#Repost
ANTRIKSH PARSHWANTH
Timeline of Antriksh Parshwanath Jain Temple Dispute
Shri Antriksh Parshwanath, an ancient pilgrimage was highly revered by the Jain community. It was believed that this idol was built by Vidyadhar Raja (Husband of Ravan’s sister) and was the 3rd oldest Jain idol in the entire cosmos.
1142 AD- The idol was found immersed in a well by the king of Achalpur, who was cured of his illness by consuming its waters. With the help of celestial being Dharnendra, the idol was extracted from the well and was taken to Shripal’s kingdom for installation. However, against the orders of Dharnendra, the King looked back at the chariot (in which the idol was being carried) making the idol immovable and suspended midair in the town of Shirpur. Seeking guidance from Dharnendra, the hovering idol was installed in a newly constructed temple by Acharya Shri Abhaydevsuri Maharaja. It is believed that the idol floated 7 fingers above the ground, giving it the name of ‘Antriksh Parshwanath’. The tirth even finds a name in the Sakal Tirth Vandana Sutra and 108 holy pilgrimages of Lord Parshwanath.
1867 – Antriksh Parshwanath temple renovated and rebuilt. It was mentioned that the idol floated only 1 finger above the ground
1901 – Due to migration of Jain population from Shirpur, day to day management of the temple fell in the hands of Maratha Pujaris known as Polkars. In course of time the Polkars, began to assert their rights to management of the temple which led to disputes between Polkars and Jains. As a result of this the devotees belonging to the Shwetambar and Digambar sects came together to oust the Polkars by filing a case in the District court.
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