SHRI BHADRESHVAR TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Mahavir Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture, of height 61 Cms in a shrine located at a place solitude 1 Km away outside the village of Bhadreshvar which is also called Vasahi also near sea shore. (Shve).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

This place was known as Bhadravti in the past. It has been referred to even to even in Mahabharat. According to an ancient copper place discovered from underground, 23 years after the Nirvana of Tirthankar Sri Mahavir Bhagwan just before 5th Vikram century, a Jain householder of the city of Bhadravati Sri Devchandra selecting this spot had laid the foundation stone for this shrine and 45 years after the Nirvana of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan had got therein an attractive idol of Sri Parshvanath Prabhu ceremonially installed at the hands of revered Kevali Kapil Muni. There is a reference that at the time on this auspicious occasion Sri Vijay Seth and Smt. Vijaya Shethani two residents of this city who were life time brahmachari had taken diksha. A reference is available about the renovations carried out on this temple in Vikram year 1134 by Shrimali brothers and in Vikram years 1312-13 by Sheth Jagadushah. In the course of time thereafter the city was considerably damaged and the idol of Sri Parshvanath Prabhu installed in the temple was removed and kept under security and protection by a saint of profound merit and austerity. During Vikram years 1682 and 1688 Sheth Vardhaman Shah after completely renovating the temple got the idol of Sri Mahavir Bhagwan ceremonially installed in the temple. Thereafter the saint handed over and entrusted to the care of the Jain community once again the previous ancient idol of Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan which today is seen installed in the temple. It is said that some time after, the local chieftain (Thakur) had taken over the management of the temple and in Vikram year 1920 Jain householders recovering back the management once again got the temple renovated. A reference is found that the last renovations were carried out at the instance of Srimati Mithabai wife of Mandvi resident Sheth Monsi Tejsi in Vikram year 1939.

An idol ceremonially installed at the hands of revered Kevali Sri Kapil Muni as early as during the period of 45 years from the Nirvana of Sri Mahavir Prabhu is the special point of this shrine. Such idols can be found only in rare places. In 13th century philanthropist Sheth Jagadushah was born here who had earned great repute in trade not only in India but also in foreign countries. It is noteworthy that in Vikram year 1315 during the catastrophe of an extensive acute famine he had helped by his generosity and magnanimity the kings of various states in India arranging free distribution of food grains and clothing and opening shelter houses. He used to host traders and merchants from foreign countries. He was also responsible for building temples for Hindus and Mosques for Muslims traders who had come from foreign countries which is symbolic of his large heartedness and religious tolerance.

The temple of Bhadreshvar built in an expansive area of over two hundred and fifty thousand square feet appearing like an air-vehicle of Gods looks extremely attractive. The idol of Sri Vir Prabhu is wonderful and beyond comparison, the sight of which anywhere else is impossible. The idol of Sri Parshvanath Prabhu ceremonially installed by Kevali Sri Kapil Muni is also beautiful and awe inspiring. The entire architecture of the temple is superb. In spite of a small entry gate, the Lord can be sighted even from outside. The atmosphere brims with peace. There is no other temple in the nearby area.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby Railway Station of Gandhidham is 35 Kms away, where buses and taxis are available. The bus stand of Bhadreshvar is just adjacent to the temple. A large town by name of Mundra is 27 Kms and Bhuj is 80 Kms away. There is a tar road upto the temple.

AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :

There is a large dharamshala in the temple courtyard itself and a new block for lodging with all facilities and a bhojanshala for meals.

MANAGED BY :

Shri Vardhaman Kalyanji Trust
P.O. Bhadreshvar – 370 411,
Dist : Kutch , Gujarat.
Tel: 02838 – 83361 / 83382.