Story of Kukdeshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan

Story of Kukdeshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan


In the village of Kukadeshwar, stands a black-colored idol of Bhagwan Kukadeshwar Parshwanath, with a height of approximately 68 cms, seated in the Padmansana posture beneath an umbrella adorned with nine hoods.

Sacred Site: The roots of this ancient tirth extend back 1050 years, as indicated by an inscription from the year 1676 of the Vikram era found on the present idol in the temple. The original idol, lost to the passage of time, has been replaced by the current black stone idol of Parshwanathji, offering a delightful sight to devoted worshippers. The inception of this temple is intertwined with the story of Dutt Brahmin of Vasantpur, who, contemplating suicide due to an incurable ailment, encounters a Jain monk. The monk imparts the principles of Jainism to him, and during a conversation with Gunsagar Kevali about his future, Dutt Brahmin envisions his next two births, one as a hen and the other as King Eshwar. In the grand tapestry of his future, Dutt Brahmin witnesses Parshwanath, the future Tirthankara, as the architect of eternal happiness. In homage to his past lives, King Eshwar commissions the creation of a beautiful idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath and installs it in the present temple. Widely known as Kukadeshwar Parshwanath, this temple has recently undergone renovation, and an annual fair is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad.

Artistic Marvels: The enchanting idol within this ancient temple offers a profound spiritual experience and fills the hearts of devotees with joy. The idol, resplendent and beautiful, exudes a tranquil and silent atmosphere, enhanced by its nine-hooded appearance.

Guidelines for Pilgrims: The nearest railway stations are Nimach (45 kms away), Mandsaur (60 kms away), and Ratlam (117 kms away). Pilgrims can access the site through bus services and private vehicles from these locations. Accommodation facilities are available nearby, and with prior notice, arrangements for food can be made.

Scripture and Antiquity: Mentions of Kukadeshwar Parshwanath can be found in ancient scriptures such as "Vividh Tirth Kalp," "Updesh Tarangini," "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand," "Shri Godiji Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," "Chaitya Paripati," and "135 Naam Garbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan." Idols of Kukadeshwar Parshwanath can also be found in other places like Shri Adinath temple in Vadvan city, Jiravala Tirth, Kareda Tirth, and Kalikund Parshvanath temple in Santacruz, Mumbai.

Trust and Contact: The custodian of this sacred site is the Shri Kukadeshwar Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir, located in Kukadeshwar-458 116, District: Nimach, State: Madhya Pradesh, India.