Khambhata Teerth

Khambhata Teerth located in Khambhat in the Indian state in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the Kharvada Mohalla of the city of Khambhat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.

History of Khambhata Teerth
According to history Khambhata Teerth dates back to the ancient time. Earlier this port city was known as Trambavatinagari. This place is associated with many miraculous incidents and legends. Many incidents took place here during the time of Lord Mahavira. As per reference several ancient idols have been unearthed from this place. However, the idols could not be seen for many years. Later in 1111 of the Vikram Samvat Era, a Navangi commentator Shri Abhayadevasurishvaraji through his religious practices and divine inspiration could please finally please them. They then revealed themselves to him. It is said that in 1165 of the Vikram Samvat Era, Bidada, the wife of Khela Sheth of the Modh family ordered for the construction of the temple of Shri Stambhana Parshvanatha. Earlier the flag of sixty four ports could be seen fluttering here. Many Shreshthis contributes towards the development and prosperity of the port-city.

Later the Shri Sangha reconstructed the whole temple in V.S. 1650. Since its construction the temple has been renovated and repaired several times. Under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijayanemisurishvaraji Maharaj the temple has been last renovated in V.S. 1984. As per another reference the famous Acharya, Kalikalasarvajna Hemchandracharya Maharaj was initiated into monkhood here. Udayana spread Jainism from here. This is also regarded as the birth-place of the famous poet Rishabhadasa.

Temple of Khambhata Teerth
The temple of Khambhata Teerth houses the main idol of Shri Stambhana Parshvanatha Bhagavan. The temple has been magnificently decorated with artistic designs and stands a perfect example of ancient art. It depicts the skills of the craftsmen. The idol of the temple is dark blue in colour and is 23 cm in height. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The history of the imposing divine idol has been written in gold letters in the Scriptures. Apart from the main temple there are 64 other Jain temples located here.

The Smrutimandir of Shri Hemachandracharya can be seen here. According to history Shri Abhayadevasurishvaraji was once suffering from some disease. He was freed from the disease when he applied the bathing-water of the idol on his body.

The temple of the Khambhata Teerth organise many gatherings and festivals all through the year. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims visiting the temple. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Khambhata Teerth is well connected to rail, road and air. Buses and taxies are easily available for the temple.