Varkana Teerth located in the city of Varkana in the Indian state of Rajasthan is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. The temple is located in the heart of the town and is regarded as one of the Teerthas in the Godavala Pancha-teerths.
History of Varkana Teerth
According to history Varkana Teerth dates back to the ancient times. Earlier it was a prosperous town and was known as Varakanakapur or Varakanakanagar. Once there were many Jain temples located here. During the reign of Maharana Kumbha, this teerth kshetra was renovated by the Shreshthis of Shrimalapur. As per records it is said the idol of Lord Parshvanatha has been installed in the temple in V.S. 515.
Temple of Varkana Teerth
The magnificent temple of Varkana Teerth is dedicated to the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha. This ancient temple has been beautifully decorated with artistic designs and intricate works. The sculptural beauty of the temple stands as a unique example of art and architecture. The idol of Parshvanatha is white in colour and is 30 cm in height. It looks very appealing and is seated in a padmasana posture. The pillars of the temple are tastefully decorated. On one of the pillars of the nine Chokis has been carved with writing of V.S. 1211. Another stone inscription can be seen carved outside the gate of V.S. 1686 that enlightens about the abolition of pilgrim tax by Rana Shri Jagatsinh of Mewar. It was under the instruction of revered Acharya Shri Vijayadevasuri Maharaj. Varkana Teerth has also been referred to in the "Sakalatirtha-Stotra".
The Temple of Varkana Teerth being located in the heart of the town is surrounded by scenic beauty. The nearby places are Nandol located at a distance of 5km, Nandlai at a distance of 12, Muchala Mahavir located at a distance of 35 km. The temple organizes annual gatherings. A fair is held here every year on the tenth day of the dark half of Magashirsha. No other Jain temple has been constructed in the town. It has provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These rest houses are well equipped with all modern facilities.
Varkana Teerth is well connected to road, rail and air. The nearest bus stop is located at Falna. Busses and taxies are easily available for the kshetra. The nearest railway station is located at Falna that is almost 20 kms and Rani Station at a distance of 3 kms. The nearest airport is situated at Udaipur.
