What is Shri Mahadeva Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Mahadeva Parshwanath Jain Temple is an ancient Shwetambar Jain tirth located in Khetarvasi, Patan, in North Gujarat. The temple is known for its historical significance, beautiful carvings, and a serene idol of Bhagwan Mahadeva Parshwanath, believed to fulfill the spiritual aspirations of devotees.
Who is the Mulnayak at Mahadeva Parshwanath Temple?
The Mulnayak of the temple is Bhagwan Mahadeva Parshwanath, a white-colored idol:
- Approximately 58 cm in height
- Seated in Padmasana posture
- With a beautiful umbrella-shaped chhatra
In the main sanctum (garbhagriha), the idol is accompanied by other idols, including Shri Neminath Bhagwan and Shri Vasupujya Bhagwan, making it a spiritually enriching space.
Where is Mahadeva Parshwanath Temple Located?
The temple is located in Mahadev ki Sheri, Khetarvasi, in the historic city of Patan, Gujarat.
Distances:
- Well-connected via road and rail
- Public and private transport available from major cities like Ahmedabad and Mehsana
Patan is also home to several other prominent Jain temples and heritage sites.
What is the History of Mahadeva Parshwanath Jain Tirth in Patan?
The city of Patan was founded in Vikram Samvat 802 and was the capital of the Chavda and Chalukya dynasties. Both dynasties were strong patrons of Jainism, and numerous Jain temples were built during their reigns.
However, in V.S. 1356, a major Muslim invasion led by Malik Gaffoor, the general of Alauddin Khilji, resulted in the destruction of many Jain temples. The exact date of origin of the Mahadeva Parshwanath Temple is unknown, but its idol is extremely ancient and revered.
The temple celebrates Vaishakhi Shukla Dashami (10th day of the bright half of Vaishakh) each year by hoisting a flag on its shikhar (spire).
What is the Structure and Architecture of the Mahadeva Parshwanath Temple?
- The temple features three garbhagrihas (sanctums)
- A 21-inch idol of Mahadeva Parshwanath is installed as the Mulnayak
- On either side are idols of Neminath Bhagwan and Vasupujya Bhagwan
- Total of 5 marble idols and 29 metal idols in the temple
Architectural Highlights:
- Beautiful rangmandap (pillared hall) with colorful wall paintings
- Shatrunjay and Girnar patts, artistic floor patterns in marble
- Mirrors and ornamental carvings add to the visual grace
- In one niche, padikas (sacred footprints) of Munishri Kirtivijayji and Manishri Manikyavijayji are installed (inscribed V.S. 1892)
Though compact in size, the temple is an aesthetic and spiritual masterpiece.
What Facilities and Guidelines are Available for Pilgrims?
Patan offers excellent facilities for Jain pilgrims and tourists:
- Multiple Dharamshalas, including:
- Kotawala ki Dharamshala
- Ashtapad ki Dharamshala
- Shri Mohanlal Uttamchand ki Dharamshala
- Bhojanshalas for pure Jain meals
- A Gyan Bhandar (library) for studying Jain scriptures
The city is well connected by buses, taxis, and trains, making it easily accessible.
Scriptural References of Mahadeva Parshwanath Bhagwan
The Mahadeva Parshwanath Jain Temple is mentioned in several Jain scriptures:
- “Patan Chaitya Paripati” by Ladhashah (V.S. 1777)
- “365 Shri Parshva Jin Naammala”
- “108 Naamgarbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan”
- “Shri Parshvanath Naammala”
- “Pattan Jinalaya Stuti”
The idol is also found in Kalikund Parshwanath Temple, Santacruz, Mumbai, among other respected Jain centers.
Who Manages the Mahadeva Parshwanath Jain Temple, Patan?
Trust Name:
Shri Mahadeva Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth
Location: Khetarvasi, Post: Patan, District: Patan, North Gujarat – 384265, India
Phone: 02766-225241
Temple Management Committee:
- Shri Kirtibhai Valchand Shah
- Shri Chinubhai Nemchand Shah
- Shri Prafulbhai Jayantilal (Zabhlawala)
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names.
