SHRI GOHILI TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Godi Parshvanath Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture, of height 53 Cms located in a shrine in the village of Gohili (Shve).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

The ancient name of the place it is said, was Gohvali, From stone inscriptions found in the temple, this place is believed to be of a period before 13th Vikram century. In one of the inscriptions there is a reference about a gift having been made by the local Thakur (ruler) on Vaishakh Sukla 1 in Vikram year 1245. It appears that there after renovations may have been carried out from time to time.

Every year on Posh Krishna Dasami, a fair is held here.

The architecture of the temple is attractive. The temple with 52 surrounding small, single room shrines and their dhvajas hoisted on the small sikhars captivate the minds of pilgrims from a long distance. There is no other temple nearby. ikram year 1639, Sri Vijaysensurishvarji had created a wonderful impression on the local Mahjarao giving him religious discourses. In Vikram year 1634 onMaha Sukla 5, Acharya Sri Hirvijaysurishvarji had ceremoniously consecrated an extra-large-four-storey temple dedicated to Sri Adinath Bhagwan as symbolized by the latter’s dour fold idol (Choumukhji) which today stands as the most prominent creation of art.

Bhattarak Sri Haribhashrishvarji in Vikram year 1520 had performed here ceremonies for the consecration of the temple dedicated to Sri CHintamani Parshvanath Bhagwan where there is also an idol of Sri Hirvijayasurishvarji of 3 feet height with an inscription dated Vikram year 1659. A reference is available that In Vikram year 1657 Sri Jinchandrasurishvarji ceremonially consecrated here the temple of Sri Shanthinath Bhagwan where in the idol of Dada Sri Jinduttsurishvarji and Sri Jinkushalsurishvarji with inscriptions dated Vikram year 1661 are also available in this temple. In this way from time several erudite scholar Acharya having set their feet on this soil have performed many deeds of religious glorification which are noteworthy. It is believed that there is an underground passage from the door of the “Rangmandap” of the inner sanctum located behind in the temple of Sri Adinath Bhagwan with 52 surrounding small single room shrines upto the King’s palace which perhaps may have been made to enable the queen, daughters etc., of the king to silently visit the temple unseen and offer their prayers in solitude. The local Kings participated in the activities of religion with great devotion and they had intense faith in Jain religion.

A cluster of temple sikhars at the foot of the hills in natural surroundings of great beauty give here an unforgettable impression of a divine abode. In every temple here there are carved figures of gods and goddesses on pillars, arches and ceilings of superb beauty and art some of which are stated below :

In Paushadhshala adjacent to the temple of Anchal Gachchha, there is the idol f Goddess Saraswati ceremonially sanctified by Bhattarakji Sri Purnachandrasuriji on Vaishakh Sukla 3 in Vikram year 1492.

In this temple of Sri Sambhavnath Bhagwan, the idol of the Presiding Deity himself is worth seeing.

In the temple of Sri Ajithnath Bhagwan two idols in standing posture fabulously decorated with ornaments and jewels are very beautiful and attractive.

In the temple of Sri Adinath Bhagwan with surrounding 52 small single room shrines, the iconography of the idol of Sri Adinath Bhagwan himself is extraordinary. The idol is applied with a paste of pearls. In this very temple, there are thousand ancient idols of five metals , the idol of Mother Marudevi, Rajshri Sri Bharat etc., which are very alluring. The arches on the gates. Pillars halls etc., this large Chaumukh temple of Sri Adinath Bhagwan are fully artistic creations which are extremely attractive. Besides above temple of Sri Adinath Bhagwan. There are 18 other temples in this place.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby railway station of Sirohi road is 27 Kms away from where by taxis and buses one has to reach this place via Sirohi which is 3 Kms far. In Sirohi also buses and taxis are available. The public Bus-stand is 200meters away from the temple. Buses and cars can go upto the temple doors.

AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :

For lodging there is a dharamshala where water and electricity are available. It is more convenient however to first stay at Sirohi or Bamanvadji and then come here.