Here is the main traditional story connected with Shri Bhopawar (Bhopavar) Shantinath Bhagwan:

1. About Bhopawar Shantinath

• The tirth is in Bhopawar village, near river Mahi, District Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
• The moolnayak is a very ancient 12‑feet high blue‑stone idol of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan in kayotsarga (standing meditation) posture. ( jainknowledge.com)

2. Story of Rukmi and the origin of the tirth

According to the popular Jain katha linked with this tirth:

1. Swayamvar of Rukmini

- Rukmini’s father and brother Rukmi organized her swayamvar and did not invite Shri Krishna, because of jealousy and enmity. - Rukmini, however, was devoted to Krishna and secretly called him.

1. Krishna takes Rukmini away

- At the time of swayamvar, Shri Krishna came and took Rukmini away with her consent. - Rukmi became extremely angry and chased Krishna with his army.

1. Defeat of Rukmi at Bhopawar

- The fight took place in the region where Bhopawar is today. - Rukmi was defeated by Krishna in battle.

1. Rukmi’s repentance and tapasya

- After defeat, Rukmi realized the result of anger, ego and attachment. - He decided to stay at that very place, did tapasya (austerities and meditation), and turned towards spiritual life. - In this holy region, the tirth of Bhopawar was established, and in later times the idol of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan came to be worshipped as moolnayak. ( jainknowledge.com)

This story is not from the main Jain Agams about Shantinath Bhagwan’s own life; it is a tirth‑katha (local holy‑place legend) explaining the sanctity of the place and connecting it with turning away from violence and pride.

3. Miraculous incidents at Bhopawar

Traditional beliefs and experiences of devotees say:

• Sometimes a black cobra appears near the moolnayak idol and moves respectfully around the idol without harming anyone.
• Once, devotees saw a flow of milk with saffron‑like colour coming out from the foot of the idol of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan.
• Local adivasi people (Bhils) call this Bhagwan “Kaala Baba” or “Khamda Dev” and come with great faith, especially during the annual mela on Paush Krishna Dashami. ( jainknowledge.com)

These incidents are narrated to show the power of devotion and the venerable nature (prabhav) of the tirth.

4. Spiritual message of the story

From the Bhopawar Shantinath katha, Jain achar (conduct) teaches:

• Anger and ego (krodh, maan) lead to defeat and suffering, as seen in Rukmi.
• Turning within and doing tapasya at the same place of one’s fall can become the cause of upliftment.
• The presence of a Shantinath Bhagwan tirth here reminds us that real victory is inner peace (shanti), forgiveness, and non‑violence, not outer war.

You can read more details about Shri Bhopawar Tirth here: