What is Shri Girua Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Girua Parshwanath Jain Temple is a sacred Shwetambar Jain tirth located in the city of Amalner, in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. It is known for its 500-year-old black idol of Bhagwan Girua Parshwanath, installed in a beautifully pinnacled temple that continues to attract thousands of Jain devotees.
Who is the Mulnayak at Girua Parshwanath Tirth?
The Mulnayak is a 29 cm high black-colored idol of Bhagwan Girua Parshwanath, seated in Padmasana posture with an umbrella of 11 serpent hoods. Originally, the idol had fewer hoods, but during the renovation in Vikram Samvat 2007, it was adorned with a new 11-hood structure designed to resemble peacock feathers, enhancing its artistic beauty and spiritual aura.
Where is Girua Parshwanath Jain Temple Located?
This tirth is located in Amalner city, within Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. It is well connected via:
- 2 km from Amalner Railway Station (on the Surat–Bhusaval railway line)
- 55 km from Jalgaon
- 29 km from Dhule (Dhulia)
Frequent bus services and private transport are available to reach the temple.
What is the History of Girua Parshwanath Jain Tirth?
The idol of Bhagwan Girua Parshwanath is believed to be around 500 years old. The temple was originally built by the local Jain Sangh around V.S. 1920, and was later renovated in V.S. 2007 under the guidance of Acharyadev Vijay Yashodevsurishvarji, a disciple of the revered Acharya Vijay Premsurishvarji.
During this time, the temple witnessed an extraordinary diksha festival, where 26 aspirants took Jain diksha, including 17 members from a single family—a rare and inspiring event in the history of this tirth.
What Are the Other Temples and Religious Centers in Amalner?
Apart from the main Girua Parshwanath Mandir, the Jain community in Amalner maintains:
- A temple with Shri Shamaliya Parshwanath as the Mulnayak
- The idol of Girua Parshwanath installed on the first floor of the same temple
- 3 other Jain temples
- 2 Jain temples in residential areas
Additionally, the area is home to 3 Upashrayas, a fully functional Ayambilshala, and a well-maintained Jain Gyanbhandar (library).
What is the Art and Architecture of Girua Parshwanath Temple Like?
The temple is a splendid three-sanctum structure, designed in classic Jain architectural style. Key highlights include:
- The aesthetic peacock-like design of the new serpent hoods
- Intricate carvings on the parikar (aura structure) of the idol
- A peaceful and spiritually vibrant interior that inspires introspection and devotion
The idol’s compact yet divine form makes it a deeply meditative focal point for Jain sadhakas.
How to Reach Girua Parshwanath Jain Tirth, Amalner?
By Train:
- Located on the Surat–Bhusaval railway line
- Just 2 km from Amalner station
By Road:
- 55 km from Jalgaon
- 29 km from Dhule
- Well-connected by private taxis and buses
Facilities at the Tirth:
- Dharamshala for accommodation
- Bhojanshala for pure Jain meals
- Ayambilshala, Upashrayas, and Gyanbhandar for religious activities
Scriptural References and Visits by Jain Acharyas
The glory of Girua Parshwanath Bhagwan is recorded in ancient Jain texts like:
- Shri 108 Parshvanath Stavan
- 108 Naamgarbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan
The tirth has been visited and blessed by several Jain Acharyas, including:
- Acharya Vijay Premsurishvarji
- Acharya Vijay Ramchandrasurishvarji
- Acharya Vijay Yogdevsurishvarji
- Acharya Vijay Trilochansurishvarji
- Acharya Vijay Bhuvanbhanusurishvarji
Their visits have enhanced the spiritual value of this historic Jain tirth.
Who Manages the Girua Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Trust Name:
Shri Girua Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth
Location: Sharaf Bazaar, Post: Amalner – 425401
District: Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India
Phone: 02587-222452
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names.
