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In the town of Chanasma, a captivating idol of Bhagwan Bhateva Parshwanath graces the sanctum, standing at a height of around 23 cms. This catechu-colored idol, adorned with a waistband and seated in the Padmasana posture, bears an umbrella of seven hoods over its head. Accompanying this divine figure are the idols of Dharnendra and Padmavati, creating a scene of spiritual significance. Notably, this idol hails from the era of the 21st Thirthankara, Shri Naminath Bhagwan.
Sacred Site: Nestled in the town of Chanasma, this temple becomes a haven for seekers of divine solace, drawing them into the spiritual aura surrounding Bhagwan Bhateva Parshwanath.
Historical Tale: The origins of this idol are intertwined with the adventurous journey of King Prajapal, ruler of Champanagari, and his minister Budhisagar. During a horse-ride to test the steeds, they found themselves in a mysterious jungle. Unable to control the horses, they halted by grabbing a tree branch, leading to the discovery of a celestial gathering. "Nargosh Muni" had attained Kewalgyana, and the devtas celebrated this spiritual enlightenment. Captivated by the celestial music, the king and minister pledged to abstain from food and water until they prayed to a Thirthankara idol. As dawn approached, hunger and thirst set in. Miraculously, the minister found a lake, sculpted a sand idol of the 23rd Thirthankara Parshwanath, and presented it to the king. Unable to perform the idol's Abhishek due to its sandy composition, the king and minister prayed fervently. Goddess Padmavati appeared, transforming the sand idol into stone. This miraculous idol came to be known as "Bhateva Parshwanath." The king erected a splendid temple to house this divine creation. Centuries later, in Patan, King Bhudar's blind and ailing son found healing through the bath water of Bhateva Parshwanath. The idol was later worshipped in Devaloka for over five lakh years. Surchand Shravak received this idol from the devas upon imploring Devi Padmavati. Following the guidance of Acharyashri Ajitsimhasurishvarji of the Achalgachha, Surchand Shravak established this temple in the year 1335 of the Vikram era.
Other Temples: Within the sacred precincts, a temple dedicated to Shri Sheetalnath Bhagwan and another honoring Shri Adinath Bhagwan enrich the spiritual landscape.
Artistic Marvels and Sculptures: Crafted from sand, the impressive idol of Bhateva Parshwanath, standing alongside Dharnendra and Padmavati, emanates a captivating aura. An idol of Ambikadevi with a child beneath the lord's idol adds to the grandeur of this sacred site on the Mehsana–Harij highway. The temple, a masterpiece in its own right, is unparalleled, and its unique idol beckons pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike.
Guidelines: The temple, situated just one kilometer from the Chanasma railway station on the Mehsana–Harij road, boasts ancient gyanbhandar, upashraya, dharmashala, bhojanshala, and a pathshala, providing a holistic experience for visitors.
Scriptural References: References to this temple can be found in various scriptures such as "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," "Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath ki Utpatti," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Lavani," and more. Idols of Bhateva Parshwanath are also present in "Kalikund Parshvanath temple" in Santacruz, Mumbai, in Jiravala Tirth, in Vasupujyaswami temple in Gopipura, Surat, in Bhiladiyaji tirth, and in Kareda Tirth.
Trust and Contact: For those seeking spiritual enrichment, the Shri Chanasma Jain Mahajan Ni Pedhi in Moti Vaniyavad, Chanasma – 384 220, District: Patan, Gujarat State, India, serves as the custodian of this sacred space.
