History – In ancient inscriptions, this tirth is referred to as Shankhapur. Ashadhi Shravak fell, in the grip of dreadful miseries of life. Questions arose in his mind – “When shall I attain nirvana? When shall I be free from the bondage? When shall I be liberated ? When shall I attain salvation? ” Answering all these questions, Damodar Swami, the ninth Tirthankara said “Parshvanath will be the twenty-third Tirthankara in the avasarpinikala (the descending half of the wheel of time). You will be his Ganadhar (prime disciple) named Aryaghosha and attain salvation there. He, then, became fully devoted in praying to Bhagawan Parshwanath and worshipping His idol. The history of renovation of the temple is as follows:In the year 1155 of the Vikram era, Sajjan Shah built the Shankheshvar temple on the banks of the Rupen river. In the year 1286 of the Vikram era, Vastupal Tejpal renovated this temple under instructions of Shri Vardhamansurisharji Maharaj Saheb. There were 52 idols in the temple. In the year 1302, King was awe-inspired by inconceivable grandeur of the idol and inspired by Shri Uktasuri Maharaj Saheb, he renovated this temple. In the fourteenth century of the Vikram era, this temple was destroyed by Muslims. In the sixteenth century of the Vikram era, under the inspiration of Vijaysensurisvarji Maharaj Saheb, the splendid new temple with 52 idols, was built. In the year 1760 of the Vikram era, the Sangha built the new temple and got the idol reinstalled. Since then, this vast and beautiful temple with a 52 idols and passage for going round it. stands there. Besides, the original sanctuary, this temple has an open square, a decorated square, a vast square and two assembly halls. Even if volumes of books are written, they cannot fully describe the miracles of this temple.
The idol of Bhagawan Bhidbhanjan Parshvanath is in small temple to the right of the chief idol and the idol of Bhagawan Ajitanatha is in the small temple to the left of the main idol. The idols of Nagraj Dharanendradev, Shri Padmavatidevi, Parshva Yaksha and Shri Chakreshvaridevi can also be found. On the tenth day of the month of Posh (the tenth day of the dark half of the month of Magasar) and during the Diwali days, thousand of pilgrims come here to observe a two-day long fast. Along with this we can find the are the Agam Mandir, the temple of 108 Parshwanatha and Padmavathidevi, the Guru mandir and other temples.
How to Reach – The nearest railway station of Harij is at a distance of 10 kilometers and Viramgam is at a distance of 62 kilometers. Bus service and private vehicles are available. Boarding and lodging facilities are available at this place.
Main Deity – Nearly 6 feet high, white-colored idol of Bhagawan Sankeshwar Parshwanatha in the Padmasana posture.