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In the heart of a dense forest, surrounded by hills on three sides and situated 2 km away from the village of Mirpur, stands the temple of Bhagwan Hamirpura Parshwanath. The Mulnayak, a nearly 68 cm high, white-colored idol of Bhagwan Hamirpura Parshwanath, rests in the Padmasana posture beneath an umbrella of divine significance.
The historical roots of this sacred place trace back to the founding of the city by Devda Hamir in Vikram year 808, originally known as Hamirpur. This city, also called Hamirgadh due to its formidable fort, housed a Jain Temple constructed during the 9th century AD, under the rule of the Rajputs. Regarded as possibly the oldest marble monument in Rajasthan, an inscription credits King Samprati with its initial construction. Over the centuries, the temple witnessed destruction by Mahmud Begada in the 13th century, followed by reconstruction and renovation in the 15th century. Notably, this location holds significance as the birthplace of Shri Parshvachandrasuri Maharaj Saheb, the founder of the Parshvachandra gachchha, born in V.S. 1537. An annual fair graces this sacred site on the tenth day of the dark half of the months of Paush, Chaitri Purnima, and Karthik Purnima.
While only the main temple and its mandapa stand today, elevated on a pedestal adorned with intricately carved pillars and an engraved parikrama reflecting Indian mythology, the site is mentioned in the "World And Encyclopedia of Art." Although the temple underwent recent renovations, the unique solitary atmosphere, age, and unparalleled artistry make it a gem. The sculptures of elephants, yakshas, gandharvas, gods, and goddesses showcase craftsmanship over a thousand years old. The temple's construction, particularly the summit, is deemed superior even to temples in Mt. Abu. Sculpted elephants support the corners and sides of the plinth, reminiscent of the artistry in temples like Mt. Abu and Delwada. The serene ambiance of this secluded place, coupled with its natural beauty and a spectacular sunset view in front of the temple, adds to its allure.
For seekers of spiritual tranquility, the temple is located 37 km from the nearest railway station in Sirohi, 60 km from Abu, and 15 km from Sirohi town. Transportation options include bus services and private vehicles, with Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities available. Nearby tirths such as Diyana, Lotana, Nandiya, Ajhari, and Jiravala are easily accessible from this sacred site.
References to this temple include its mention as built by Raja Samprati in the composition "Virvanshavali." Handwritten manuscripts of the laudatory poem "Shatpadika" reference the local Palliwal Shreshthi's. Sri Saubhagyasuriji, chief disciple of Sri Indranadsuriji of Tapa Gachchha, composed the story of "Maun Ekadashi" here in Vikram year 1576. The temple is also mentioned in various scriptures, such as "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chaand," "108 Naam Garbhit Parshvanath Chaand," and "Tirthmala." An idol of Hamirpura Parshwanath is preserved in Kalikund Parshvanath temple in Santacruz, Mumbai.
