SHRI HOSHIARPUR TIRTH
Presiding Deity and Location :
Shri Vasupujiya Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture of height approx. 100 Cms in a shrine located in Seesh Mahal Bazaar of Hoshiarpur city. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
From the ancient times, the area from Punjab to Sind was a flourishing and prosperous place for Jains and the religion. Acharya Mantungsuri composed a hymn called “Laghu Shanti Stotra” in Nadol and eradicated the ailing and dreadful disease of “Mahamari” which was contagious here that time.
Arya Kalkasuri, composer of “Tatvartasutra” Vajankpunjav, Sri Umaswatiji, Acharya Jinduttsuriji, Hariguprashiriji, Vijaydensuriji, Jinchandrasuriji and several other erudite scholars visited this place and made it a holy shrine.
During 3rd Vikram century in Takshila Kshetra of Punjab, it is believed that, 500 temples existed here and this was the main centre for study of Jain religion. From this it is evident that this part of India was illustrious and prosperous then. From the above evidences and facts, it can also be deduced that temples would have been built in each village of this area. But no ancient temple are seen here at present. Perhaps during the course of time they would have been damaged and destroyed.
At present, among the temples of Punjab, this temple is considered to be the oldest one and perhaps it is 200 years old. The sikhar of this temple is covered with gold sheets and hence it is called “Swarna Mandir” (Golden Temple).
Among the Jain temples throughout India, the style of this “Swarna Mandir” is unique in its way and this is the significance of this place. This is the birth place of Sri Buteraiji, who ceremonially consecrated many temples. Athmaramji Maharaj Sahab of this area had done a lot of deeds for glorification of Jainism. A majority of Guru Bhagwants of present, are from his group of disciples.
The art of the sikhar of this temple is a class of its own. The idol of Prabhu is very beautiful and exquisite. There is a library of Manuscripts over here. In different temple, the idol of the Presiding deity, Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan, is also very ancient and captivating.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
Both the railway station and the bus stand are just 1 Km away from the temple. Autos and taxis are available in the village. The nearest Airport is that of Amritsar which is 120 Kms away from here.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
For lodging there is a Dharamshala in the courtyard of the temple. But at present there is not much of facility here.
Managed By :
Shri Athmanand Jain Sabha (Regd)
Shri Vasupujiya Bhagwan Jain Swetamber Mandir
P.O. Hosiarpur- 143 001, Punjab
Tel : 01882-223325 (P.P)
