Jain Pilgrimage

Author(s): Lalitprabhsagar
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 93

also, but the image had already been transferred by the 'Sangh' (religious organisation). In Samvat 1656, emperor Shahjehan permitted the construction of the pilgrimage by issuing an imperial order. In Samvat 1760, according to an available reference, the pilgrimage was consecrated again by Acharya Vijayratna Suri. Within the sprawling precincts of the Shankheshwar pilgrimage, several minitemples have been constructed, besides the main temple. That is why it is also called Fifty-two Jina-abodes. There are several temples inside and outside the main temple, notable among them being Aagam Temple, 108 Parshwanath Jinalaya, Dadabari et al.
The main pilgrimage temple at the centre of the sprawling ramparts looks like a divine 'Vimaan' (aeroplane) descended on this earth. The small and big bells hanging from the summits automatically move to and fro with the gush of winds. The ringing of bells sounds like music, and makes the hearts of the devotees vibrate musically.
Shankheshwar pilgrimage conveys to the sleeping humanity the message of awakening. Shankeshwar is the source of all the happiness for getting rid of the disasters of life.
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A female gate-keeper
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Presiding deity Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath
An eye-filling image of Parshwanath
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