SHRI GAMBHU TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Sri gambhira Parshvanath Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture, of height 46 Cms in Gambhu Village. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
The history of this place is believed to be a period earlier that Vikram 9th century. Once this was a large city. From references available it is known that, it was an established city long before even Patan City was founded. Its ancient names were Gambhira or Ghambhita. From gift papers in the possession of this temple, it becomes evident that in ancient time there were several Jain temples existing here. Also at this place several Jain volumes have been composed and written. The scattered ruins in the area here are a testimony of the antiquity of this place. This idol is believed to be of the period of Raja Samprati. From here several idols have been sent to Bombay and other places.
Acharya Sri Shilankacharyaji had written his commentary on Acharang Sutra in this village in Vikram year 919. Ancient philosophical volume entitled “Sushrut” was also composed and written here.
Shri Nina Sheth an ancestor of minister Vimalshah after leaving Srimal (Bhinmal) had first settled down in this place. The king of Gujarat Raja Vanraj Chawda had invited him to settle down in the city of Patan. His son Laher was appointed as the commander of Patan. “Shrevak Pratikraman Sutra” which was composed in Sak Samvat 826 was transcribed on palm leaves here. In Vikram year 1305, “Vrittis “ of “Upang Panchak” were also written down in this place. Besides above, references are available of many books and compositions written here. There is no other temple nearby.
The art displayed in the idol is very striking. On seeing the idol one instantaneously feels the rapturous smile on the face of an immanent Divine. Many ancient idols were discovered here from underneath the earth from which some have been sent to Bombay, Palitana, Talaja etc. Some are still retained properly seated in the underground vault. The Sikhar of the temple displays art which is exceptional and yet extremely pleasing.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The nearby railway station of Mehsana is 22 Kms away from where buses and taxis are available. Bus stand is adjacent to the temple. Buses and cars can go right upto the temple. On Mehsana-Modhera road one can go to Gambhu via Ganeshpura. Modhera is 7 Kms, Chanasma 10 Kms and Kambhoi is 30 Kms away from here.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
There is a dharamshala for lodging with all facilities, Bhojanshala and a Upashraya is also there.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Gambhu Jain Swetambar Murtipujak Trust
Bazaar Jain Derasar,
P.O. Gambhu – 384 011
Dist : Mehsana, Gujarat.
Tel: 02734 – 82325.
