Story of Godiji Parshwanath Bhagwan

In the bustling city of Bombay, nestled in the Pydhuni locality, stands a revered temple housing the Mulnayak, a white-colored idol of Bhagawan Godiji Parshwanath seated in the Padmasana posture.

The historical significance of this temple revolves around the renowned and beloved name "Godi Parshwanath," associated with numerous impressive idols of Bhagwan Parshwanath. Although the original temple of Godiji Parshwanath is no longer in existence, this particular idol in Pydhuni holds immense fame. Legend has it that this ancient, captivating idol was transported from the influential temple of Hamirpur (now Mirpur) in Rajasthan during the early 19th century.

The Jain community, flourishing in the Fort locality of Mumbai, constructed a temple where the idol of Godiji Parshwanath became the Mulnayak. However, a significant fire in 1859 led to the migration of many Jain families to Pydhuni. Determined to preserve the revered idol, a new temple was built in Pydhuni in 1868, showcasing the beautiful, influential, and enchanting Godiji Parshwanath idol.

This sacred idol, believed to have miraculous qualities, attracted pilgrims from far and wide. The temple underwent renovations in recent years, enhancing its divine ambiance. Additional idols of Tirthankaras were installed with the blessings of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Subodhsagarsurishvarji, Acharya Shri Darshansagarsurishvarji, and Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishvarji's disciple, Acharya Shri Hemchandrasurishvarji, in V.S. 2045.

Pydhuni, a densely populated locality in Mumbai, is well-connected by rail and road, serving as a center for various Jain activities. The city is renowned for the generosity of its affluent Shravaks, balancing merrymaking with a strong religious spirit. The local train stations of Grant Road, Churni Road, and Marine Lines (Western Railway) and Bhykala, Masjidbunder, Boribunder, etc. (Central Railway) offer convenient access to the temple. The city provides ample facilities, including dharamshalas, bhojanshalas, Upashrayas, Gyanbhandars, Pathshalas, and Ayambilshalas.

The scriptural mentions of Godiji Parshwanath include "Shri Godi Parshvanath Utpatti Stotra," "Shri Godi Parshvanathjino Chodaliyoon," "Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan," "Shri Godi Parshvanath Chaand," and "Shri Godi Parshvanath Stotra." Temples dedicated to Godiji Parshwanath can be found in various cities across India, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, North India, Hyderabad, Pune, Karnataka, and others.

The Shri Godiji Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth Pedhi, located at Vijay Vallabh Chowk, Pydhuni, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, oversees the temple and its sacred traditions.