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In the city of Alvar, Rajasthan, there stands a temple adorned with a 33 cms high, white-colored idol of Bhagwan Ravan Parshwanath. The Padmasana posture of the idol is complemented by an umbrella with 7 hoods gracefully placed over its head.
Sacred Site: Alvar, initially named Alvarpur by Rana Alwar in the 10th century of the Vikram era, holds ancient significance. The history of this tirth is intertwined with a fascinating legend. Once, as Ravana, the king of Lanka, traveled with his wife Mandodari, they halted near Alvar for lunch. Ravana, bound by the vow to worship God before meals, realized he had forgotten the idol. To uphold the vow, Mandodari crafted an idol of sand and brought it to life by reciting the Namaskar Mahamantra. Through the virtue of their vows and Mandodari's purity, the idol became adamantine. This idol, worshipped by Ravana and Mandodari, came to be known as "Ravan Parshwanath." The original temple endured until the 15th century, after which a new temple and idol were established. Shresthi Hiranand initiated the construction, and in 1654 of the Vikram era, the new idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath was installed on the advice of Acharya Shri Jinchandrasuriji. The idol was reinstalled in 1983 of the Vikram era under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishvarji.
Other Temples: Within the vicinity, there are no other temples dedicated to Bhagwan Ravan Parshwanath.
Artistic Marvels: This ancient and renowned tirth exudes the fragrance of Ravana's steadfast vow. Describing the exquisite face of Bhagwan Parshwanath falls short, as comparisons with the sun, moon, mirror, and lotus flower pale in capturing its beauty. The temple architecture includes a terrace without pinnacles.
Guidelines for Pilgrims: The Alvar railway station, located 3 kms from the city, provides convenient access to this sacred site. Alvar city is a mere 3 kms away from the temple, and transportation options include bus services and private vehicles. Pilgrims can avail of Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities during their visit.
Scripture and Cultural Contributions: References to Ravan Parshwanath can be found in various scriptures like "365 Shri Parshvajin Naammala," "Shri Ravan Parshvanath ka Faag," "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath ka Chand," "Parshva Ashtotar Naam Stavan," "Tirthmala," "Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "108 Naamgarbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati," "Shri Ravan Parshvanath Stotra," among others. The presence of an idol of Ravan Parshwanath in Jiravala Tirth further echoes the reverence for this deity.
Trust and Contact: For those seeking spiritual solace, the Shri Ravan Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth in Birbal Ka Mohalla, Alvar – 301 001, Rajasthan, India, stands as a beacon. Inquiries can be directed to the trust at the mentioned address.
