History of PARASLI JAIN TIRTH
A living pilgrimage since Vikram Samvat 688 · 631 CE
PARASLI JAIN TIRTH: A Divine Legacy and Present Glory
Parasali is an ancient, miraculous, and spiritual Jain pilgrimage site located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It lies in the Mandsaur district, 10 km east of Shamgarh station on the Mumbai-Delhi railway line, and just 42 km from the renowned Nageshwar Tirth.
- •Even though there is not a single Jain household in Parasali, the grand temple — resembling a divine vimana (celestial chariot) — houses a total of 26 magnificent idols, including the main deity, Lord Adinath.
- •The primary idol of Lord Adinath, seated in lotus posture and measuring 76.2 cm in height, was consecrated in Vikram Samvat 688 (631 CE). It is believed that the idol emerged naturally from the earth and could not be moved, leading to its establishment at this very spot.
- •Unique features include a necklace around the idol's neck and bangles on its hands that are naturally carved from the same stone — a rarity in idol craftsmanship.
Chronicles of Devotion
Consecration of Lord Adinath's Idol
The self-manifested idol of Lord Adinath, measuring 76.2 cm in lotus posture, was consecrated at this sacred spot after it emerged naturally from the earth and refused to be moved.
Ancient Significance Confirmed
Historical records from the 14th century affirm the tirth's deep-rooted ancient significance in the Jain pilgrimage tradition.
Divine Providence During Famine
During a severe famine, the temple priest received a silver coin daily through divine means — a miracle that sustained the tirth through its most difficult period.
Gurukul Established
A Gurukul (traditional school) was established at the tirth under the inspiration of Pujya Mahopadhyay Dharmasagarji M.S. and Pandit Abhaysagarji M.S., nurturing spiritual education.
Grand Updhaan Tap Observance
A grand spiritual observance of Updhaan Tap was held, along with the Navpadji Oli and the Deshvirati Community Conference under Mahopadhyayji's guidance.
Akshaya Tritiya Fasting Begins
The annual Akshaya Tritiya fasting celebration was inaugurated under the inspiration of Pujya Sa. Shri Amitgunashriji — now one of the most attended events at the tirth.
Temple Renovation & Infrastructure
Construction of the upashray (monastic stay), bhojanshala (dining hall), and office — along with full temple renovation — completed under Acharya Shri Harshsagar Suri Maharaj's leadership.
Ami Jharna Miracle
For 18 continuous days, a nectar-like stream (Ami Jharna) flowed from the chest of the idol of Lord Adinath — witnessed by thousands of devotees and considered one of the greatest miracles in the tirth's history.
Grand Consecration Celebration
A magnificent Pratishtha Mahotsav was held under the spiritual guidance of Pujya Acharya Shri Jin-Hemchandrasagar Surishwarji M.S., attended by thousands of devotees. Major events included morning worship, devotional musical evenings, Deepotsav, tree plantation drives, blood donation camps, and free medical camps.
🌼 Miracles and Beliefs
Saffron Showers from the Sky
A longstanding belief holds that when a soul destined for liberation visits this tirth, saffron showers from the sky — a tradition that has continued for years.
Sacred Rivers of Circumambulation
The tirth is surrounded by natural rivers that form a divine circumambulation path around it — as if nature itself guards the sacred ground.
Freedom from Rebirth in Hell
It is said that anyone who sincerely offers prayers here five times will never be reborn in hell — such is the spiritual power of this ancient site.
Eternal Water Abundance
The site has never experienced a shortage of water — even during the great famine of 1899-1900, the tirth remained blessed and self-sufficient.
🛕 The Sacred Idols
Shri Adinath Bhagwan — The Primary Deity
The temple — resembling a divine vimana (celestial chariot) — houses a total of 26 magnificent idols. Remarkably, there is not a single Jain household in the village of Parasali itself, yet this grand temple has stood and flourished for over 1400 years through divine grace alone.