What is Shri Charup Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Charup Parshwanath Jain Temple, also known as Shyamala Parshwanath Mahatirth, is an ancient Shwetambar Jain pilgrimage site located in Charup village, Patan district, Gujarat. It is home to one of the oldest known idols of any Tirthankara, worshipped with great reverence by Jain devotees across India.
Who is the Mulnayak at Charup Jain Tirth?
The Mulnayak of the temple is Bhagwan Shyamala Parshwanath, a black-colored idol, seated in Padmasana posture, measuring approximately:
- 120 cm in height
- Adorned with an umbrella of 7 serpent hoods
This ancient idol is a rare specimen of spiritual sculpture, exuding serenity, strength, and deep meditative energy.
Where is Charup Parshwanath Temple Located?
The temple is located in the heart of Charup village, in North Gujarat, near Patan.
Distances:
- 1 km from Charup Railway Station
- 10 km from Patan Railway Station
- Easily accessible by bus and private vehicles
Facilities include boarding, lodging, and an upashraya for visiting sadharmik devotees.
What is the History of Shri Charup Parshwanath Jain Tirth?
The idol of Charup Parshwanath Bhagwan is said to have been created 2,222 years after the time of Bhagwan Naminath, the 16th Tirthankara of the past Chovisi. It was originally commissioned by Ashadi Shravak of Gaud Desh, who created three sacred idols:
- One idol (now at Charup) was retrieved from the ocean by merchant Dhan of Kantipur after receiving a divine vision
- Second idol was installed in Patan (Arishtanemi)
- Third idol was placed on the banks of the Sedhi River (Stambhan Parshwanath)
The idol at Charup was installed under the auspices of Acharya Shri Devendrasurisvarji of Nagendra Gachchha in the 9th century.
The temple fell into disrepair by the 18th Vikram century and came into the hands of non-Jains. In V.S. 1938, the Jain Sangh of Patan reclaimed and renovated the temple. It was again renovated in V.S. 1984.
Historic references also mention:
- A temple of Shri Adinath Bhagwan built by Shreshthi Devchandra (13th Vikram century)
- A temple of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan built by Shreshthi Pethadshah in V.S. 1320
Both temples no longer exist.
Why is the Idol Called Shyamala Parshwanath?
The idol is known as Shyamala Parshwanath due to its deep black (shyam) color, signifying austerity and inner strength. The same name is used in various Jain temples across India, reflecting this idol’s historical and spiritual significance.
What is the Art and Architecture of Charup Jain Temple Like?
- The temple is guarded by majestic elephant carvings at the entrance
- The idol of Parshwanath Bhagwan is a masterpiece of ancient Jain sculpture
- It represents a yogi’s serenity, calm, physical austerity, and spiritual brilliance
- The temple ambiance is serene, inspiring spiritual devotion and reflection
Such a rare and powerful idol is hard to find anywhere else in India.
How to Reach Shri Charup Parshwanath Jain Tirth?
By Rail:
- Charup Railway Station – 1 km
- Patan Railway Station – 10 km
By Road:
- Well connected by buses and private vehicles from Patan and nearby cities
Facilities:
- Dharamshala and Bhojanshala
- Upashraya for religious practices
- Peaceful surroundings ideal for tapasya and meditation
Scriptural References to Charup (Shyamala) Parshwanath
This tirth is mentioned in several sacred Jain scriptures, including:
- Shri Parshvanath Stavan
- Shri Sankheswar Parshvanath Chand
- 365 Shri Parshva Jin Naammala
- Shri Parshvanath Naammala
- Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan
- Tirthmala
- Gurvavali
Temples of Shyamala Parshwanath are found in other cities as well, indicating the wide devotion to this form of Bhagwan Parshwanath.
Who Manages the Charup Jain Tirth?
Trust Name:
Shri Charup Jain Shwetambar Shri Shyamala Parshwanath Mahatirth Pedhi
Location: Charup – 384285, District: Patan, Gujarat, India
Phone: 02766 – 77568 / 77562
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names.
