Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth located in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated on the chief road outside the Shankheshwar Village. The temple is dedicated to Padmavati Devi.
History of Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth
The history of Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth states that it is an ancient place. The temple of Padmavati Devi was constructed in the year 2050 of the Vikram Samvat Era. It was done by the auspicious hands of the revered Acharya Shrimad Hemachandra Surisvarji and also under the inspiration of Muni Shri Lakendravijaji and Muni Shri Lekhendravijayji. A grand festival was organized during the installation of the idol in temple and continued for 12 days. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from far off places. They come here to offer their prayers to the Lord and receive his blessings. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims.
Temple of Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth
The temple of Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth is two storied. It is adorned with pinnacles. The structure of the temple is plain and simple. It has been brilliantly decorated with intricate designs. The creative temple work boast about the artistic skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art and paintings. The idol of the Goddess is 125 cms in height and is white in colour. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone and looks very beautiful. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from the main idol there are also other beautiful temples of Shankhershvar Parshvanatha, the temple of 108 Bhaktivihar Parshvanatha, the Agam temple, the Bhaktamar temple, the Gurumandir etc. The idol of Shankheshvar Parshvanatha is installed in the upper storey of this pinnacle temple. It is nearly 125 cms in height. Besides the idol of Padmavati devi, there are the idols of Goddess Saraswati devi, Goddess Mahalaxmi devi, Nakoda Bhairavji and Manibhadravir, installed in the temple.
The Temple of Shri Shankheshvar Padmavti Teerth organizes many annual gatherings and functions that are celebrated with much enthusiasm. 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 teerth is situated in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings. Being located in a village the temple is enclosed by scenic beauty and greenery that mesmerizes and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment makes the teerth 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 railway station is located in Viramgam at a distance of 55 kilometers. Bus services and other vehicles are also available for traveling from Viramgam to Radhanpur.
