V.S. 1142, under the guidance of Malldhari Acharya Shri Abhaydevsurishvarji. The king named the city Shripur, which later became known as Shirpur.
The miraculous powers of Bhagwan Antariksh Parshvanath continued to inspire devotees. One such devotee, Shri Bhavvijay Gani, lost his eyesight and fell into despair. Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuriji advised him to worship Goddess Padmavati, who instructed him to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Antariksh Parshvanath to regain his eyesight. With unwavering faith and devotion, Ganivarya Bhavvijayji led the Jain Sangh to Antariksh Tirth and recited a Stotra (devotional hymn). Through the influence of the Stotra, he was blessed with the divine vision of Bhagwan Parshvanath, and his eyesight was restored, spreading joy among all present.
To commemorate this miraculous event, the idol was reinstalled on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra in V.S. 1715, as per the instructions of Ganivarya Bhavvijayji. The idol, known for its exquisite beauty and captivating presence, became a focal point of devotion and reverence.
Today, a grand fair is held annually on the 3rd day of the bright half of the month of Phalgun and on the 10th day of the dark half of the month of Paush. Devotees from far and wide visit this sacred site to seek blessings, witness the idol's extraordinary suspension, and experience the divine energy that permeates the surroundings.
Throughout history, several scriptures and literary works have mentioned Bhagwan Antariksh Parshvanath, including "Vividh Tirth Kalp," "Updesh Saptati," "Prabandh Panchshati," "Heer Sowbhagya Mahakavya," and various Stotras and Chaands (hymns) dedicated to Bhagwan Parshvanath. Besides Shirpur, idols of Antariksh Parshvanath can be found in Jiravala Tirth, Bhiladiyaji Tirth, Kalikund Parshvanath Temple in Santacruz (Mumbai), Sherisa Tirth, Shri Sambhavnath Temple in Karad, Palitana in Kesariyajinagar, and many other places across India.
Shirpur's Tirth of Antariksh Parshvanath stands as a testament to the divine miracles and unwavering faith that continue to inspire and uplift countless devotees on their spiritual journeys.
