Overview
Tirth Name: Shri Avanti Parshwanath Jain Temple
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (near River Kshipra)
Main Deity: Bhagwan Parshwanath in Padmasana, with a 7-hooded serpent canopy
Temple Age: Estimated to be over 2,300 years old
Special Name: Also revered as Mahakal Chaitya
Spiritual Significance: Known for miraculous stories, deep Jain history, and divine revelations
Why Visit Avanti Parshwanath Tirth in Ujjain?
Looking to explore an ancient Jain pilgrimage site that blends mythology, miracles, and historical Jain glory? The Shri Avanti Parshwanath Temple in Ujjain is a must-visit destination. With a deep connection to Jain legends and a lineage tracing back over two millennia, this sacred site continues to inspire spiritual seekers, historians, and pilgrims from all walks of life.
The Idol & Its Divine Presence
- The Mulnayak is a 120 cm tall, black stone idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath seated in the lotus (Padmasana) posture.
- A graceful 7-hooded serpent umbrella arches over the deity, radiating divinity and serenity.
- This ancient idol is not just a sculpture—it is believed to be miraculous, drawing countless devotees seeking peace and spiritual strength.
Historical Legacy & Sacred Legends
Ujjain, known in ancient times as Avantika Puskarandini and Vishala, was the grand capital of Malwa. It holds an illustrious place in Jain history due to several powerful events:
- King Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka and a devout Jain, was born here. Under the guidance of Acharya Arya Suhastisuri, he built over 125,000 Jain temples and installed millions of Tirthankara idols across Bharat.
- During one of Arya Suhastisuri’s visits, he stayed in the home of Bhadra Sethani, where her son Avanti Sukumaar heard the spiritual chants of monks and, through divine insight, attained Jatismaran Gyan (knowledge of past lives).
- Remembering his past life as a Dev in Nalini Gulm Viman, Sukumaar renounced worldly pleasures and took Diksha (monkhood). He eventually embraced Santhara (holy death) near Kantharika Kund.
- His soul attained rebirth in heaven, while his mother and 31 wives, moved by his sacrifice, also took Diksha, marking a rare moment of collective renunciation in Jain history.
- Later, Sukumaar’s son, Mahakal, constructed this magnificent temple in his memory, naming the idol Avanti Parshwanath, and the temple came to be known as Mahakal Chaitya.
- During the reign of King Vikramaditya, a miraculous idol of Parshwanath emerged from a Shivaling during the recitation of the Kalyan Mandir Stotra by Acharya Kumudchandra. Witnessing this divine event, the king embraced Jainism and honored Kumudchandra as Acharya Shri Siddhasen Divakar.
Temples and Nearby Attractions
Today, Ujjain is home to 32 Jain temples, five of which are notably grand. Must-visit spots include:
- Shri Adinath Jain Temple – The oldest Jain temple in Ujjain, where Shripal and Mainasundari are believed to have performed the Navapad Oli ritual.
- Manibhadra Veer Temple – A newly constructed temple dedicated to the guardian deity.
- Dadawadi – Located right opposite the Avanti Parshwanath temple, adding to the spiritual aura of the site.
Art & Architecture
- The idol of Bhagwan Avanti Parshwanath is not only historically valuable but also artistically profound.
- Although currently under renovation, the temple retains its ancient charm and spiritual ambiance that inspires awe among pilgrims.
How to Reach the Temple
- Distance from Ujjain Railway Station: 1.5 km (easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or cab)
- Distance from Indore Airport: Approx. 56 km
- Connectivity: Excellent road and rail network; regular buses and private vehicles available
- Facilities: Well-maintained Dharamshala and Bhojanshala for devotees and visitors
Mentions in Jain Scriptures
This tirth is celebrated across many Jain literary texts such as:
- Prabhavak Charitra
- Shri Vridvadi Prabandh
- Tirth Vandana
- Tirthmala
- Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand
- Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan
- Shri Parshvanath Naammala
Other places with idols of Avanti Parshwanath:
- Yevala (Maharashtra)
- Jiravala Tirth
- Kalikund Parshwanath Temple, Santacruz (Mumbai)
- Bhiladiya Tirth
Temple Trust Details
Trust Name: Shri Avanti Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Marwari Samaj Trust
Address: Anant Peth, Dani Darwaja, Ujjain – 456001, Madhya Pradesh, India
Plan Your Visit to Avanti Parshwanath Today
If you’re searching for:
- An ancient Jain temple in Ujjain
- A miracle-associated tirth of Bhagwan Parshwanath
- A spiritual retreat with rich Jain heritage
Then Shri Avanti Parshwanath Jain Temple is the perfect destination to deepen your faith and connect with a powerful lineage of Jain devotion.
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names List.
