Shri Jirawala (Parshvanatha) Teerth located in Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is situated in the city of Abu Road at a distance of 48 kms. It is located amidst the Jirapalli hill of the Aravalli Mountain Ranges. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.
History of Jirawala (Parshvanatha) Teerth
According to history Jirawala (Parshvanatha) Teerth dates back to the ancient times. As per the Jain Scriptures the town is earlier known as Jiravalli, Jirapalli, Jurikavalli, Jairapalli etc. The teerth kshetra is associated with many miracles and legends. It is said that one day Amasara saw a dream where the Lord gave him indications about the place where his idol lay. A similar dream was also seen by Acharyashri Devasurivara. According to the dream Acharyashri and Amarasa went to the place and excavated it. There they saw the idol of the Lord lying underneath the ground. They took out the idol and a magnificent temple was constructed at that place in 331 of the Vikram Samvat Era. The idol of the lord was installed in the temple at the auspicious hands of Shri Devasurivara. The idol has been reinstalled many times. The idol has been last installed in the bright half of the Vaishakh of V.S. 2020 at the auspicious hands of Shri Trilokavijayaji. The Jirawala Gaccha was established in this town. The idol of Lord Parshvanatha is believed to possess miraculous powers. Thousands of Jains and non Jains 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 Jirawala (Parshvanatha) Teerth
The temple of Jirawala (Parshvanatha) Teerth houses the idol of Lord Parshvanatha. The Swetambara temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art and paintings. The idol of the Lord is 18 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 52 Jinalaya temples here that look very appealing.
The Temple of Shri Jirawala Parshvanatha 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. Being located amidst the hills the teertha is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. The temple is enclosed by scenic beauty that mesmerises and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment and the 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 stop is located at Jirawala. The nearest railway station is located at Abu Road at a distance of 48 kms. The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad and Udaipur. The chief city of Bheru Tarak is located at 26 kms and the Abu-Pawapuri is located at 37 km.
