Vallabhipur Teerth located in the town of Vallabhipur in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. Vallabhipur is situated at a distance of some 21 kms from Dhola Junction and about 50 kms from Palitana.
History of Vallabhipur Teerth
According to history Vallabhipur is an old and historic town. It was earlier known as Vallabhipur. It earlier served as the capital of the Maurya Dynasty. This Teerth Kshetra was renovated by King Shiladitya. He is also credited with propagating Jainism in Vallabhipur. In the year 510 of the Vikram Samvat Era a golden event took place. Shri Devardhigani Kshamashramana and 500 other Acharyas gathered here at this place at the request of the Sangha. They scripted the Agamas for the first time. It is said that earlier this place was at the foot of the sacred place Shetrunjaya. Acharya Dhaneshwarsurji wrote the book `Shetrunjaya Mahatmya` here.
In V.S. 584 the son of King Dharuvasena of the Maitreya family died at Anandapura. The fourth Kalakacharya who was present here during that time for his Chaturmasa delivered religious sermons that helped to console the king. Inspired by his preaching, the king constructed many Jain temples and also renovated and reconstructed many temples. According to several inscriptions found here many Jain temples were constructed in Vallabhipur between V.S. 610 and 625 by the famous king Guhsena. Kshamashramana Shri Jinabhadragani wrote Visheshavashyaka Bhashya here. Later this ancient and historical sacred place was finally consecrated by the emperor of the Jain order, Shasana Samrat Acharya Shri Nemisurishvaraji.
Temple of Vallabhipur Teerth
The Temple of Vallabhipur Teerth is an ancient temple that houses the idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev. The temple has been intricately designed and decorated with architectural work. The idol of the Lord is white in colour and is 91 cm height. It is seated in a padmasana posture. There are idols of Devardhigani Kshamashraman and other five hundred Acharyas, in the lower cellar of the temple. All the idols of the temple have been carved magnificently. There is another temple, Guramandir of Vijaynemisurishvarji located in the compound of this temple. In the village, there is another temple of Lord Parshvanatha.
Vallabhipur Teerth is well connected to rail, road and air. Buses and taxis are easily available for this kshetra. The nearest railway station is Dhola Junction located at a distance 19 kilometers from here. This kshetra is on the Ahmedabad - Palitana main road. Palitana is at a distance of nearly 50 kilometers from here.
