After the settlement of a 120-year-old dispute between the Shwetambars and Digambars over the management of the Antariksh Parshvanath Shirpur Jain Tirth in Washim district, the Maharashtra Jain Financial Development Corporation has asked the two sects to come together to restore the derelict shrine and convert it into a global pilgrimage centre.

The shrine had been shut down for four decades because of the dispute and has fallen into disrepair.

Lalit Gandhi, Chairman of the MJFDC, who recently visited the shrine, said the dispute started in the pre-independence and the matter was heard by the Privy Council in London. Following an interim order from the Supreme Court, the temple has reopened, but ongoing disputes between the two sects have resulted in neglect and inconvenience for pilgrims."While the shrine originally belonged to the Shwetambars, the local population was mostly Digambar.

The sects shared the shrine and agreed to do rituals according to their traditions at different timings. However, there was a dispute over ownership. The dispute is now technically over but the restoration of the shrine is yet to start. We want the two groups to reach an amicable resolution so that the shrine can be restored," said Gandhi who emphasised that the development of the site would present a model of unity between the Digambar and Shwetambar Jain communities.

Digambar means 'sky-clad' and the monks from the sect do not wear any clothing to symbolise their detachment from all material things. Shwetambar saints dress in white robes.Gandhi visited Shirpur, inspected the temple, and met with saints and trustees from both communities. He urged them to adopt a harmonious approach and put an end to disputes. A meeting to review the situation was held at the District Collector's office. It was attended by District Collector Vishwanath Ghuge, Superintendent of Police Anuj Tare, and other senior administrative officials.

He reviewed the administrative measures taken so far for the temple's management and development and gave key directives to improve security arrangements, enhance facilities for pilgrims, and implement a dedicated maintenance plan for the temple.

The idol of Antariksh Parshvanath at the Shirpur shrine is believed to have one of the oldest in the religious tradition and devotees believe that it floats in the air without any support in the floor.