What proof is there about simandhar swami?

Short answer In Jainism, “proof” of Shri Simandhar Swami is scriptural and traditional, not laboratory/empirical. He is accepted as a currently living Tirthankara in Mahāvideh Kṣetra on the strength of Āgama (scripture), teachings of Omniscients (āptavākya), classical cosmology texts, and the continuous practice of the Jain community.

What Jain tradition bases this on

• Āgama-pramāṇa (scriptural authority): The canonical teachings describe the structure of the universe (loka), time-cycles, and Mahāvideh Kṣetra—regions where Tirthankaras are always present and give deshanā. On this basis, living Tirthankaras are affirmed even when Bharata Kṣetra (our region) has none in the present era.
• Ācārya-granthas (classical cosmology works): Later authoritative Jain works systematize these details of Jambūdvīpa and Mahāvideh Kṣetra and preserve the tradition that specific Tirthankaras, including Simandhar Swami, are presently active there.
• Āptavākya and Yukti (trustworthy testimony and reasoning): In Jain epistemology, the word of Omniscients and perfectly disciplined teachers is a valid means of knowledge. Reasoning is also given: in Mahāvideh, the karmic and temporal conditions continuously support the arising of Tirthankaras.
• Sampradāya-pramāṇa (living tradition): For centuries, Jains have worshiped Simandhar Swami, installed his images, recited his stutis, and sought spiritual connection with his samavasaraṇa, holding that devotion to a living Tirthankara strengthens right faith (samyagdarśan) here.

About differences in traditions

• Śvetāmbara: Widely and explicitly venerates Shri Simandhar Swami by name; temples and rituals dedicated to him are common. Teachings emphasize that one may earn subtle spiritual benefit by reverentially “connecting” to his present preaching in Mahāvideh.
• Digambara: Fully accepts Mahāvideh Kṣetra and the continuous presence of living Tirthankaras. Practice focuses more generally on the 24 Tirthankaras of Bharata and on universal principles; dedicated worship of Simandhar Swami is less emphasized, though the doctrinal point (living Tirthankaras in Mahāvideh) is shared.

What this is not

• It is not modern scientific proof or travel-based verification; current karmic, spatial, and temporal conditions are said to prevent ordinary beings here from physically reaching Mahāvideh.
• Jain acceptance rests on śruta (scripture), yukti (reason), and sampradāya (unbroken lineage), which are recognized pramāṇas within Jain philosophy.

Practical takeaway for a seeker

• If you trust Jain pramāṇas, Simandhar Swami’s existence is doctrinally sound. Devotion to a living Tirthankara is held to purify faith and reinforce the core vows of ahiṃsā, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha—benefits that can be experienced in one’s conduct even without physical proof.