Shri 108 Sherisa parshwanath Tirth

Sacred Details

Sacred History

• A Saint's Divine Vision: In the 12th century, the eminent Jain Acharya Devendrasurishvarji is believed to have discovered a massive sacred stone slab buried beneath the land of Sherisa through divine intuition. Before commencing the work, he observed a three-day fast and worshipped Goddess Padmavati, seeking her blessings.
• The Miraculous Blind Sculptor: Following the goddess's guidance, a blind sculptor from Soparak (Sopara) was summoned. Working alone in complete darkness after sunset while maintaining a strict three-day fast, he miraculously carved the magnificent idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath from the monolithic stone in a single night, completing it just before dawn.
• Mystical Transport of Sacred Idols: Tradition further narrates that on the same night, Acharya Devendrasurishvarji employed sacred mantras to bring four additional Tirthankar idols from Ayodhya. However, as daylight approached, one idol had to be left at Dharasenak village before the journey could be completed.
• The Legend of "Lodan Parshwanath": The principal idol was originally known as "Lodan (Lodhan) Parshwanath" because it possessed a slight, mysterious sway, regarded by devotees as a sign of the Lord's living presence. Acharya Devendrasurishvarji is believed to have spiritually stabilized the idol, after which it remained firmly established.
• Origin of the Name "Sherisa": According to local tradition, the village derives its name from a remarkable event during the idol's consecration, when the sacred water (Snatra Jal) from the ceremonial abhishek overflowed through the village lanes (sheris), flooding the streets and giving rise to the name Sherisa.
• Evidence from Medieval Inscriptions: Historical inscriptions found on a broken parikar reveal that the celebrated ministers Vastupal and Tejpal installed an idol of Bhagwan Neminath at Sherisa during the 13th century for the welfare of their family, demonstrating that the tirth was already an important centre of Jain worship during the Solanki era.
• Recognition in Jain Literature: The renowned Jain poet Lavanyaswami composed a Teerth-Stavan in Vikram Samvat 1562, praising Sherisa Tirth, confirming its continued prominence in medieval Jain pilgrimage traditions and religious literature.
• Growth Through Devotion and Patronage: Over the centuries, successive Acharyas and devoted patrons enriched the temple by installing additional Tirthankar idols, constructing Dev-Kulikas dedicated to Bhagwan Neminath and Goddess Ambika, and establishing an idol of Goddess Padmavati, which was later respectfully relocated to Naroda Parshwanath Tirth in Ahmedabad.
• Preservation and Modern Restoration: During the invasions of the 18th century, local Jain devotees safeguarded the sacred idols to protect them from destruction. The tirth experienced a major revival in Vikram Samvat 1969, when Acharya Vijaynemisurishvarji inspired its restoration. A comprehensive renovation and rebuilding of the temple was subsequently carried out with the generous support of prominent benefactors, including Seth Sarabhai Dahyabhai, preserving Sherisa as one of Gujarat's revered Jain pilgrimage centres.

Facilities

Location

Open in Google Maps

Pedhi

Seth Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi

Contacts