Shri Atishaya Kshetra Parshvanatha Swami Darbar located in Babanagar in Maharashtra is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. Place of Miracles. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha.
History of Babanagar
Babanagar Atishaya Kshetra is an ancient place. According to history the idol of Lord Parshvanatha was placed at the feet of king in the court of Adil Shahi. This was however, very insulting for the idol. Once, an ancestor of present priest of the temple saw a dream at night. It was in his dreams that he came to know that the Queen of Nawab of that time was suffering from labour pain. If came to know that if he goes there and offer the queen some water upon remembering the name of the God, the queen would be relieved of her pain and he would easily receive the miraculous idol. As instructed the ancestor went to the queen and gave her the water. The queen was very happy with the man and in return of his service she gave him the idol of Lord Parshvanatha. The ancestor then constructed a beautiful temple and installed the idol in it. He also organised a function during the installation. It is believed that the power of Parasmani existed in the navel of this idol. Thus if a needle was touched to its navel, it turned to gold. Devotees from far off places come to visit the temple to offer their prayers and fulfill their desires.
Temple of Parshvanatha Swami Darbar
The temple of Parshvanatha Swami Darbar is an ancient temple that has been magnificently decorated with beautiful designs. It houses the attractive idol of Lord Parshvanatha. The idol also dates back to many years and is vary attractive in appearance. It is made of Greenish Black Stone and is considered to be miraculous in nature. The temple also organises annual gatherings on Chaitra Shukla. It also has provisions for dharamshals or rest houses for the pilgrims.
Parshvanatha Swami Darbar Kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Busses and Taxies are available for Babanagar. The nearest station is located is the Bijapur railway station. The nearest airport is situated at Belgaon, Kolhapur.
