Panchasara Parshvanath Temple

Highlights

• Panchasara Parshwanath Temple is a Śvetāmbara Jain temple located in Patan, Gujarat.
• The temple was constructed in 8th century during the reign of Vanaraja Chavda of Chavda dynasty.

Religious Significance

The Panchasara Parshvanath Temple is significant for three related reasons. First, it is one of the principal Jain pilgrimage and worship centres of historic Patan. Second, its traditional association with Vanaraja and Pañcāsar connects Jain religious memory with the early history of the Chavda polity. Third, its surviving and historically documented architecture illustrates the importance of elaborate stone and wood carving in the Jain architecture of Gujarat.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

History

• •Vanaraja Chavda, the most prominent ruler of the Chavda dynasty established the territory of Patan in 746 CE and built the Panchasara Parshwanath temple with main idol of Parshvanatha brought from Panchasar village.
• •The foundation story is preserved in later Jain and regional historical traditions rather than by a securely dated inscription from the present temple.
• •The Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency records the tradition that Vanaraja built a Jain temple at Anahilavada dedicated to Pañcāsara Pārśvanātha because the image had been brought from Pañcāsar.

Architecture

• •The Panchasara Parshvanath Temple is one of the largest Jain temples in Patan.
• •It belongs to the Śvētāmbara tradition and is notable for its white marble floors and richly carved architectural elements.
• •The present temple should not be treated as an untouched medieval monument.
• •Its architectural appearance is the result of repeated rebuilding, restoration and adaptation.

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