Story of Kareda Parshwanath Bhagwan

In the heart of Bhupalsagar town stands a divine shrine, home to a majestic idol that commands reverence—a nearly 90 cm high, black-colored representation of Bhagwan Kareda Parshwanath, gracefully seated in the Padmasana posture. A celestial umbrella, adorned with nine hoods, gracefully crowns the divine head of this sacred idol.

Historical Reverie: The antiquity of this sacred haven is veiled in the mists of time, with only glimpses of its past emerging during recent renovations. Unearthed amidst these renovations was an ancient pillar bearing an inscription dating back to the year 55, suggesting the existence of this shrine prior to the 1st Vikram era. The transformative chapter in its history unfolded in Vikram Samvat 861 when Shri Kheemsingh Shah undertook the construction of a splendid and expansive temple. Guided by the spiritual aura, Acharya Shri Jayanandsurishwarji consecrated the idol of Kareda Parshwanath. Encircled by 52 smaller temples, this main sanctuary underwent further renovations and reinstallations in Vikram Samvat 1039, under the auspices of Acharya Shri Yashobhadrasurisvarji.

Devotional Pilgrimage and Renovations: In a pilgrimage narrative that echoes through time, Shri Zhanzhan Shah, son of Shri Pethadshah, halted at this sacred abode during his journey to Shri Shatrunjay shrines. Witnessing the temple's condition, he initiated repairs and renovations, even constructing a seven-storey temple—a structure that, unfortunately, stands absent today. Subsequent inscriptions from the years 1303, 1341, and 1496 of the Vikram era adorn the idols within the temple's circular passage. In V.S.1656, another round of renovations took place, and a unique measure was implemented to safeguard the temple—the temple's top was fashioned in the likeness of a mosque to avert destruction during turbulent times. The final restoration, a testament to ongoing reverence, occurred in the year 2033 of the Vikram era, led by Acharya Shri Sushilsurishvarji. The idol, revered for its ability to dispel calamities and work miracles, draws thousands of devotees each year to partake in ceremonial worship on the auspicious occasion of Lord Parshwanath's birthday, celebrated annually on Posh Krishna 10.

Artistic Resonance and Spiritual Legacy: While remnants of ancient art lie scattered, offering glimpses of bygone grandeur, a potential treasure trove awaits those who delve into historical research. Bhupalsagar, with its nearest railway station just 1 km away, is conveniently accessible via the Chitod – Udaipur road, positioned 56 km from Chitod. Pilgrims find respite in the availability of bus services, private vehicles, Dharamshala, and Bhojanshala facilities.

Scriptural Echoes and Miraculous Narratives: The sanctity of this temple resonates through various scriptures, including "Tirthmala," "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Godiji Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," and "Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati." "Praband Panchshati," scribed by Shri Subhshil Gani in V.S. 1521, vividly narrates the miracles witnessed during the installation of the idol. Beyond the confines of Bhupalsagar, an idol of Shri Kareda Parshwanath finds a revered place in the Kalikund Parshwanath temple in Santacruz, Mumbai, and in Jiravala Tirth.

Custodians of Spiritual Heritage: Entrusted with the sacred legacy of this divine haven is the Shri Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Shri Kareda Parshwanathji Tirth Padhi, Bhupalsagar: 312204, District: Chitorgarh, Rajasthan State, India, reachable at 01476-84233. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Bhupalsagar, the divine saga of Kareda Parshwanath unfolds, inviting all to partake in its spiritual resonance and timeless reverence.