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Sankhalpur, a city with ancient origins, was initially established by King Lakhman, who named it Salakhanpur. During the 14th to 17th centuries, the Jain community thrived in this city, characterized by their wealth, devotion, and prosperity. At that time, two exquisite temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shantinath and Bhagwan Parshvanath graced the city. Minister Pethadshah of Mandavgarh was responsible for the construction of the temple of Bhagwan Parshvanath. Unfortunately, the specific reasons remain unknown, but these temples were eventually destroyed. However, the precious idols of Bhagwan were carefully concealed for their protection.
In V.S. 1848, a thief stole two Thirthankara idols from Rantej and made his way to Shankhalpur. The Jain Shravaks purchased these idols from him, keeping one for themselves and gifting the other to the Jain Sangh of Tuvad village. They acquired a dilapidated site for the construction of a new temple, unearthing numerous idols of Thirthankaras, deities, temple spires, and various temple artifacts during the excavation. These artifacts had been concealed when many Jain temples in the village were destroyed, and some of the idols were eventually transported to Kadamgiri Tirth and other temples.
A new temple with three shikars was erected, and the idol of Shantinath Bhagwan was enshrined as the Mulnayak on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Jeth in V.S. 1905. An annual flag-raising ceremony takes place on this day.
The revered idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath found here is commonly known as "Shankhla Parshvanath," named after the village. This temple is renowned for its miraculous and influential nature. Within the temple's basement lies an idol of Navkhanda Parshvanath, known for its miracles and magnificence. Often, devotees encounter the scent of fragrant flowers and even witness a shower of flowers before the idol. Additionally, the temple bell occasionally rings on its own during the evening Aarthi, with its tun-tun sound resonating far and wide. Miraculously, a square silver coin was once discovered near the idol of Navkhanda Parshvanath. These wondrous occurrences are commonplace here. For many years, an "Akhand Deepak" has remained lit in front of the Navkhanda Parshvanath idol.
The temple houses more than 25 ancient and captivating idols of Thirthankaras.
Sankhalpur is conveniently situated just 2 kilometers from the Bechraji railway station, recently upgraded to a flag station. The village also boasts two Upashrayas, with Rantej, Shankeshwar, and Bhoyani Tirth in close proximity.
Sankhal Parshvanath finds mention in several scriptures like "Tirthmala," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "Gurvavali," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chaand," and "Kocchar Vyavahari Raas." Idols of Shankhla Parshvanath can also be found in Jiravala Tirth and the Kalikund Parshvanath temple in Santacruz, Mumbai.
