16 November,2025 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Henna Shah
The 1001-year-old main idol of Shankeshwar Parshvanath
We take immense pride in this century-old institution founded by my grandfather," says Jai Shah, managing trustee of the Sheth Ghelabhai Karamchand Jain Sanatorium Trust in Vile Parle West, near the railway station. Established on November 25, 1925, the temple is the oldest Jain Derasar between Bandra and Goregaon and remains a spiritual anchor for the Jain community of Mumbai's Western suburbs.
What makes this centenary celebration truly special is the 1,001-year-old idol of Shankheshwar Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, enshrined at the temple's heart. Acharya Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharajsaheb describes it as "a rare creation, dating back to Vikram Samvat 1080 (1024 CE) predating the Solanki dynasty in Western India". Unlike the ornate Hindu bronzes of the Chola dynasty around the same period, Jain bronzes of Gujarat reflect restraint and serenity.
Cast in panchdhaatu (a five-metal alloy) with an early Devanagari inscription, the idol probably came to Mumbai with Jain migrants from Gujarat. Devotees believe it radiates divine energy, its tranquil expression and exquisite detailing reflecting an era when faith and art were intertwined.
The visionary behind this institution, Sheth Dahyabhai Ghelabhai Shah, hailed from Mehsana in Gujarat. A successful sugar broker, he chose to retire at 40 to devote his life to spirituality and community service. "Despite being the driving force behind several charitable institutions in Mumbai and Gujarat, he never named any after himself," shares Jai Shah.
A devout Jain, Sheth Dahyabhai undertook the sacred pilgrimage to Palitana in Gujarat 99 times during the course of his life and embraced Bhava Alochana, or constant introspection and repentance for spiritual purification. A steadfast devotee of Ghantakarna Dev (king turned protector deity in Jainism), he passed away at the age of 86 while peacefully reciting the Navkar Mantra.
Dahyabhai first encountered Acharya Buddhisagar Maharajsaheb in Mehsana during the latter's Chaturmas (four months of monsoon) stay, a meeting that would profoundly shape his spiritual journey. Acharya Buddhisagar is renowned for establishing the renowned Mahudi Jain temple. Drawn to the Acharya's wisdom, Dahyabhai visited him often in Vijapur, Gujarat, and ultimately accepted him as his spiritual guru, seeking his counsel in every aspect of life.
As Jain scholar Dr Renuka Porwal notes, "When Dahyabhai fell critically ill in 1922, he wrote to his Guru expressing fear for his life. Acharya Buddhisagarji, in meditation, assured him of recovery, and Dahyabhai did recover well. Out of gratitude, he resolved to build a Derasar and sanatorium in his Guru's memory."
The vision took form as the Sheth Ghelabhai Karamchand Jain Sanatorium Trust and over time became a sacred refuge for Jain monks, especially during Chaturmas.
Dahyabhai's devotion extended far beyond the temple. The sanatorium kitchen still serves Ayambil meals (boiled food without oil, ghee, or spices) throughout the year, along with boiled water. He also established the Sheth Amthalal Ghelabhai Trust, which continues to provide education and healthcare aid to the underprivileged, in memory of his brother. In 1935, he inspired the founding of the Shrimad Buddhisagarsuri Jain Band Mandal, a group that upholds the community's rich tradition of devotional music to this day.
A century later, Jai Shah continues to uphold his grandfather's values as he leads the 10-day Shataabdi Anandotsav Parv. "In our society, a son is often seen as the one who carries his father's family name forward. My grandfather Sheth Dahyabhai only had three daughters, and as his eldest daughter's son, I want to prove that even a daughter's children can preserve their maternal grandfather's legacy. We have restored the temple and the property, giving it a new lease of life for the younger generation to reconnect with their faith," he says.
The 10-day centenary celebration from November 21 to 30 will culminate in grand events on November 29 and 30, featuring a rath yatra, mahapuja, cultural programmes, and community meals.
