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Perched on a hill in the serene forests near Hathkanangala railway station stands the divine idol of Bhagwan Jagvallabh Parshwanath, a white-colored marvel with an umbrella of nine hoods gracefully hovering above. The historical journey of this sacred site traces back to ancient times when the hill bore names like Niranjangiri, Gairan ki Pahadi, and Nejkumbhoj ki Pahadi, now recognized as Kumbhojgiri and regarded as the "Shatrunjay" of South India.
Historical Evolution: The hill gained prominence as a Tirth when, in the 14th century, nearby Jains installed a metal idol. In the early 20th century, the vision of two brothers from Gujarat, Shri Nanchand Bhai and Shri Fatehchand Bhai, took shape. They embarked on constructing a temple, selecting Kumbhojgiri as the sacred site. The construction, initiated in V.S. 1912, culminated with the installation of an enchanting idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath in V.S. 1926, marking the birth of this spiritual haven. Shri Jain Sangh assumed management in V.S. 1928, further enhancing the site with a Dharamshala at the foot of the hills and the installation of the miraculous idol of Kalikund Parshwanath.
Annual Celebrations and Other Temples: The sacredness of Kumbhojgiri manifests during the fairs held on Karthik Purnima, Chaitri Purnima, and the 10th day of the dark half of the month of Paush. Alongside the main temples, a Digambar temple stands as a testament to the diversity of faith within the sacred precincts.
Aesthetic Beauty Amidst Nature: Set against the backdrop of the forest and village farms, the temple on the forested hill exudes beauty and splendor. The serene and beautiful idol of Bhagwan Jagvallabh Parshwanath adds to the spiritual ambiance of the surroundings.
Pilgrim Guidelines: Hathkanangala railway station, located 8 kms away, serves as the nearest railhead, while the temple is approximately 30 kms from Kolhapur. A climb of about 360 steps, taking 15-20 minutes, leads to the hilltop. Bus services and private vehicles facilitate transportation up to the foot of the hill. The pilgrimage site provides Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities at the hill's base, along with an Upashraya and Aradhana Hall.
Scriptural References: The name Jagvallabh Parshwanath echoes through ancient scriptures like "Shri Sankheswar Parshwanath Chand," "108 Naamgarbhit Shri Parshwanath Stavan," and "Shri Parshwanath Chaityaparipati." Idols of Jagvallabh Parshwanath are revered in various temples across India, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat, and Rajasthan.
Trust and Contact Information: Under the custodianship of Shri Jagvallabh Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust, Kumbhojgiri Tirth, Post: Bahubali – 416113, District: Kolhapur, State: Maharashtra, India, the trust welcomes seekers of divine blessings. For inquiries, contact 0230-2584445.
