Sri Jirawala Parshwanath Jain Tirth – Rajasthan

Address

Sri Jirawala Parshwanath Jain Tirth Saran Ka Khera, Sirohi District, Rajasthan 307514

Deity

Parshwanath

Introduction

• Location: Jirawala Tirth is a prominent Jain temple situated in Jirawala village, within the Sirohi District of Rajasthan, India. It is located approximately 58 km from Abu Road.
• Temple Complex: This newly constructed temple complex is home to an ancient idol of Lord Jirawala Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism. The idol, made from a mixture of sand and milk, is celebrated for its historical significance as one of the 108 rare idols of Lord Parshwanath worshipped throughout India.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context: Jirawala served as an essential Jain center between 506 CE and 1324 CE. The temple’s principal deity, Parshvanath, is linked to significant historical events.
• Discovery of the Idol: The idol of Parshvanath was discovered during an excavation process. According to local legend, a Brahmin boy named Kadwa had a cow that daily poured its milk near a cave in Jirawala. Inspired by this occurrence, Jain merchant Dhanna Shah dreamt of an idol of Parshvanath at the location where the cow poured its milk.
• Installation of the Idol: Following the dream, the idol was found and subsequently installed by Acharya Deva Gupta Suri in 894 CE. It is believed that the idol is composed of a mixture of sand and milk.
• Additional Legends: There are stories of King Chandrayash of Ratnapur, who, after meeting Shree Shubhswami, a Gandhar of Parshvanath, decided to create an idol of Parshvanath using sand and milk due to his desire to meet the Tirthankar. The idol he created is said to be the current idol of Shree Jirawala Parshvanath.

Special Features

• Architectural Significance: The current structure of the temple dates back to 1134 AD. The temple features not only the idol of Parshvanath but also an image of Neminatha.
• Historical Challenges: The temple has faced attacks and desecration during Muslim rule, yet it has been renovated multiple times by the Jain community, preserving its sanctity and significance.
• Cultural Hub: Historically, Jirawala was a pilgrimage site for Jains, attracting numerous Jain saints and scholars who composed religious texts in the village during the 15th century.
• Shvetambara Tradition: In the Shvetambara sect of Jainism, idols often derive their names from geographical regions. The Jirawala Parshvanath idol is one of the 108 prominent Parshvanath idols recognized within this tradition.
• Facilities: The temple complex is equipped with a Dharamshala (resting place) and bhojanalya (dining facility), accommodating pilgrims and visitors.

Century/Period/Age

506 CE to 1324 CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Jirawala

Nearest Railway Station

Sirohi Road, Pindwara

Nearest Airport

Udaipur

lightuptemple