- Varanashi Parshwanath
Shri Jain Shwetambar Trith Society
B-20/46, Bhelupur, Varanashi
Mulnayak: Nearly 60cms. high, black – coloured beautifully carved idol of Bhagwan Varanasi
Parshvanath in the Padmasana posture. There is an umbrella of 5 hoods over the head of the idol.
Tirth: It is in Bhelupur in Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh.
Historicity: The ancient city of Varanasi (also known as Kashi) is situated at the meeting point of
the two rivers “Varan” and “Asi”. Varanasi, known as Banaras” or “Kashi” in ancient times was
famous for three cultures namely Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Varanasi was famous from
ancient times for its Hindu university. Varanasi is a very famous pilgrim centre of Jains and Hindus
from ancient times. The famous Kashi – Vishwanath temple is here. This ancient tirth is the holy
land of the 16 Kalyankas (Chyavan, Janam, Diksha and Keval Gyan) of 4 Thirthankaras namely
Shri Suparshvanath Bhagwan in Bhadaini, Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan in Chandrapuri, Shri
Shreyansnath Bhagwan in Simhapuri and Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan in Bhelupur. After attaining
keval Gyan, the first sermon was given by Bhagwan Parshvanath in Varanasi city. Varanasi is the
birth – place of Bhagwan Parshvanath. Kamathh yogi was doing havan outside the city. In the
burning log, through his Gyan, Bhagwan Parshvanath saw a pair of Naag and Nagin burning. The
log was broken and the jain Navkar Mahamantra was chanted to them. They died hearing the
Navkarmantra and became Dharnendra and Goddess Padmavathi, the presiding deity of Bhagwan
Parshvanath. This incident took place in the city of Varanasi. During the time of Bhagwan
Mahaveer, Varanasi was the capital city of Mallaki kings. During the Muslim invasion, many Jain,
Hindu and Buddha temples were converted into mosques. The idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath is
magnificent, alluring, miraculous and pleasing to the eye. The idol is ancient and very beautifully
sculpted. This idol is known as “Varanasi Parshvanath” after the name of the city. The temple was
renovated some years back and a huge and magnificent temple was built. The installation was
done by the revered hands of Acharya Shri Rajyashsurishvarji Maharaj Saheb.
Other Temples: At present, there are 12 Shwetambar temples here. There are many Digambar
temples also.
Guidelines: The nearest railway station of Varanasi is at a distance of 3kms. from the temple. Bus
and private vehicles are available here. Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities are available here.
Varanasi is very famous for its Banarasi sarees.
Scripture: A mention of Varanasi Parshvanath is made in “Vividh Tirthkalp”, “Purvadeshia
Chaityaparipati”, “Shri Sammetshikar Tirthmala”, “Tirthmala”, “Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati”,
“Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chaand”, “Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan”, “108 Naamgarbhit Shri
Parshvanath stavan”, “135 Naamgarbhit Shri Parshvanath stavan”, “Shri Parshvanath Naammala”
etc. The only temple of Shri Varanasi Parshvanath is in Varanasi.
Trust: Shri Varanasi Parshvanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth, Shri Jain Shwetambar Tirth Society,
B – 20/46, Bhelupur, Varanasi – 221 010, State: Uttar Pradesh, India. Phone: 0542 – 2275407,
3092881, 2275240.
