$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 254

RITUALS
D08 - Jain Temples & Pilgrimage Places
History: As mentioned in ancient scriptures, Ashädhi Shrävak's devotion to Bhagawän Pärshvanäth gave rise to this temple. Inspired by his great faith, the idol of Sankheshvar Pärshvanäth has been worshipped since ancient times.
The temple was built and rebuilt on several occasions. Major renovation was done by Sajjan Shah in the 11th century and by Vastupäl and Tejpäl in the middle of the 13th century. In the 14th century, the army of Allauddin Khilaji caused severe damage to the temple, but the main idol was saved by the Sangh. Since 1760,this vast and beautiful temple has 52 idols and a passage for going around the idols. Even if volumes of books are written, they cannot fully describe the miracles of this temple. For instance, it is said that the wounded men of Lord Krishna's army arrived at Sankheshvar Tirtha after a battle. Then they used the holy water (Abhisheka) from the Tirtha to cleanse their wounds, and upon contact with the water, their wounds were immediately healed. Worshipped for thousands of years, this idol specially attracts the faithful worshippers making this Tirtha of immense significance. Even today, the worshippers experience the miracles of this magnificent idol.
The idols of Dharanendra, Shri Padmavati Devi, Pärshva Yaksha, and Shri Chakreshwari-Devi are said to protect the Tirtha, to remove the obstacles of the worshippers, and to fulfill their wishes. On the auspicious day of Bhagawän Pärshvanäth Janma Kalyänak (birth event) and on the Diwäli, thousands of pilgrims come here to observe a two-day long fast.
Works of art and Sculpture: Comparable to a God's residence, this ancient, majestic, and delightful temple surrounded by 52 small temples looks very beautiful.
03. Shri Tärangä Tirtha
Mulnäyak: Nearly 9 feet tall, white colored idol of Bhagawän Ajitnäth.
Tirtha: It is on the Täranga hill in the state of Gujarat.
History: Under the inspiration and instructions of Shri Hemchandra Ächärya, this temple was built in the year 1165 AD under the reign of King Kumärpäl. In the past, many Sädhus have attained Nirvana while meditating on the nearby hills.
Works of art and Sculpture: This temple is 50 feet long, 100 feet wide and 142 feet high. Along with the vast open square, the well-curved, eye-catching summit of the four-storied temple made of yellow stone looks stunning. This temple is famous for its tall steeple. Since the wood used in building this temple was of the Tagar (veleriana hardwickii) wood, it is fire-extinguishing; when set to fire, it does not catch fire, but oozes out water. This is truly amazing.
04. Shri Abu Delwädä Tirtha
Mulnäyak: 5 feet tall, white colored idol of Bhagawän Ädinäth in the Padmäsan posture.
Tirtha: The Jain Delwädä temples of India are located near Mount Abu in the state of Rajasthan.
History: Bharat Chakravarti built the temple and installed four idols facing all four directions. This ancient Tirtha is also mentioned in the Bruhad Kalpasutra composed by Bhadrabähu-swämi. Many ancient Ächäryas had visited this Tirtha in the past. The present temple called Vimal Vasahi, was built in the eleventh century by Vimal Shah in honor of Bhagawän Ädinäth. By appeasing Ambikä Devi, he had recovered the 2500 years old idol of Bhagawän Ädinäth. The generous brothers, Vastupäl and Tejpäl in honor of Lord Neminäth built another temple, Lunaga Vasahi in 1230 AD. The splendid temple was built under the supervision of Anupamä-devi, the wife of Tejpäl. The main idol of Mulnayak Bhagawän Neminäth is majestic.
Works of art and Sculpture: The sculptures and art of these temples are famous all over the world for their stunning carving in the white marble. The ceiling, domes, gates, pillars, arches, and walls of the Vimal Vasahi temple are excellent specimens of minute carving skill. The Rang Mandap is a grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved arches with a breathtaking central dome. On the pillars are carved female figurines playing musical instruments and 16 Vidhyä-devis (the goddesses of knowledge) - each one holding her own symbol. The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The ceiling features engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers, and scenes from Jain
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015