SHRI BHOPAVAR TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Shri Shanthinath Bhagwan in black color in a standing posture, of height 3.66 meters in a shrine in the village of Bhopavar near river Mahi. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
There is a legend prevalent relating to this place according to which its ancient name was Bhojkutnagar. Princess Rukmani, sister of Prince Rukmankumar was abducted by that great popular hero Lord Sri Krishna and therefore a battle took place between the two here in which Sri Rukmankumar having lost decided to stay put and later founded this city and constructed a large and gorgeous Jain temple. It can be observed that many a time renovations must have been done on this temple. In the courtyard of the present temple, indications are recently available about an old temple buried underground. The idol of Sri Shanthinath Bhagwan is believed to be very much ancient as must as that of a period contemporaneous with Sri Neminath Bhagwan. It is possible that in the course of time, during some repairs and renovations, this old and ancient idol may have been once again ceremonially installed.
Every year on Paush Krishna 10, an annual festival fair is held here when thousands of pilgrims gather to offer their prayers and participate in the worship.
Bhils of this area, coming here in thousands show their faith and devotion by often singing in Lord’s praise. Among them, Sri Shanthinath Bhagwan is popularly known as Kalababa of Bamandev.
Miracles keep on happening here. Once a cobra (Nagdev) appeared all of a sudden and stayed enveloping the idol for a number of days disappearing only after devotees exhibited their faith in the Lord and made fervent appeals for disappearance. On another occasion, Ami oozed out of the Lord’s idol and falling at Lord’s feet gave an appearance of saffron color milk. Numerous devotees who were present at the moment had taken the benefit of this divine form of Lord. According to the present management, such miracles happen even now.
In the temple is found delicate and intricate artmanship in setting glass, shells and other ornamental materials. The artists have not spared a single corner or an inch of space without showing their master craftsmanship in this direction.
There is no other temple in the area nearby.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The nearby railway station of Indore is 81 Kms away and the large town of Dhar, Rajgadh and Sardarpur are 35, 10 and 5 Kms away respectively. At these places, buses, taxis, tempos etc., are available and there is a tar road upto the temple.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
A dharamshala is nearby the temple with all facilities where a bhojanshala for meals is also available.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Shanthinath Bhagwan Jain Temple Swetamber Trust
P.O. Bhopalvar – 454 111.
Dist : Dhar , Madhya Pradesh,
Tel: 07296 – 66861 / 66830
07296 – 32401 (Rajgadh Office).
