Avanti Parshwanath Temple & Kalyan Mandir Stotra: Ujjain's Jain Heritage
By Unexhibited
Summary
The ancient city of Ujjain, originally named Avantika Puskarandini and Vishala, served as the capital of Malwa. King Sudhanva later renamed it Ujjain. The city holds historical significance as the birthplace of King Samprati, who, under the guidance of Acharya Aryasuhastisuri, constructed 1,25,000 Jain temples, installed 1,25,00,000 Tirthankara idols, and renovated 36,000 temples. Acharya Aryasuhastisuri visited Ujjain and stayed at Bhadra Sethani’s Vahanshala. Avanti Sukumal, Bhadra Sethani’s son, residing on the seventh floor of his house, overheard monks reciting stotras and experienced Jatismaran gyan, realizing he was a deva of “Nalini Gulm Viman” in a previous life. With his parents’ permission, he took Diksha and, after obtaining his guru’s consent, practiced Santhara near Kantharika Kund. A fox killed him due to past enmity. His son, Mahakal, later constructed the Avanti Parshwanath Temple in his father’s memory, 250 years after Bhagwan Mahavir’s nirvana, under Aryasuhastisuri’s instructions. The temple, named Mahakal Chaitya, houses an idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath, honored as Avanti Parshwanath. The Kalyan Mandir Stotra and temple details are available online via Jainsquare and Jaintirth.
Conclusion
This document highlights the historical and spiritual significance of Ujjain, particularly through the narrative of Avanti Parshwanath Temple and Kalyan Mandir Stotra. The text emphasizes Ujjain's ancient heritage as Avantika Puskarandini and its role as the capital of Malwa, with King Samprati's contributions to Jainism, including the construction and renovation of temples and installation of idols. The story of Avanti Sukumal's spiritual awakening, his previous life as a dev, and his eventual nirvana, followed by the construction of the temple by his son Mahakal, underscores the deep spiritual legacy of the site. The temple's dual identity as Avanti Parshwanath and Mahakal Chaitya reflects its historical and religious importance. The document also provides references to online resources for further exploration of the temple's significance, offering insights into Jain practices and historical narratives.