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Story of charup parshwanath
Here is the simple, traditional story of Charup Parshwanath (also called Shyamala Parshwanath):
Many, many years ago, in the time after the 16th Tirthankar of the past chovisi, Shri Naminath Bhagwan, there was a very devoted Jain shravak named Ashadhi (or Ashadi) in Gaud Desh. He had deep bhakti for Bhagwan Parshwanath and wanted to have the idol (pratima) of his beloved Tirthankar exactly as described by the omniscient Lord.
With great faith, Ashadhi Shravak got three very beautiful idols of Tirthankars made from precious stone. These idols were extremely miraculous and divine. For some reason, over time, they were taken and kept in the depths of the ocean, where they remained hidden for centuries. ( jainknowledge.com)
After a very long time, a rich merchant named Dhan from Kantipur was travelling by sea with his ships. Suddenly, in the middle of the ocean, all his ships stopped moving. No matter what he tried, the ships would not move forward. He became worried and did not know what to do.
At that time, a divine voice (akashvani) was heard. It told him not to be afraid, not to jump into the sea, but instead to go down into the depths of the water and bring up the hidden miraculous idols of the Tirthankars. The voice also explained their ancient history. When the idols were respectfully brought out and worshipped, the obstacle was removed and the ships started moving again. ( jainknowledge.com)
Later, under the guidance of great Jain acharyas, these idols were installed at different places. The idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath was brought and installed in the village of Charup (near Patan, in Gujarat) by Acharya Devendrasurisvarji of the Nagendra Gacchha, around the 9th century of the Vikram era. This same idol is today worshipped as Shri Charup (Shyamala) Parshwanath Bhagwan. ( jainknowledge.com)
The idol is:
- About 120 cm high
- Black in colour
- In padmāsan (lotus posture)
- With an umbrella of 7 serpent hoods over the head
It is considered one of the very ancient and powerful idols of any Tirthankar. Devotees experience peace, fearlessness, and spiritual strength in its darshan. The temple at Charup is famous for its old, artistic style and the huge elephants at the entrance. Many Jain scriptures and stavans mention Charup / Shyamala Parshwanath as a highly miraculous and sacred tirth. ( jainknowledge.com)
