Shankheshwar Jain Temple, Gujarat

Address

Shankheshwar Jain Temple, Gujarat

Shankheshwar town, Patan district,

Ahmedabad,

Gujarat 380004

Moolavar

Parshvanath

Introduction

• Location: Shankheshwar town, Patan district, Gujarat, India.
• Deity: Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankar.
• Important pilgrimage site for Jain followers.

Puranic Significance

• Ancient name: Shankhapur.
• Origin story involves Ashadhi Shravak’s devotion and Damodar Swami’s prophecy about Parshwanath.
• Construction History:
  • Built in 1155 VS (1098 CE) by Sajjan Shah on the Rupen riverbank.
  • Renovated in 1286 VS (1229 CE) by Vastupala–Tejpal under Vardhamansuri’s guidance.
  • Reconstructed in 1760 VS (1703 CE) and the idol reinstalled.
  • Current temple built in 1811.

Special Features

• Mulnayak (Main Idol):
  • 182 cm (72 in) tall, white idol of Parshvanatha in Padmasana posture.
  • Among 108 prominent idols in the Shvetambara tradition.
• Additional Shrines:
  • Idol of Bhidbhanjan Parshvanath (right of the main idol).
  • Idol of Ajitnatha (left of the main idol).
• Architectural Highlights:
  • Open square, decorated square, vast square, and two assembly halls.
  • Ongoing renovations to enhance small temples and summits.

Significance in Jainism

• One of the most revered Jain tīrthas.
• Home to the popular Shankheshwar Parshvanath Stavan, a frequently recited hymn.
• Influenced numerous replica temples and idols of Shankheshwar Parshvanatha.

Century/Period

1811.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Shankheshwar

Nearest Railway Station

Patna Junction

Nearest Airport

Patna

Location on Map

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