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Shankeshwar Temple

Monday, 05 October 2009 10:09

Shankeshwar Temple - Modhera

About:

The Shankeshwar Temple is a revered Jain pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. It is one of the most significant Jain temples and attracts numerous devotees, especially from the Jain community.



The temple ranks next only to Palitana in importance for the Jains. The image of the main Tirthankara Parshvanath belongs to Samvat 1666 while the inscriptions date back to 1656-1686 AD. The cells are built of brick, which have been moulded and not cut to shape.

Location info:
State:Gujrat,India
District:Patan
Nearest City: Mheshana
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March to June): Hot with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C. Monsoon (July to September): Moderate rainfall, making the weather humid. Winter (October to February): Pleasant and the best time to visit, with temperatures between 12°C to 25°C.

History:
The original temple was built in the year 1098 CE during the reign of King Siddhraj Jaisinh. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The present structure dates back to the 19th century and has undergone several renovations. The temple is considered a sacred site by Jains as it houses an idol of Lord Parshwanath, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

Interesting things to do:
Festivle:
Fair are held here in Hindu months of Chaitra and Kartik corresponding with the solar months of March/April and October/November respectively on the full moon days and Margashirsha Vad

Interesting things to Visit:
Chanasma Teerth:
Anavada, situated in the Patan District of Gujarat, lies to the south-west of Patan. It is bounded by Adiya in the south-west and Chanasma in the south-east.Shri Chanasma Teerth at Chanasma and Shri Agam Mandir Teerth at Harij are the major pilgrim centers easily accessible from this place.

Hariji:
Shri Agam Mandir Teerth of Mahavir is the main spot of visit added to it you have Shankeshwar Padmavati teerth as the other tourist location.Jotingada Parshwanath teerth:

River Saraswati:
It is another ancient town of Gujarat dates back even to the ages of Purana. Siddhpur is located on the banks of River Saraswati , its landscape prevails holistic with numerous temples, Ashrams, Kunds and Sacred buildings . Previously, the Bohra Muslims where the dominants over here, the well , the paved streets , service lane, mosques, and beautiful mansions that still exist set as an example. Siddhpur named after the famous ruler of Gujarat namely Siddhraj Jaisinh, he has set a mark by constructing an exuberant Rudra Mahalaya temple during the year of 12th century is a mark of reformation.



This place is referred as "Sristhala" in Skanda Purana . the major input on Hinduism prevailed here because of the unique geographical features of the River saraswati. Wherein, it turns eastward flow in the town helped add air of sanctification to siddhpur, therefore, Hindus gather here to perform ritual ceremony for maternal spirits on the shores, namely 'Matru Shraddha'. This entire town is today being dominant of Hindu religious activities. The other places of interest are Thali building, Rudra Mahalaya and Mansions of Bohra Muslims. Vadnagar at the distances of 42 kms , Sharmishta Talav and Kirti Toran constitute are the nearby tourist attractions.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity is generally available, but it’s advisable to check with your service provider for coverage.

How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, around 128 km away.
By Train: :The nearest railway station is Viramgam (53 km) or Mehsana (45 km). You can take a taxi or bus from there.
Road Transport:State Transport and Luxury buses are available from Ahmedabad and Patan

Nearest Visiting places:

Patan:
Known for the Rani ki Vav (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Sahastralinga Talav.

Modhera Sun Temple:
An architectural marvel located around 60 km from Shankeshwar.

Umia Mata:
This town is another antique location of the district. Here, you have the temple of Umia Mata, dedicated by the family of Kadva Patels. It serves as a base for those who visit Modhera temple. Apart, from this, the village is famous for Ayurvedic pharmacy and Medicine Manufacturing. The main trade transaction from this village is Jeera, Oilseeds, Cumin, Variyali and Isabgul. The main ritual to this village is the marriage custom of Kadvakanbis who still inherits here, Great Bonanja of fair is held oft a Maha Sud and Vaishak Sud.

Bahucharaji:
Here, there is a famous temple namely to the Goddess Bahucharaji and also there is a collection of three temples termed as Adyasthan [original site] and Madyasthan. During the full moon day devotees swan in to perform tonsorial ceremonies. The important fair is hosted by the Bahucharaji temple during the month March-April in order to perform rituals at night.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Available in the nearby towns of Patan and Sidhpur.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Dharamshala:Shankeshwar Jain Temple Trust Dharamshala offers clean and affordable accommodations

Things to carry:
Comfortable footwear, as you may need to walk around the temple complex. Light clothing for summer visits and warmer clothes for winter. A water bottle, as staying hydrated is essential, especially in warmer months.

Tips & Suggestions:
Respect the temple's customs and traditions; maintain silence and dress modestly. Avoid visiting during peak summer due to high temperatures. Carry some cash, as digital payments might not be accepted in all areas.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Temple Trust Office:
+91-1234-567890 (Example number; you might need to verify the actual number from a local directory or website).
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.kamalkapoor.com

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