Nageshwar Parshwanath Tirth ki history (short and simple):

1. Location & Importance

- Nageshwar Parshwanath Tirth is a very famous Jain derasar near the border of Rajasthan–Madhya Pradesh, at Unhel (District Jhalawar, Rajasthan). - It is a Śvetāmbara Jain tirth, but Jains of all traditions have deep respect for it. - The place is considered “bahu chamatkari” – full of miracles – by devotees.

1. Moolnayak Murti (Main Idol)

- Moolnayak is Bhagwan Parshwanath, 23rd Tirthankar, in Kayotsarga (standing meditation). - Height of idol: about 13½ feet (life‑size, “nav‑hath” as described in tradition). - The idol is green in colour, with a 7‑hooded serpent (Shesh / Dharanendra) above the head. - Tradition says it was originally carved from markat-maṇi (emerald-like precious stone) and is around 2800–2850 years old. - The idol is so finely carved that the expression is very serene and compassionate; many devotees feel as if Bhagwan is personally looking at them.

1. Legend of the Idol (Dharnendra Dev)

- According to Jain kathā, this idol was made in remembrance of the event when Dharanendra (Nāgendra Dev) protected Bhagwan Parshwanath during heavy rains by spreading his hoods over Him. - It is said that only someone who had actually seen Bhagwan could create such a life‑like form; therefore tradition believes the idol was made under divine guidance of Devs. - In old times, the idol is said to have been in Ahichhatra. - Because it was made of a very valuable gem, greedy people tried to steal or damage it. - A great Jain Āchārya requested Dharanendra Dev to change the idol from gem to stone, so it would be safe from worldly greed but still remain full of spiritual power.

1. From Parasnagar to Nageshwar

- Later, the idol was brought to a place called Parasnagar. - A Jain king Ajeetsen (Ajitsen) and queen Padmavati are said to have built a beautiful temple there and worshipped Bhagwan Parshwanath. - With time, the place became known as Nageshwar, and Bhagwan came to be called Shri Nageshwar Parshwanath.

1. Renovation in the Middle Ages

- Around 1200–1300 years ago, the temple was already famous. - In Vikram Samvat 1264 (≈1207 CE), a major renovation of the tirth was done under Āchārya Shri Abhaydevsuri. - From that time onward, Nageshwar has remained one of the important Śvetāmbara Jain tirthas of the Malwa–Rajasthan region.

1. Recent History (Modern Times)

- Over long periods, due to political and social changes, the idol came to be known locally as “Nagbaba”, and at one time it was under the possession of non‑Jains. - Upādhyāy Shri Dharmasagarji Maharaj and later Āchārya / Gani Shri Abhaysagarji worked very hard—spiritually, socially and even legally—to get the idol back to Jains. - After court decisions in favour of Jains, the idol was formally re‑installed (pratiṣṭhā) with full Jain vidhi and 18 abhiṣek poojā, in the late 20th century Vikram Samvat (around VS 2037). - Since then, the tirth is under the management of Shri Jain Śvetāmbara Nageshwar Parshwanath Tirth Pedhi and has proper dharamshala and bhojanshala for yatriks.

1. Special Beliefs & Features

- Behind the 7 hoods, in the wall, there is a small hole said to be the abode of a living snake; very rarely it comes out. Those who get darshan consider themselves very fortunate. - The temple complex also has: - 24 Jinālaya – idols of all 24 Tirthankars - Idols of Shri Simandhar Swami, Devi Padmavati, and Veer Mani Bhadra, etc. - The tirth is considered very powerful for: - shānti (peace), - ārādhanā (deep sādhanā), and - parihār of fear and difficulties through right faith, not blind superstition.

1. Tradition Note (Śvetāmbara / Digambara)

- The main temple at Unhel (Nageshwar) is a Śvetāmbara derasar; the way of pūjā, attire of idols, and rituals follow Śvetāmbara tradition. - Digambar Jains also have deep devotion for Bhagwan Parshwanath and for this tirth, even if their own mūrtis and rituals are different in form.

You can read a short description of this tirth here