Andeshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple – Rajasthan

Address

Andeshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple Kushalgarh, Banswara, Andeshwar Rajasthan 327602, India,

Deity

Parshwanath

Introduction

• Location: The Shri Andeshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple is located in Andeshwar, a hillock situated in the Kushalgarh tehsil of Banswara district, Rajasthan. It lies 40 km from Banswara city.
• Accessibility:
  • The temple is accessible from various nearby railway stations: approximately 50 km from Udaygarh, 50 km north of Dahod, 15 km west of Kushalgarh, and 8 km east of Kalinjara.
  • It is conveniently positioned along the Kushalgarh – Kalinjara road, making it easier for devotees and visitors to reach the site.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Inscriptions: The temple houses rare inscriptions dating back to the 10th century, showcasing its historical importance within the Jain community.
• Mulnayak Idol: The temple’s chief attraction is the mulnayak idol of Lord Parshwanath, believed to date back to the 12th or 13th century.
  • This black idol, standing approximately 80 cm tall, is depicted with seven hoods.
  • Legend has it that the idol was discovered by local tribes while cultivating their fields, adding a layer of cultural significance to its origin.
• Annual Fair: A major fair is held every year on Kartik Purnima, the fifteenth lunar day of the Hindi month Kartik, attracting visitors from neighboring towns and villages.
• Manasthambh: The temple features an impressive manasthambh (a symbolic pillar) made of white marble, which adds to the temple’s aesthetic appeal.
• Kanch Mandir: Recently, a Kanch Mandir (a temple made of glass) dedicated to Parshwanath has been constructed near the main temple, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the area.

Special Features

• The main draw of the temple is undoubtedly the idol of Parshwanath Ji, which not only represents a significant artistic achievement of its time but also holds immense spiritual value for devotees.
• The combination of historical inscriptions, the striking black idol, and the surrounding natural beauty of the hillock create a serene and revered atmosphere for worship.

Festivals

• Kartik Poornima: This festival, celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik, sees a large gathering of devotees and serves as a significant occasion for religious observances and community celebrations.
• Mahavir Janma Kalyanak: Celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, this festival attracts many visitors and is marked by various religious activities and rituals.

Century/Period/Age

12th or 13th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Kushalgarh

Nearest Railway Station

Jaipur

Nearest Airport

Udaygarh

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