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Franklin Township Temple Project
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SHRI AJHAARA PARSHVANATH BHAGWAAN
SHRI AJHARAA TIRTH This famous Tirth is located in Gujarat and its main idol is an 18-inch tall Shri Ajhaara Parshvanath Bhagwaan made of sandstone. The idol has been coated with a red colored protective layer which gives it a unique appearance.
King Ajaypal was suffering from numerous ailments, and applied the water collected in the process of bathing the idol onto his diseased body. This water cured him of his diseases and he built a temple around the idol, at the very spot where the miracle occurred. Thereafter, the temple has been renovated and the idol reinstalled fourteen times.
The temple consists of magnificent architecture and carvings, and many details point to its existence from ancient times. One, specifically, is a bell with the engraving 'Shri Ajharaa Parshvanath, V.S. 1034, Sha Raichand Jaichand,' indicating existence 1000 years ago.
On September 17, 1978, a cobra positioned itself in front of the idol of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwaan and it stayed there for many hours. This is believed to be the divine appearance of Shri Dharnendra Dev, who is known as the protector of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwaan.
SHRI VANTHALI TIRTH - SHRI SHITALNAATH BHAGWAAN
Many centuries ago, a beautiful temple was built in the town of Vanthali in Gujarat. But today, no evidence of this temple is found with the only remnants present as a part of a mosque. Also, there is an old fort about four miles from this temple's approximate location, where remnants of the ancient temples have been found used for building other structures.
The idol of Shri Shitalnaath Bhagwaan was uncovered from a nearby garden. This idol was then installed in a new temple which was then built. Today, there are two temples built at this location.
Vanthali, many centuries ago, was known as Vamansthali and is the birthplace of a business icon Sajjan Shreshthi, who had spent a lot of money to have the temples of Girnar Tirth renovated and restored. However, King Siddharaj Jainsinh found out that Sajjan had spent the kingdom's money to carry out this task. But, before the King could take any firm action against him, an unknown local businessman offered to repay the money to the King. Sajjan re-entered the king's good graces by naming the area on Girnar where the temples were located Karmavihar, a dedication to the king' father, Karma. After this, the king decided to pardon Sajjan from paying back the money to the kingdom.
“સર્વો જીવ કરુ શાસન રસી” Bid Family (Livingston, NJ)
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