online support
In the city of Nasik, a magnificent 52 cm tall idol of Lord Chintamani Parshvanath, adorned in blue and seated in the Padmasana posture with seven hoods, graces a prominent temple. This city is home to two main temples dedicated to Chintamani Parshvanath, the other being situated in Jaisalmer.
The historical roots of this tirth, formerly known as Padmapur, unfold through the pages of Nasikyapurkalpa scribed by Shri Jinaprabhsuri. Originally established as Padmapur, it gained significance when Queen Kunti, wife of King Pandu, undertook the renovation of the temple, renaming it Kuntivihar. The hills near the Chandavad village, 45 kilometers from Nasik, display ancient idols of Jain Tirthankaras, including the Mulnayak Chandraprabh Swami. The Chintamani Parshvanath idol in Nasik, crafted by the sangha around 1800 Vikram era, or according to an alternate note in 1918 Vikram era, stands as a testament to the city's religious importance.
Apart from the Nasik temple, the city boasts nine splendid temples, with the Shri Adinath temple taking precedence. The Gurumandir of Acharyadev Shrimad Vijayayashodevsuriswarji further enriches the religious landscape.
The enchanting blue idol of Chintamani Parshvanath, housed in the Nasik temple along the Godavari river, is a masterpiece, radiating tranquility and adorned with seven hoods. Amidst the bustling city life, the temple serves as a haven for spiritual seekers, alleviating worries through its artistic and extraordinary sculpture.
For those seeking guidance, the Nasik railway station, located 8 kilometers away, provides convenient access. Bus services and private vehicles are readily available, while the city offers excellent boarding, lodging, and publishing facilities.
This sacred site finds mention in various scriptures like "Nasikyapurkalpa," "Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand," "Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan," "Tirthmala," "Parshvanath Naammala," and "Parshvanath Chaityaparipati." The reverence for Chintamani Parshvanath extends to numerous cities across India, with a dedicated trust, Shri Chitamani Parshvanath Jain Shwetambar Tirth, overseeing the temple in Nasik.
Moving to Jaisalmer, the new capital founded by Jesalji after the decline of Lodrava, houses another significant temple dedicated to Chintamani Parshvanath. The idol, originally from Lodrava, was installed in the fort temple on the hills by Acharya Jinapatisurishvarji in the year 1263 Vikram era. Renovated by Jinvardhansurisvarji in 1473 Vikram era, the temple, known as "Lakhshman Vihar," stands as the principal shrine in Jaisalmer.
The fort encompasses seven beautiful temples built of yellow stones, showcasing the rich history and architectural marvels. An intriguing tale involves an idol of Bhairav positioned near Parshvanath, symbolizing the humility of the servant before the Lord. Jaisalmer's temple is renowned for its multitude of idols, including delicately carved miniature temples and an awe-inspiring emerald stone idol stored in the Brihad Bhandar.
The art and sculpture in Western Rajasthan reach their pinnacle in Jaisalmer, with pillars, arched gates, and paintings displaying extraordinary craftsmanship. The yellow stone, a local specialty, adds a touch of opulence, making the temples appear golden from a distance. Jaisalmer's railway station, 2 kilometers from the fort temple, facilitates easy travel, with bus services and private vehicles also available. The city provides various lodging options, including dharamshalas like Jain Bhavan, Nakoda Bhavan, and Sri Mahavir Bhavan.
Jaisalmer is not just a hub for art and architecture but also a treasure trove of Jain scriptures. Storehouses like Brihad Bhandar, Tapagachchhiya Bhandar, Brihad Khartar Gachchhiya Bhandar, Lonkagachchhiya Bhandar, Doongarsi Gnanbhandar, and Thirushah Bhandar house invaluable collections, attracting researchers and enthusiasts alike.
The timeless allure of Chintamani Parshvanath extends to various cities, with a dedicated trust, Shri Jaisalmer Lodravpur Parshvanath Jain Shwetambar Trust, overseeing the temple in Jaisalmer. The temple's mention in scriptures like "Tirthmala," "Jaisalmer Chaityaparipati," and "Vivid Tirthmala" underscores its significance in the Jain faith.
