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In the outskirts of the village Anjar, a saffron-colored idol of Bhagwan Ajahara Parshwanath, approximately 46 cms high, stands in the Padmasana posture. Crafted from sand, this unique idol is crowned with an umbrella boasting seven hoods.
Sacred Site: The divine abode is located on the fringes of the village Anjar, inviting seekers of spirituality to witness the sanctity of Bhagwan Ajahara Parshwanath.
Historical Chronicle: The enthralling saga commences with the illustrious history of Ayodhya, a city steeped in glory. King Raghu, the 25th monarch of the Suryavanshi dynasty, bore a son named Ajaypal. Ascending to the throne, Ajaypal, a devout Jain, embarked on a pilgrimage to the revered Tirth of Shatrunjay. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when afflicted by numerous ailments in the port of Div. During this trying period, an oceanic incident unfolded.
Merchant Ratnasar, sailing with his ships for overseas trade, found himself in a perilous storm. Praying fervently, Ratnasar received divine guidance, revealing the existence of an ancient idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath in the depths of the ocean. This idol, worshipped by celestial beings for eons, was destined for King Ajaypal in Div. Upon retrieving the idol, Ratnasar presented it to Ajaypal, narrating the miraculous events. Bathing in the water used for the idol's consecration, Ajaypal witnessed the miraculous cure of his ailments. Overwhelmed by the idol's divine power, Ajaypal founded a new city, Ajaynagar, and erected a magnificent temple to enshrine the miraculous idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath. Graced by the trikal pooja, Ajaypal's prosperity soared. Renowned as "Ajahara Parshwanath," signifying the cure (ajara) of Ajaypal's maladies, the idol became a source of healing for devotees. Miraculous healings attributed to the water used in bathing the idol further solidified its sacred reputation. Stone inscriptions dating back to the 14th century and a bell from the year 1034 of the Vikram era authenticate the temple's antiquity. The temple, renovated over 14 times, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of its worshippers. An annual fair on Chaitri Purnima, Karthik Purnima, and the 10th day of the dark half of the month of Paush adds to the spiritual fervor. Named "Navnidhi Parshwanath" by Shri Jinprabhsuriji, the tirth continues to witness miracles, including the occasional appearance of Nagraj (Dharnendra Dev).
Artistic Marvels and Sculptures: The ancient temple, subject to over 14 renovations, boasts hundreds of stepped-wells and stone carvings with inscriptions. The vicinity surrounding the temple, explored through excavations, has revealed relics, underlining the region's historical prosperity. The chief idol, crafted from sand and adorned with saffron, stands as a radiant masterpiece.
Visitation Guidelines: The Una railway station, 5 kms away, and Delwada, 2.5 kms away, provide convenient access to the temple. Well-connected roads facilitate the journey, with buses and cars reaching the temple effortlessly. Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities cater to the needs of visiting devotees.
Scriptural Mentions: References to Ajahara Parshwanath find a place in various scriptures, including "Vividh Tirth Kalpa," "Nabhinandanodhar Praband," "Tirthmala," "Dharmabyudai," "Sanghpati Samarsingh Raas," "365 Shri Parshva Jin Naammala," "Shri Sankheswar Parshwanath Chandh," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan," "108 Naamgarbhit Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan," and "Shri Parshvanath Sankhya Stavan." In the 17th century, Shri Samaysundarji composed a Bhaas on Shri Ajahara Parshwanath. Idols of Ajahara Parshwanath are also present in Jiravala Tirth and Kalikund Parshwanath Temple in Santacruz, Mumbai.
Trust and Contact: For seekers of spiritual solace, Shri Ajahara Parshanath Panchtirth Jain Karkhana Pedhi, Village: Ajahara, Post: Delwada-362 510, Taluk: Una, District: Junagadh, Gujarat State, India, serves as a sacred haven. Main Pedhi: Una-362 560.
