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In the village Sherisa stands a remarkable idol of Bhagwan Sherisa Parshwanath, crafted from a single stone, towering at a height of approximately 165 cms and adorned in black. This divine masterpiece is situated in the Padmasana posture.
Sacred Site: The divine sanctum resides in the heart of the village Sherisa, inviting seekers of spiritual solace to witness the splendor of Bhagwan Sherisa Parshwanath.
Historical Chronicle: The roots of this temple delve into the 12th century, with a captivating tale surrounding the origin of the exquisite idol of Bhagwan Sherisa Parshwanath. Overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Sherisa village, Acharya Shri Devendrasurishvarji envisioned it as a conducive space for spiritual pursuits. Guided by divine insight, he identified a colossal stone beneath the village's soil, sensing the potential for a beautiful idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath. Fasting for three days in devotion, Acharya Shri Devendrasurishvarji prayed to Goddess Padmavati, who appeared and provided the necessary directions. A blind sculptor from Soparak village was summoned, and, fasting for three days, he commenced carving the idol from the unearthed stone. In an extraordinary feat, the sculptor completed the idol in a single night, under the divine guidance of Acharyaji. This miraculous creation came to be known as "Sherisa Parshwanath."
Acharyaji further utilized his divine powers to bring four additional idols of Thirthankaras from Ayodhya. Three reached Sherisa before sunrise, with one installed in Dharasenak village. Acharya Shri Devendrasurishvarji also orchestrated the creation of twenty-four more idols of Thirthankaras, and Kumarpal Maharaja commissioned a captivating idol for the temple. These idols, along with the central idol of Sherisa Parshwanath, found their abode in a grand temple constructed by Acharya Shri Devendrasurishvarji. The Mulnayak idol, initially swaying and named "Lodhan Parshwanath," gained stability through the divine powers of Acharyaji. In the 13th century, Mahamatya Tejpal erected two Dev kulikas within the temple, hosting the idols of Neminath Bhagwan with Parrikar and Ambika Devi. The revered installation was conducted by Acharya Shri Vijaysensurishvarji. Notably, the idol of Padmavati Devi, initially placed in this temple in V.S.1420, currently resides in the Naroda Parshwanath temple in Ahmedabad. In the face of adversity during the 18th-century Muslim invasion, the Jain community safeguarded the idols. The temple regained prominence in V.S.1969, when Acharya Shri VijayNemisurishvarji advocated for its restoration. The esteemed Seth Shri Sarabhai Dahyabhai of Ahmedabad undertook the colossal task of constructing a new temple. The installation ceremony in the year 2002 of the Vikram era was graced by Acharya Shri Vijaynemisurishvarji on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh. The temple's management rests in the hands of Seth Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi.
Other Temples: Within the vicinity, there are no other temples, making this sanctum a solitary haven of spiritual significance.
Artistic Marvels and Sculptures: The Sherisa Parshwanath idol, meticulously carved from a single stone in a single night by a blind sculptor, stands as a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship. This alluring, unique, influential, and miraculous idol has witnessed numerous miracles, symbolizing divine presence. One notable incident recounts a rich merchant's misfortune at sea, leading to impoverishment. Seeking solace and aid, his wife, facing societal ridicule, decided to host a community lunch. In a miraculous turn, a snake emerged from a nearby hole, gifting her a gold chain instead of harm. The chain, when sold, restored their fortunes and facilitated the community luncheon.
Guidelines: The nearest railway station, Kalol, lies at a distance of 8 kms on the Ahmedabad–Mehsana route. Ahmedabad, positioned 37 kms away on the Kalol–Rancharda road, serves as a gateway. Well-connected by bus services and private vehicles, the temple offers Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities. Nearby locations include Wamaj, Bhoyani, and Pansar.
Scriptural Mentions: Sherisa Parshwanath finds mention in various scriptures, including "Vividh Tirth Kalp," "Nabhinandan ka Dwar Praband," "Tirthmala," "Sashvath Tirthmala," "Updesh Tarangini," "Sherisa Tirth Stavan," "365 Shri Parshvajin Naammala," "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chaand," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," "Shri Parshvanath Chaitya Paripati," and more. Idols of Shri Sherisa Parshwanath are also present in Jiravala Tirth and Kalikund Parshwanath Temple in Santacruz, Mumbai, with a substantial idol located in the main temple in Surendranagar, Gujarat.
Trust and Contact: For spiritual seekers, Shri Sherisa Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth, Sheth Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, Post: Sherisa, Taluk: Kalol, District: Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 380 007, India, stands as a beacon of tranquility. The primary Pedhi is located in Una-362 560.
