Bhagwan Shantinath Jinalaya is a famous Jain temple situated in the village of Shirad Shahapur of Hingoli district in the state of Maharashtra, India.
There is a story associated to this famous temple. According to the past, the three temples Shri Mahavirswami, Shri Shantinath and Shri Adisvara were situated in Unchi Pole. But the people of that area were scared about the invasion of Patan by the Sultan of Delhi, and they feared the damage of the idols by the invaders. The sangha members requested the residents of another village named Kanasa’s Pada and seeked their permission to shift the three temples to Kanasano Pado. After the residents agreed to this, the villagers amalgamated all the three idols along with the idols of other deities together into one Jinalaya.
Slowly with time, the Jinalay was renovated and a temple was constructed by the residents of Kanasa’s Pada. The people of the village under the guidance of a sculptor or sompura erected this Jinalaya like a dev-viman. The Jinalaya consist of three garbhgruhas, six shikharas, five entrances and seven doors. The consecration ceremony of the Jinalay is celebrated on every bright half of Falgun.
The temple is made up of marble with the standing shrine of Bhagwan Shantinath. The temple also has an idol of Bhagwan Parshavnath and the last Jain tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavira. The main idol or the mulnayak in the temple which is of Bhagwan Shantinath is of 45 inches whereas the idol of Mahaviraswami on the right side is of 37 inches and that of Shri AdishvarBhagwan is of 31 inches. One can also find 18 idols made of marble and 135 idols made of metal inside the Jinalaya. There is a grand rangmandap inside the complex of Jinalay which is made of marvellous colour work with unparallel carvings with unique chovishi.
Currently the Jinalaya is administered by Shri Pankajbhai Gulabchand Shah, Shri Janakbhai Balubhai Shah, Shri Vikrambhai Chimanlal Dhaynojwal and Shri Dipakbhai Revantilal Shah.
History of the Temple
The Jinalay is 113 years old and is made of marble with numerous idols present inside it. The entire Jinalaya is spread over an area of 7741 sq ft. the Jinalaya is constructed by the people of Kanasa’s Pada after they finishes up their daily work. The people rendered their services in the form of hard work and labour to build this huge Jinalaya. The bhavana ceremony is celebrated with full of joy and happiness.
Getting There
The nearest railway station from this temple is Hingoli from where buses and taxis are easily available. The nearest airport is Chikalthan which is 194 km away and the other one is Aurangabad which is 264 km away.
The Jinalay is well connected with other cities and people can also come by their private vehicles. The temple is also easily accessible by bus and train.
Things to Do in and around
One can visit the temple to offer puja and prayers. Apart from that one can visit the temple during the bhavana ceremony which is celebrated by throwing gulal on the lord joyfully. Procession of Prabhuji is also conducted which is also an important event to attend.
Opening/closing timings and days
The Jinaalya is open to public throughout the day and in every season of the year.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to enter the Jinalaya.
Best Time to Visit
One can visit the Jinalaya at any time of the year and day. During aarti and puja it is best to visit. Also during the bhavana ceremony and the procession, one can enjoy visiting the pilgrimage as the environment will be divine.
