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Once upon a time in ancient India, a remarkable tale unfolded, chronicling the history of the sacred Shankheshwar Parshwanath Temple, a sanctuary of profound devotion and resilience through the ages.
It all commenced with a divine forecast made by Ashadhi Shravak, a devoted disciple of Tirthankara Damodarswami. In a serene assembly, he inquired about the timing of his salvation. Tirthankara Damodarswami, in his boundless compassion, responded, "You shall attain salvation in the time of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshwanath, during the forthcoming Avasarpini in Bharatkshetra. You shall become his Gandhara, named Aryaghosha."
Overwhelmed with this revelation, Ashadhi Shravak embarked on a mission. He envisioned the form of Parshwanath - a magnificent deity, standing ten Haath tall with an azure radiance. Inspired by this divine insight, Ashadhi Shravak painstakingly crafted three sacred idols, now known as Charup Parshwanath, Antarikshji, and Shankheshwar Parshwanath.
Ashadhi Shravak's devotion knew no bounds. He worshiped these idols with profound dedication, observing four categories of reverence - Naam, Sthapna, Dravya, and Bhav. His unwavering connection to these idols continued through his lifetime and beyond, even into the realm of the divine.
As time unfolded, the world witnessed a monumental clash between Krishna, also known as Narayan, and Jarasangha, who was Prati-Narayan. Their epic battle was not just physical but also a clash of divine powers. Jarasangha possessed a unique, formidable weapon called "JARA." It was this power that led to Krishna's defeat in a fierce encounter. The entire army of Krishna fell into a deep coma.
In his hour of despair, Krishna turned to the sage advice of Tirthankara Neminath, his cousin and spiritual guide. Neminath counseled him to seek the aid of the miraculous Parshwanath idol, hidden in Patal-Loka. Krishna embarked on a three-day fast, immersing himself in meditation. During this time, the gods Dharanedra and Padmavati agreed to aid Krishna.
With their guidance and blessings, Krishna successfully retrieved the Parshwanath idol and conducted a powerful Snatrapuja. His army, previously comatose, miraculously awakened and readied for battle. With renewed vigor, Krishna faced Jarasangha once more. This time, he launched a radiant, luminous weapon known as the "Cakra." A weapon so dazzling that only Neminath, Krishna, and Baldev could behold its radiance. It swiftly struck down Jarasangha, sealing Krishna's supremacy as the last Narayan of the Chauvishi cycle.
In the wake of this monumental victory, Krishna's jubilant cry rang out. He resolved to establish a temple for Parshwanath and a town to commemorate this triumph. With a resounding crouch, he named the town "Shankhpur" and the Parshwanath idol "Shankheshwar." This marked the second renovation of the Parshwanath image, a testament to Krishna's devotion and victory.
Centuries passed, bringing with them change and challenges. During the rule of the Solanki dynasty in the 11th and 12th centuries, King Siddharaj and his wise minister Sajjan undertook the third renovation of the temple. They crafted a new temple from meticulously carved wood blocks, restoring the Parshwanath image to its former glory.
In the 13th century, two renowned brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, under the guidance of Acarya Vardhmansuri, embarked on the fourth renovation. This time, they erected a magnificent marble temple, adorning it with 52 smaller Deris housing images of 52 Tirthankaras.
As time flowed like a river, the 14th century saw another significant chapter in the temple's history. King Durjanshalya, plagued by leprosy, experienced a miraculous cure after venerating Parshwanath. This profound healing transformed him into a devout Jain. He not only worshiped the Parshwanath idol but also renovated the temple. This marked the fifth renovation, a testament to the power of faith.
As the tides of time rolled on, the 16th century brought a new era under Akbar the Great's rule. Acarya Vijay Sensuri, a prominent spiritual leader, oversaw the temple's sixth and final renovation. During this time, a humble shepherd made a remarkable discovery. His cow, while grazing, consistently yielded milk at a specific spot. Curiosity led him to unearth the miraculous image of Parshwanath, with fresh flowers and divine fragrances.
Realizing the significance of this discovery, the shepherd contacted Jain leaders. They, in turn, informed Acarya Vijay Sensuri, who recognized the divine Parshwanath image. Under his guidance, the image was reinstated in a new temple, signifying the sixth and final renovation.
Today, the Shankheshwar Parshwanath Temple stands as a testament to devotion, resilience, and the unwavering faith of countless individuals throughout history. It remains the only temple in the world solely dedicated to the worship of Shankheshwar Parshwanath, protected and revered by countless devotees.