Shri Antariksha Parshwanath Teerth (Shirpur)
श्री अंतरिक्ष पार्श्वनाथ तीर्थ (शिरपुर, वाशिम) • Atishaya Kshetra (Ancient Mid-Air Suspended Idol of 23rd Tirthankara)
Shri Antariksha Parshwanath in Shirpur is an ancient pilgrimage center whose inner sanctum remained sealed for 42 years due to protracted litigation. On 22 March 2023, the Supreme Court of India ordered the reopening and cleaning of the sanctum, restoring the sacred darshana of Bhagwan Parshwanath to millions of devotees under district administrative protection.
Historical Antiquity & Bhattaraka Heritage
An ancient holy shrine housing a celebrated black stone idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath traditionally believed to have remained suspended in mid-air (*Antariksha*). Historically conserved by the Digambara Sena Gana and Balatkar Gana Bhattarakas of Karanja.
Core Grievance & The 42-Year Lock
A century-long litigation over possession and ritual worship rights led to the sanctum being locked and sealed by local administration in the early 1980s. Devotees endured a 42-year lockout until Supreme Court intervention in March 2023 directed cleaning and scheduled worship.
Judicial Chronicle: From 1905 to the Supreme Court (2023)
Over a century of litigation culminating in the reopening of the sacred sanctum sanctorum
Customary Worship Agreement & Structural Division
Arranged specific hours of worship and partitioned access between communities while preserving ancient idol sanctity.
Sealing of the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha)
Following local law-and-order tensions, authorities locked the inner shrine, inaugurating a 42-year period of inaccessible darshana for pilgrims.
Special Leave Appeals on Ownership & Worship Framework
Supreme Court assumed direct jurisdiction over the title and constitutional questions under Places of Worship Act.
Landmark Directive to Unlock Gates & Clean Sanctum after 42 Years
Directed Washim District Collector and SP to immediately unlock the shrine, vacuum dust, clean the sacred idol, install CCTV, and facilitate peaceful worship.
Epigraphical Proofs & Custodial Antiquity
Historical documents attesting to unbroken Digambara pontifical custodianship
Bhattaraka Epigraphy & Karanja Matha Archives
Source: Karanja Digambara Shastra Bhandar Records & Berar Gazetteer 1870
Confirms continuous pontifical custody and renovation of the Antariksha Parshwanath shrine by Digambara Bhattarakas of Karanja.
Key Supreme Court Directives
Operational Mandate for Unlocking Shirpur Sanctum
Case No: CA 5060/2008
Mandated district administration to open locks, clean idol with sacred prasuk water, and institute peaceful time-sharing guidelines.