Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is a Jain temple in Patan's Gungdipati neighbourhood. It is one of Gujarat's oldest Jain temples and one of the most popular places to visit in Patan. Patan has about 100 temples dedicated to various gods, including several Jain temples. The most well-known are Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhnadherwad and Panchasara Derasar.

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is also known as Jinalaya Vanraj Vihar. It has beautiful stone sculptures and white marble floors typical of Jain architecture. The great temple is 180 feet long and 90 feet wide. This temple's domes, pillars, ceilings, walls, and mandaps are all decorated with beautiful carvings and artistic images.

The Hemchandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir is near the temple and has priceless Jain manuscripts, some of which are in gold ink. Accessing manuscripts held in safes requires prior approval from the custodian.

History of Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is one of Patan's largest Jain temples, among over 100. King Vanraj Chavda erected it in 746 CE and dedicated it to Shri Parshwanathji. He carried the mooknayak idol from his native area, Panchasara, and is thus famous as Panchasara Parashwanath Bhagwan. 

The Muslim invaders destroyed the temple, which was later restored. The previously repaired Jinalaya was made of wood and was rebuilt in stone throughout the twentieth century. There are around 51 minor temples encircling the main temple.

The temple's main shrine features an approximately 120 cm tall white marble idol of Bhagwan Panchasara Parshwanath in Padmasana pose. The idol's head is under a seven-hooded umbrella. It is a belief that the Lord's major icon is from 746 CE. Visitors can find the Shri Chandraprabhswami on one side of Lord Parshwanath. It also features a white marble picture of Vanaraja.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Patan is between October and April when the weather is nice and less humid and dry. During this season, the temperature ranges from 12 to 28 degrees Celsius. The Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is a must visit during the Patan tour package.