What is Makshi Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Makshi Parshwanath Jain Temple is one of the most ancient and miraculous Jain tirths in Madhya Pradesh, located in the serene village of Makshi, Shajapur District. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Makshi Parshwanath, a revered form of the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism.
Who is Mulnayak at Makshi Jain Tirth?
The Mulnayak is a black-colored idol of Bhagwan Makshi Parshwanath, approximately 89 cms high, seated in Padmasana posture with an umbrella of 7 serpent hoods over his head. The idol is more than 2,500 years old, carved from sandstone, and is known for its miraculous powers and divine aura.
Where is Makshi Parshwanath Temple Located?
The Makshi Jain temple is situated in the village of Makshi, approximately:
- 1.5 km from Makshi Railway Station
- 40 km from Ujjain
- 70 km from Indore
It is located on the Mumbai–Agra National Highway, making it easily accessible for pilgrims traveling from across India.
What is the History of Makshi Parshwanath Jain Tirth?
The idol and temple have an incredible historical and spiritual legacy. The temple was originally constructed in Vikram Samvat 1472 by the devout Jain Shravak Shri Sangram Soni, a successful minister under Badshah Ghiasuddin. He built 17 Jain temples, including this one, surrounded by 52 smaller shrines (devkulikas).
A miraculous event occurred when Mohammad Ghazni attempted to destroy the temple—he fell ill, experienced supernatural visions, and spared the temple. As repentance, he constructed five small turrets on the entry gate, still visible today.
In Vikram Samvat 1518, the temple was renovated and rededicated. Even today, devotees witness miracles at this temple, including the famous instance where milk overflowed from the serpent hoods of the idol, flooding the sanctum sanctorum.
Why is Makshi Parshwanath Temple Considered Miraculous?
Many devotees report experiencing miracles at Makshi Parshwanath, such as:
- Milk flowing from the hood of the idol
- Devotees recovering from illness
- Sudden spiritual awakenings
The idol’s divine vibrations and the temple’s powerful atmosphere make it a spiritually transformative place.
What are the Architectural and Artistic Highlights?
The temple is a masterpiece of Jain architecture, featuring:
- Intricate stone carvings
- Miraculous black idol made of sandstone
- A towering 75-foot shikhar, visible from kilometers away
- 36 devkulikas (small temples) in the circumambulatory path
- Padmavati Devi, Manibhadra Veer, Chakreshwari Devi, and other deities in the temple mandap
- An ancient underground chamber from where the idol was discovered
- An ever-lit akhand jyot near the garbhagriha
Inside the temple are idols of Neminath Bhagwan, Chintamani Parshwanath, and other Tirthankaras with inscriptions dating back to Samvat 1548.
How to Reach Makshi Parshwanath Jain Temple?
By Train:
Makshi Railway Station is just 1.5 km from the temple.
By Road:
Makshi is well connected via Mumbai–Agra Road and is:
- 40 km from Ujjain
- 70 km from Indore
Facilities Available:
- Jain Dharamshala with clean rooms
- Bhojanshala serving pure Jain food
- Nearby gardens and peaceful surroundings
Private taxis and buses are easily available to reach the tirth.
Nearby Jain Tirths from Makshi
Pilgrims can also visit nearby important Jain pilgrimage sites, such as:
- Ujjain Jain Temples
- Indore Jain Temples
- Jiravala Tirth
- Kareda Parshwanath
- Santacruz Kalikund Parshwanath Temple (Mumbai)
Scriptural Mentions of Makshi Parshwanath Bhagwan
Makshi Parshwanath is revered in numerous Jain scriptures and stotras:
- Vir Vanshavali
- Makshi Mandan Shri Parshvanath Stavan
- 365 Shri Parshvajin Naammala
- Shri Parshvanath Naammala
- Shri Bhateva Parshvanath Stavan
- 108 Naamgarbhit Shri Godi Parshvanath Stavan
- Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati
- Tirthmala
- Stotra by disciple of Jagatguru Hirvijaysurishvarji
Idols of Makshi Parshwanath Bhagwan are also present in:
- Kareda Tirth
- Jiravala Tirth
- Santacruz Kalikund Parshwanath Temple, Mumbai
Who Manages the Makshi Jain Tirth?
Trust:
Shri Makshi Parshvanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir
Managed by: Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi
Post: Makshi – 465 106, District: Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Phone: 07363-232028 / 232214 / 232037
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names List.
