SHRI DASPUR TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Shri Vighnahar Parshvanath Bhagwan seated in a lotus posture, in white color in a shrine located in Khichipura in Mandasour city. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
The history of this holy shrine starts from the time of Lord Mahavir.
During the period of Lord Mahavir, his prime devotee Sindhu-Sowveer, king of Veetbhaypattan and Kings of neighboring towns, founded this city and built the temple. It is said that the idol of Sri Jiwitswami Bhagwan made of Mt. Mahhimvant’s Gosheersh Sandal has been given by Sri Vidhyunmali Dev.
Ujjain’s King Sri Chandpradhotan has donated a lot for the temple expenses as well as too many villages. Later, he also built a temple in Ujjain and sanctified the idol of Jiwitswami Prabhu veer. May be, these idols are different because it has been said that some of the idols of Lord Mahavir were in the form of JIwitswami.
Great scholar, Arya Rakshitsuriji was born on Vikram year 52 in this holy place. He got Diksha by Acharya Toshliputra in Vikram year 74 and attained Devlok in Vikram year 127.
It has been said that once upon a time the capital of West Malwa and the main city of Malavgan was here. Hence during the destruction of Vaishali, Lichchavigan must have come and stayed here.
From the said details, it looks like it must have been a very prosperous city with many temples being built. But there is no information about the history of Mid-period. A temple was built in Vikram year 15th century by Sangram Soni of Mandavgadh. Presently, there are 11 Swetamber temples of which Khilchipuri’s Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan’s temple is believed to be ancient of all. It was consecrated in Vikram year 1438, hence at that time it must have got renovated. The last renovation was done in Vikram year 1838.
It is said that according to the indications from the Lord, the temple was built and the idols were consecrated here and named the place as Daspur which is well known even today.
During Paryushan Parva, it was found that King chandpradhotan, who was in prison was also a Jain preacher. Hence he was released after seeking forgiveness.
Acharya Bhagwant spent most of his life here. It is said that when Acharya Bhagwant was in Patlipura he converted the “Anuyog Shastra” into Dharmakathanuyog, Charanuyog, Dravyanuyog and Ganitanuyog which was as popular as the third aagam vachna. These literatures are believed to be very useful even today.
It is said that Mount Darshankut in the north-east of Darshanpur village founded by King Darshan, is also called as Gajagrapad and Indrapad. There are referred too in the Kalpasutra, King Darshanbhadra was given Diksha here by Lord Mahavir. This is also one of the prime importances of this place.
Presently there are ten Swetamber temples. The ancient idols of the Lord are dainty, powerful and expressive. It is rare to see such idols. Nearly 7 Kms away from here in Sowndagi village “Keerthi Stambh” built by Yashodharma is present even today which reminds us of ancient history.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
Nearest Railway Station Mandasor is just 2 Kms away. There is a tar road upto the temple with cars and buses going. Ratlam is nearby 85 Kms away, Bhanpura 135 Kms and VahiParshvanath is nearby 15 Kms away.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
There is a dharamshala here but there are no facilities of beds and vessels.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Vignahar Parshvanath Jain Swetamber Teerth, Khilchipura
P.O. Mandasour – 458 001
Dist : Mandausor , Madhya Pradesh
Tel: 07424 – 50240 / 75305 (P.P).
