Jirawala paswanath mandir history
Jirawala Parshwanath Tirth is a famous Śvetāmbara Jain temple in Jirawala village, Sirohi district, Rajasthan. Here is a simple outline of its history as per traditional Jain accounts:
- Early antiquity and discovery
- The site is linked to ancient Jain activity and is believed to have been an important center from early centuries. A central legend says that a Parshwanath idol was found near a cave at the foot of Jayraj Hill after two wealthy Jain leaders (Seth Amrasa of Kodinagar and Acharya Devsuriji) had a dream directing them to the spot. They excavated and recovered the idol, which is said to be Parshvanath in a seated (Padmasana) pose. The story connects the idol to divine guidance and a temple being established at the site. (
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- Installation and early temple
- Following the discovery, a temple was built and the idol installed. A prominent date given in many accounts is Vikram samvat 331 (generally understood in traditional lists as around late 4th century BCE to early 1st century CE, though sources vary on exact conversion). The temple’s Mulnayak Parshwanath is said to have been installed under guidance associated with Devsurishvarji. (
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- Mulnayak and 108 Parshwanath idols
- The temple complex is noted for housing the main Parshwanath idol (Mulnayak) and 108 other Parshwanath idols in separate shrines around the main sanctum. Over time, the idols and space have undergone renovations but the practice of venerating Parshwanath remains central. (
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- Later structure and renovations
- The temple structure that visitors see today dates from around the 12th–13th centuries (the present building is described as dating to about 1134 CE in some sources), with renovations and additions by the Jain community over the centuries. The temple complex often includes Dharamshala facilities for pilgrims and spaces for communal meals and study. (
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- Like many historic tirths, Jirawala Parshwanath Tirth has seen restorations and maintenance in recent times to preserve the idol, the 108 subsidiary idols, and the temple precincts for ongoing pilgrimage and Jain learning. (
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Notes on tradition
- This temple is regarded within the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition as the Jirawala Parshwanath Tirth, with the central idol and the surrounding 108 Parshwanath idols forming the core sacred ensemble. Some historical recounts and local writings give varied dates for the discovery and installation, reflecting the blend of legend and history common to early Jain centers. If you need, I can summarize the main differences claimed by different Jain communities, but the Śvetāmbara narrative centers on the Cornish legend of discovery and the long-standing worship at Jirawala. ( jainknowledge.com)
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