Story of Charup Parshwanath Bhagwan

Standing at the heart of Charup village is the revered Shri Shyamala Parshwanath Mahatirth, housing a nearly 120 cms high, black-colored idol of Bhagwan Shyamala Parshwanath in the Padmasana posture, adorned with an umbrella of 7 hoods. This ancient idol holds a significant historical narrative. Approximately 2,222 years after the era of the 16th Thirthankara Shri Naminath Bhagwan from the past chouvisi, an Ashadi Shravak of Gaud Desh commissioned the creation of three exquisite idols of Thirthankaras. These idols were later submerged in the depths of the ocean. Centuries passed, and during a sea voyage, a divine voice guided a businessman named Dhan of Kantipur to retrieve these miraculous idols. The idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath found its abode in the Charup village under the auspices of Shri Devendrasurisvarji of the Nagendra Gachchha in the ninth century. This historical temple underwent renovations in V.S. 1938 and V.S. 1984 after falling into disrepair during the 18th-century Vikram era. Notable references include the construction of a temple dedicated to Shri Adinath Bhagwan by Shresthi Sri Devchandra in the 13th Vikram century, and another temple dedicated to Shri Shanthinath Bhagwan by Shresthi Shri Pethadshah in the Vikram year 1320, although these temples no longer exist. The temple stands alone, adorned with majestic elephants at its entrance, and the idol within is a testament to unparalleled ancient sculptural art, capturing the essence of peace, equipoise, serenity, and spiritual strength. Visitors can reach Charup via the Charup railway station, situated just 1 km away, or the Patan railway station, located 10 km away, with bus services and private vehicles readily available. The temple provides boarding and lodging facilities, along with a well-established upashraya. The historical significance of this temple is documented in various scriptures, including "Shri Parshvanath Stavan," "Gurvavali," "Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand," "Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "Tirthmala," and "Shri Parshvanath Naammala." The idol of Charup Parshwanath is renowned as Shyamala Parshwanath, with temples dedicated to Shyamala Parshwanath found in many cities and towns across India. The trust responsible for the upkeep of this sacred site is Shri Charup Jain Shwetambar Shri Shyamala Parshwanath Mahatirth Pedhi, Charup: 384 285, District: Patan, Gujarat State, India, reachable at 02766 – 77568 and 02766 – 77562.