 Shri Bhelupur Teerth located in Uttar Pradesh is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the Bhelupur Street in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Bhelupur Teerth According to history Shri Bhelupur Teerth dates back to the ancient times. It belongs to the time of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. The Swayamvara of Sulochana, the daughter of the king of Kashi, was arranged here. This ancient teerth was the place of four Kalyankas, chyanan, birth, diksha and attainment of omniscience of Lord Parshvanatha. The teerth kshetra finds its mention in Vividh Tirth Kalpa' written by Acharya Jinaprabhsurisvarji in the 14th Century. During excavations many idols were unearthed from the ground. They have been collected and kept in the local Indian Kalabhavans. These artistic idols of stone and metal prove the antiquity of this place. Bhelupur earlier served as the capital of the kings Malla Clan during the time of Lord Mahavira. During their reign many Jain temple were built here and several idols of Jain Tirthankaras were installed in them. Later when these temples became old that were repaired and reconstructed. During the last renovation the present idol of Parshvanatha was installed as the main deity in place of the old idol in the Swetambara temple. The old idol has been installed in the passage in the temple. As per reference Shasnadev Dharnendra and Shasandevi Padmavati of Parshva Prabhu lived in this holy region. For these reasons this land is regarded to be very sacred and holy. The idol of Lord Parshvanatha is believed to possess miraculous powers. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to offer their prayers. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims. Temple of Shri Bhelupur Teerth The temple of Shri Bhelupur Teerth houses the idol of Lord Parshvanatha. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The idol of the Lord is 60 cm in height and is white in colour. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone and looks very appealing. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there are 25 temples in all. The Temple of Shri Bhelupur Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Apart from this there are Upashrays, an Ayambilshala and a Jnanabhandar. The temple is enclosed by scenic beauty that mesmerises and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment and the surrounding greenery make it a suitable place for religious activities. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stand and railway station is located at Varnasi is at a distance of 3 kilometers. The nearest airport is situated at Allahabad. (Last Updated on : 15-09-2014) |
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