Jain Pilgrimage

Author(s): Lalitprabhsagar
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 87

The grandeur of 108 - PARSHWANATH TEMPLE
Shankheshwar is considered to be the most miraculous and universally revered among the Jain pilgrimages of India. Shankheshwar and Nakoda are those two pilgrimages about which it is famous that the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled here. The devotees observe three fasts for worshipping this pilgrimage which in traditional vocabulary are called 'Tela' or 'Attham'. It is said that the worship of Shankheshwar pilgrimage performed with 'Attham' penance (fast) protects from peril and promotes happiness and prosperity.
Shankheshwar means the lord of the conchshells. According to mythological references, in the battle that took place between Jarasandh and Lord Krishna, Jarasandh threw 'Jara' on the army of Krishna. Then the evil effect of 'Jara' was rendered ineffective with the water consecrated by this image of the Lord.
In Samvat 1155, inspired by Acharya Devendra Suri, Siddharaj Jai Singh's prime-minister Sajjan Shah got the Shankheshwar Teerth restored. On the inspiration of Acharya Shree Vardhmaan Suri, Mahamantri VastupalTejpal got the necessary renovation of this pilgrimage done and on the summits of fifty-two edifices installed golden pots. In Samvat 1302, according to available references, King Durjansalya also got this temple renovated.
Under the anti-temple campaign and invasions of Alauddin Khilji, heavy damage was caused to this temple
A fascinating view of the sub-spires
The intricately deep form of the inside of the dome
The spires of SHANKHESHWAR
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