Ahichhetra Parsvanath
Shri Ahichhetra Parshwanath Atishay Teerth Kshetra Digambar Jain Mandir, Post- Ramnagar Fort, Tahsil- Aanvala, Disstt.- Bareli, State- Uttar Pradesh. Pin- 243 303. Telephone- 05823- 36418
The history of this teerth starts from the period of Yugadidev Shri Adinath Bhagwan. As per the Digambar sect of Jainism, it is the vihar (visiting) place of all the teerthankrs after Shri Adinath Bhagwan. This is said to be known as Shankhavati, Ahichakra, Parichakra, Chhatravati and Ahikshetra as well in the past. At one time it was one of the most prosperous states, having parameter of 50 kms consisting number of temples, big establishment and markets. Aanvala, Vajeerganj and Sampani Nagari villages were the part of this state. It was said to be the capitol of Shri Dronacharya, of Mahabharat. Beyond the period of Bhagwan Parshwanath, being the capitol state of Nag Raja’s this was a famous Jain state. During his Vihar, Bhagwan Parshwanath has visited this place. He used to meditate in a forest during which Meghmali had created his upasarg (maya) to disturb his meditation. King Vasupal has built the temple of Bhagwan Parshwanath during his ruling. It is mentioned in “Kaivalaymala” written by Acharya Shri Udyotansurishwarji that during the 6th century of Vikram, Guptavanshi king Harigupt took Deeksha. Chinese tourist Huyensang has visited this place in 639 AD and described this region as Ohichitalo. Describing Ahichhatra Hemchandrachary has mentioned it with the name of Pratyagrah also. In “Vividh Teeth Kalp”, Achary Shri Jinprabhusurishwarji has given a vast description of two temples of Bhagwan Parshwanath, the presence of the idol of the adhisthayika Devi of Bhagwan Neminath, Shri Ambadevi near the fort and about the forests & gardens consisting different types of medicated jadi-bootis. Many underground idols, Stoops & Stambh of the periods of Kushan’s & Gupt’s has been discovered, proving its importance during that period. Being the Vihar bhoomi of Bhagwan Adinath and the following teerthankars of his period and the capitol city of eleven Chakravarti Samrat, this is a prominent holy place in Jain dharm. The main attractive point for this place is been the meditation place of Bhagwan Parshwanath. He uses to meditate under a Vat tree. At the very same time, Vyantardev ( Meghmali- Kamath) was passing through this place by airway. After seeing Bhagwan in meditation, he regained the jealousy of previous Bhav and started playing his maya to break the meditation. He produced heavy rain along with thundering and rain of ice & stones. The Cobra pair of last Bhav, whom Bhagwan has uttered the Sarv Vighnahari Navkar Mahamantr, due to the effect of which they have attained the life of Dharnendradev & Padmavati Devi in Swarg, immediately came to this place and created Fan-mandap over the head of Bhagwan Parshwanth and failed the upsarg ( maya) of Kamath. Having seen this situation, Kamath accepted his sin and bowed in front of Prabhu and begged for pardon.[ Digambars says that Bhagwan achieved Kevalgyan at the same moment while as per Shwetambars Prabhu achieved Kevalgyan in Banaras ( Varanasi)]. Due to the formation of huge Fan-mandap by Dharnendradev & Padmavati Devi, this place is known as Ahichhatra. Achary Patrakeshari has accepted Jainism along with his 500 followers here. The green idol of Tikhalvale Baba is also a point of attraction. It is said that the boundary-wall was built-up in a single night by some unseen power. These days also Baba fulfills the requirements of his followers. A well & a Bavdi also attract the visitors because of its Chamatkari water, use of which cures many diseases.