Introduction
Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth, located in Ghogha port, Gujarat, is a historically and spiritually significant Jain temple. This temple is home to the black-colored idol of Bhagwan Navkhanda Parshwanath, which has a unique history of divine restoration after being shattered into nine pieces.
The Unique Idol of Navkhanda Parshwanath
- The Mulnayak idol is 91 cm high, seated in Padmasana posture.
- The idol has an umbrella of nine serpent hoods over its head.
- The idol is known as “Navkhanda Parshwanath” because of the nine visible joint marks, a result of its miraculous restoration.
- A perpetually burning lamp inside the temple produces a saffron-colored flame, which is considered divine.
The Miraculous History of Navkhanda Parshwanath
The ancient name of Ghogha was Gundigarh, which was once a famous port city.
- In Vikram Samvat 1168, Shri Hirubhai, under the guidance of Acharya Mahendrasuriswarji, installed an idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath in this temple.
- During the Muslim invasions, when many Jain temples were destroyed, this temple was also attacked.
- The idol of Parshwanath was broken into nine pieces by the invaders and thrown into a well in Bhavnagar.
- After several years, a Shravak received a divine vision, instructing him to recover the idol from the well.
- Following the divine guidance, the idol was placed in a mixture of nine “mann” lapsee (a traditional sweet made of wheat, ghee, jaggery, and water) for nine days to restore it.
- However, on the eighth day, a pilgrimage group from Bharuch arrived, eager to have darshan of Bhagwan Parshwanath.
- The idol was removed one day early, and while it was miraculously restored, the nine joint marks remained visible—a reminder of its divine preservation.
Thus, the idol was named “Navkhanda Parshwanath”, symbolizing the nine pieces that were reunited.
The Power of Navkhanda Parshwanath
- Devotees believe that chanting “Navkhanda Parshwanath” 108 times helps in finding lost items.
- The idol is considered miraculous, bringing peace and blessings to all who pray with devotion.
Ancient Art and Architecture
- The sculptural beauty of the Navkhanda Parshwanath idol is exceptional and divine.
- There are many artistic idols made of Panchadhatu (five metals) inside the temple.
- Nearby, the Sri Neminath Bhagwan temple has several ancient idols excavated from underground.
- The 16th-century metal Samosaran in the Samosaran temple is a rare and historical structure.
- Adjacent temples of Sri Suvidhinath Bhagwan and Sri Shanthinath Bhagwan exhibit intricate carvings and architectural brilliance.
- The Chandraprabh Bhagwan temple in the village is believed to have been built during the reign of Raja Kumarpal.
Annual Fair and Celebrations
A grand fair is held every year on the 10th day of the dark half of Paush month, attracting thousands of devotees who come to seek spiritual blessings.
Other Jain Temples Nearby
- There are four other temples near Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth.
- Notable Jain temples in the vicinity include:
- Chandraprabhuji temple
- Jeerawala Parshwanath temple
Mentions in Jain Scriptures
Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth is referenced in several Jain texts, including:
- Tirthmala
- Chaityaparipati
- Parshvanath Naammala
Idols of Navkhanda Parshwanath are also found in:
- Bhiladiyaji Tirth
- Jiravala Tirth
- Kalikund Parshwanath Temple
- Panchasara Parshwanath Temple, Patan
- Shanthinath Temple, Shankalpur
How to Reach Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhavnagar (21 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar (20 km away) – daily flights from Mumbai
- Distance from Palitana: 56 km
- Transport: Regular bus and taxi services are available.
- Facilities: Dharamshala and Bhojanshala for pilgrims.
Trust Information and Contact Details
Sheth Kala Mitha Ni Pedhi, Navkhanda Parshvanath Jain Derasar
Phone:
Location: Gogha – 364110, District: Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
FAQs About Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth
1. Why is Bhagwan Parshwanath called “Navkhanda Parshwanath”?
The idol was broken into nine pieces during an invasion and later miraculously restored, leaving nine visible joint marks, giving it the name Navkhanda Parshwanath.
2. How does chanting “Navkhanda Parshwanath” 108 times help?
Devotees believe that chanting this name helps recover lost items and brings spiritual blessings.
3. What is the history behind the temple’s construction?
The temple was originally built in Vikram Samvat 1168 by Shri Hirubhai under the guidance of Acharya Mahendrasuriswarji.
4. What is special about the idol’s flame?
The ever-burning lamp inside the temple produces a saffron-colored flame, which is considered divine and miraculous.
5. Are there other Jain temples near Navkhanda Parshwanath Tirth?
Yes, there are four other temples nearby, including Chandraprabhuji and Jeerawala Parshwanath temples.
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names List.
