Shree Navkhanda Parshwanath Shwetamber Jain tirth

  BRIEF HISTORY OF GHOGHA TIRTH

1. 900 years ago, VS 1168 on the advice of Acharya Mahendrasurishwarji,Nanavati Shri Heeraseth bore the expenses of funding the idol.
2. References in the 14vs century and in the year 1431, khatargach Acharya Shri Jinendrasuriji had written about Ghogha tirth.
3.  In the period between VS 1483 and 1499, poet Somsaubhagya had in his poem 9 stanza 100 had written about several pilgrimage and festival taken out by a gentleman named Vastupati in the 15^th century.
4. References of this place can also be found in 15th century.

Story of this place

 5. According to the historian, Muslim ruler Horro invaded India and destroyed many temples. He ordered the idol to be broken into 9 pieces and threw all the pieces into a well in Bapesar in the village Vadva near Bhavnagar.   

 6. After some period, the guardian deity sent a dream to a pious shravak (jain householder) living in Ghogha that God’s idol which is broken into nine pieces are in separate bags in a well near Bapesar.

7. This bundle should be tied to Hirank tantoo spindle and brought to Ghogha.This should be dipped in nine maund lapsi (made from broken wheat, ghee, jaggery and water), frozen and taken out after nine days.

8.The shravak acted according to the dream but Bhavnagar association came to claim its right too.    9.Due to objection between the two parties it was decided that the nine pieces be kept in a bullock cart and whichever direction the wood tied to the animal turns the idol will go to that village.

10.Ghogha village won and the shravak acted according to the dream.

11.One group from Bharuch was going to pilgrimage to Palitana in a ship. However due to flood the party had arrived in Ghogha.That was the eight day of the idol’s anointment.

12.The group wanted to view this marvellous idol. Since the ‘Sangh’ is considered the 25^thtirthankar ,Ghogha association(Sangh) granted their request.

13.The idol was taken out one day before as a result the nine joints was not healed up. It is visible clearly till today. This is the reason that the idol is named Navkhanda.

14.In VS 1865, Tapagachh Acharya Shri Jinendrasuriswarji maharajsaheb enshrined the deity on baisakh badi 10, Friday. That year onwards annual celebration is held on this day.

15.Some years ago, sacred water” Ami” came out of idol’s foot thumb.

16.Saffron coloured flame akhandjyoti (continuous light) is burning from ancient times.