Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir, Patan - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

At a distance of 2 Km from Patan Railway Station, Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar is a Jain temple situated in Gungdipati Part of Patan city. Dedicated to Shri Parshwanathji, the temple belongs to the Svetambara sect of Jainism, and is one of the largest of more than 100 Jain temples in Patan. The intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures, and sanctified environment make it one of the most revered Jain temples in the region, and among the top places to visit as part of the Patan pilgrimage packages.

History of Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir was built by King Vanraj Chavda around 746 CE. He brought the moolnayak idol from his native place Panchasara and hence called as Panchasara Parashwanath Bhagwan. The temple was destroyed by the Muslim invaders and again renovated in the course of time. The renovated Jinalaya of the past was made of wood and was rebuilt in stone during the 20th century. There are about 51 smaller temples surrounding the main temple.

Architecture of Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

Also known as the Jinalaya Vanraj Vihar, Panchasara Parshwanath Temple is adorned with sophisticated stone carvings and white marble floors that are characteristic of Jain architecture. The length of this grand temple is 180 feet and its width is 90 feet. All the domes, pillars, ceilings, walls, mandaps of this temple are decorated with wonderful carvings and artistic images.

The main sanctum of the temple houses nearly 120 cm high white marble idol of Bhagwan Panchasara Parshwanath in Padmasana posture. There is an umbrella of 7 hoods over the head of the idol of Parshwanath symbolizing protection and enlightenment. It is said that the main idol of the lord is much older than 746 CE. The temple also houses an idol of Vasupujya in padmasan position sitting on big lotus with long stalk, and is flanked by yakshi and yaksha on both sides. The idol is covered with foliage of Chaitya tree to commemorate the penance of Vasupujya. The temple also houses idols of Jain monk Kakkasuri, Devachandrasuri and Yashodevsuri.

The temple complex also includes 84 large and 134 small temples, along with the renowned Hemchandracharya's library which houses a treasure trove of Jain scriptures. Hemachandrayacharya Library is one of the most important Jain libraries in Gujarat and the collection includes several ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. The temple also houses a paper manuscript of Parshvanathacaritra as well as the oldest available manuscript of the Bhaktamara Stotra.

Festivals of Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

The Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar in Patan hosts several festivals, including Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan Parva. Paryushana Parva is a purification festival lasting eight to ten days, during which Jains participate in fasting, meditation, and prayer, aiming to seek forgiveness for their previous wrongdoings. Mahavir Jayanti, celebrated on March 29th, commemorates the birth of the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir.

Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir in Patan does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is open to people of all faiths and encourages visitors to explore and learn about Jainism.

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir Timings

Monday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM

Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

The optimal period for visiting the Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir is from October to March, with the highest influx of visitors occurring between November and February. The winter season offers the most pleasant weather, characterized by average temperatures that are ideal for exploring the temple. For those wishing to partake in the celebrations, planning a visit during Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan Parva is highly recommended. These revered festivals are marked by vibrant celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees. It is recommended to avoid the summer months due to extreme heat and high temperatures, as well as the monsoon season, which often brings heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad is the nearest airport which is about 122 Km from Patan. It has flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Lucknow. Patan Railway Station has well-connected trains from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Mehsana Junction. Ahmedabad Railway Station is the major railhead which has well-connected trains from all the major cities of India. Patan Bus terminal is the nearest bus station which is well-connected with all the major cities of Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Vadodara, Bhuj, Rajkot, Junagadh, Mumbai, Udaipur, and Surat. Travelers can reach Shri Panchasara Parshwanath Mandir by taking a bus or hiring a cab or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city.