What is Shri Vighnahara Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Vighnahara Parshwanath Jain Temple is an ancient Shwetambar Jain tirth located in Rander village near Surat, Gujarat. It is known for its miraculous idol of Bhagwan Vighnahara Parshwanath, believed to be a remover of obstacles and fears, worshipped by thousands of devotees seeking peace and protection.
Who is the Mulnayak at Vighnahara Parshwanath Tirth?
The Mulnayak of the temple is Bhagwan Adinath, and the idol of Bhagwan Vighnahara Parshwanath is installed beside him. The idol is:
- 103 cm tall
- Black-colored
- In Padmasana posture
- Adorned with a sahasrafana (thousand-hooded umbrella) over the head
This idol is over 300 years old and radiates spiritual energy, attracting devotees from across India.
Where is Vighnahara Parshwanath Temple Located?
The temple is situated in Nishal Sheri, Nisha Falia, in Rander, a historical suburb located:
- 16 km from Surat city
- On the banks of a river
- Nearest railway station: Surat
Bus service and private vehicles are easily available from Surat to Rander, making it a convenient pilgrimage stop.
What is the History of Vighnahara Parshwanath Jain Temple?
The temple was constructed by the Jain Sangh around Vikram Samvat 1800. The idol of Bhagwan Adinath, the Mulnayak, has V.S.1683 inscribed on it, indicating its antiquity.
The idol of Vighnahara Parshwanath was installed beside it and has been worshipped for centuries. Rander was once home to:
- 14 Jain temples
- 143 Jain idols
It was a vibrant spiritual center. In V.S.1638, Mahopadhyay Shri Vinayvijayji spent his Chaturmaas in Rander, and began writing “Shri Sripal Raas”, which was later completed by Shri Yashovijayji after Vinayvijayji’s passing.
Why is Bhagwan Called ‘Vighnahara’ Parshwanath?
The name Vighnahara means “remover of obstacles.” The idol is believed to:
- Destroy fears and inner turmoil
- Remove spiritual and worldly hurdles
- Fulfill sincere wishes of devotees
This powerful name reflects the miraculous experiences reported by countless followers over centuries.
Are There Other Jain Temples in Rander?
Yes. Though Rander once had 14 temples, currently there are 5 Jain temples including:
- The ancient Neminath Bhagwan temple
- The main Adi-Neminath Jain Derasar, home to Vighnahara Parshwanath
Surat city, nearby, also has several well-known Jain temples.
What is the Art and Sculpture Like at This Temple?
The idol of Vighnahara Parshwanath is:
- Crafted with remarkable detail, especially the sahasrafana (thousand hoods)
- Surrounded by a calm, sacred atmosphere
- A symbol of devotional Jain sculpture, inspiring faith and surrender
The temple complex also includes Upashraya, Dharamshala, and space for religious study and practice.
How to Reach Vighnahara Parshwanath Jain Temple, Rander?
By Rail:
- Nearest Station: Surat Railway Station (16 km)
By Road:
- Frequent buses and private taxis available from Surat to Rander
Facilities at the Tirth:
- Jain Dharamshala and Bhojanshala
- Upashraya for meditation and spiritual activities
- Peaceful, clean surroundings for pilgrims
Scriptural Mentions of Vighnahara Parshwanath
Mentions of Vighnahara Parshwanath Bhagwan appear in several sacred Jain texts, including:
- Shri Suryapur Chaitya Paripati
- 108 Naam Garbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan
- 365 Shri Parshvanath Jin Naammala
- Tirthmala
- Shri Parshvanath Naammala
- Surat Chaitya Paripati
The main Vighnahara Parshwanath temple is in Rander, with other idols found in:
- Devgarh near Mandsaur
- Udaipur
- Walkeshwar (Babu Kat Mandir), Mumbai
- Antariksh Tirth
- And other locations across India
Who Manages the Vighnahara Parshwanath Jain Tirth?
Trust Name:
Shri Vighnahara Parshvanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth
Managed by: Shri Adi–Neminath Jain Derasar Pedhi
Address: Uttamram Street, Nisha Falia, Post: Rander, Surat–395005, Gujarat, India
Phone: 0261-2760149
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names.
