SHRI PURIMTAL TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Sri Adishvar Bhagwan in white color, seated in lotus posture and of height 60Cms (Shve) and Sri Adishvar Bhagwan (Dig) in a standing posture, both shrines located in the city of Allahabad.
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
History of this shrine commences with Sri Adhishvar Bhagwan. The area was a suburb of Ayodhya, capital city of Koshal Janapad (one of the 52 Janapada into which Bharat was divided). In olden times, the area was known as Purimtal and Prayag. In ancient books, the area has been referred to as Purimtal Pada.
The first Tirthankar of the current cycle of time Sri Adhishvar Bhagwan, practicing intense meditation here under banyan tree in the garden known as Shaktamukh had attained Keval gnan on Falgun Krishna 11 during the rule of Uttarashadha constellation. (According to Digamber tradition he was also initiated in this city). The banayan tree under which Bhagwan attained Keval Gnan was called thereafter the ever growing eternal banayan tree and since that time the city came to be known as Prayag. Gods in heaven led by their chief Indra had celebrated the event of this attainment with unprecedented éclat and joy by erecting a Samosaran decorated with iridescent jewels.
Seated on an elephant adorned with gold ornaments sets injewels, the mother of Sri Adishvar Bhagwan. Mata Marudevi saw the splendour of the miracle producing Samosarans of Tirthankars. Thereupon the ecstatic delight caused thereby tore as under the cobwebs of ignorance I her eyes. Instantaneously by the brilliance of some supramental ray of knowledge she was transfixed to a phase when Karmas started burning up all her “ghatia” karmas were destroyed a “Kevali” (Possessor of Keval Gnan) by internal self-purification. At that very moment, her remaining “aghatia” Karmas of Ayu’ Gotra, Nam and Vedniya also were destroyed and her soul attained Moksha straight from the body still left seated on the elephant.
At that time, the grandson of Bhagwan Adhishvar Sri Rishabhsen ruled here as the king. He had come with many kings to have the sight of this occasion. Being so deply impressed with what he saw that he instantly decided to take Diksha renouncing his worldly life and crown becoming the 1st disciple of Bhagwan Adhishvar. According to Digamber tradition, Sri Rishabhsen is believed to be a son of Bhagwan Adhishvar)
Several Tirthankars after Bhagwan Adishvar have visited this place. Even Sri Bhagwan Mahavir had practiced meditation in the Shakatmukh garden here when the ruling king was Raja Mahabal. His Samosaran also was erected here.
In “Vividh Tirthkalpa” composed byAcharya Sri Jinaprabhasurishvarji in 14th Century, it is stated that here there was also a temple of Sri Sheetalnath Bhagwan. Thisplace may have been named “Allahabad” during the period of king Akbar.
Today, here there is one Shwetamber and one Digamber temple. In the fort near the confluence of three rivers there isnow a banayan tree and it is believed that this is the same ever growing banayan tree under which Bhagwan Adishvar attained Keval Gnan. Under this tree were one enshrined the foot-prints of Bhagwan Adhishvar which do nto exist at the present.
This place has the unique honour of being one where the first Keval Gnan was attained in the cycle of time. Gods led by their chief Indra erected the first Samosaran here. Mata Marudevi attained Moksha on this land and by doing so she opened the door for the firsttime fo rmOksha in this period ot time called “Avasarpini” Sri Adhisvar Bhagwan gave his first discourse here, he organized the four-faceted community here and the firstever, conferment of discipleship took place here. The composition of twelve Angas and the formulation of the religion of Jainism vows, observances, reflections etc., first began in this holy land. In this way, as the Tirth was established here, the Guardians, God “Gomukh” and Goddess Pratichakra who always lived near Tirthankar became “Adhishtayak” (Establisher) and “Shashandevi” (Ruling Goddess) respectively of Jain order. The Goddess is also known as Sri Chakreshvaridevi.
This isalso the place of confluence of three large and mighty rivers of Bharat viz Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The spot is called “Triveni Sangam”. This city if Prayag has been amply described in Mahabharat and Ramayana. Muni Bharadwaj has his “Ashram” here. The famous sculpture genius of old, Maya, had constructed the palace of sealing waz on this land to destroy Pandavas. Hindus worship the place as their sacred most sanctum of pilgrimage. Every twelve years, a “Kumbha Mela” congregation here of millions of pilgrims feel themselves fulfilled after having their ablutions in the confluence of the three rivers here.
The ancient and artful idols in both Swetamber and Digamber temples are noteworthy. There is a museum here run and managed by city municipality in which many are, old, Jain art-creations are preserved and they are worth a visit. Here in the fort area, there is a pillar which is believed to have been erected by king Samprati and on which are inscribed his orders and commandments. There is an opinion also that thepillar has been erected by Emperor Ashok. Besides the temple mentioned above, there is one more temple which is known as Digamber Panchayati Temple, 13Kmsaway from here on the highway there is a large Digamber temple of Sri Adhinath recently built with all facilities. It is called Tapastali.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
From Allahabad railway station, both Shwetambers and Digamber temples are 3Kms away. Taxis and Autos for transport are available. Cars and buses can plyright upto the temple gates. The shrine of Kaushambi is 60Kms and that of Ayodhya is 72Kms away from here.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
Both Swetamber and Digamber Dharamshalas for lodging are found adjacent to the temples. There is facility for water and electricity presently.
MANAGED BY :
Sri Rishabhdev Swami Jain Shwetamber Mandir
120, Bai Ka Bag, Opp. Gwalior State Trust,
P.O. Allahabad – 211 003. (UP)
Tel : 0532-652838, 460064 P.P.
Sri Digamber JainPanchayat Bada Mandir
Chachachand Mohalla, P.O. Allahabad – 211 003
Uttar Pradesh
Tel : 0532- 400263.
