SHRI PADMAPUR TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture, of height approx. 65cms in a shrine at old Tambet Lane, which is also called Sri Parshvanath Street in Nasik City. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
Nasik was known by the names Padmapur, Kumbhkarket, Nasikyapur etc., in olden times. It is believed that due to Sri Padmaprabhu Bhagwan this place was named Padmapur and the shrine Sri Padmaprabhu Jain Teerth, but the reason for this is unknown. One feels that Sri Padmaprabhu Bhagwan might have visited this place or a huge temple of Sri Padmaprabhu Bhagwan would have existed here.
In “Nisiyachurni Granth” there is a mention about this place. It is believed that even Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan has visited this place. It is told that Arya Kalakacharya had practiced nimit shastra staying here.
Near this city there are a lot of Jain caves in almost all the mountains, where idols of Tirthankar Bhagwants, and God-Goddesses are found. Hence it is concluded that in ancient times the radius of this city would have been 50-60 miles and also that all these mountains and villages nearby should have been belonging to this city.
Also at various places, lots of temples would have been built, but in today’s date this Sri Chintamani Parshvanath temple is the only ancient Swetamber temple., whose consecration ceremony is believed to have happened 512 years ago. Probably that time the temple was renovated and sanctified again as per rituals. The ancient idol of Prabhu was in green color. which was very beautiful, but since it was very ancient a past of “Moti” (white in color) was applied, hence the color is now white.
The reason why this nagari is called Padmapur, after the name of Sri Padmanath Bhagwan, is not known, but definitely there would have been some relevance and that’s the importance of this place. Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan visiting this place availability of caves almost in all nearby mountains carved Jain idols therein are also the importancy and significance of this place.
There are lot of Idols seen in a cluster of Jain caves named Chamerleni which is 10Kms away from Nasik,. In the 11th cave there is an idol of Sri Adhinath Bhagwan seated in a lotus posture of height approx, 67 Cms the idol is very beautiful.
At Anjneri mountains, 22 Kms away from Nasik, also there is a lot of small and big caves, wherein numerous idols are worth seeing. Even at the base of the mountain there is a temple. At the same distance near the village of Chandavd is a mountain which is approx, 4000 ft above sea-level, where one can find a lot of idols of Tirthankar Bhagwans.
10 Kms from Manmad, caves called Ankar-Tenki are quiet famous. In as much as four caves idols of God, Yaksh-Yakshni intricately sculpted pillars, entry gates and lot of other specimens are found that are very artistic and pleasing to see.
From all these it is found and understood that at some time, years ago, this was a large and massive city and lot of saints would have visited this place and performed meditation too.
Apart from this, there are 6 more Swetamber temples and 2 Digamber temples here.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The railway station of this place is Nasik road, which is 8 Kms from the shrine, where modes of transport is available. Bus stand is just 1 Kms from here. Cars and buses can go upto the temple.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
For lodging a dharamshala with all facilities and for meals a bhojanshala are available.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Maharaj Jain Swetamber Mandir and Murtipujak Sangh
Old Tambet Lane, Sri Parshvanath Temple Road,
P.O. Nasik – 422 001
Dist : Nasik , Maharashtra
Tel : 0253-502901/501061.
