What is Shri Vimal Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Shri Vimal Parshwanath Jain Temple is a sacred Shwetambar Jain tirth located in Chhani, a suburb of Vadodara city, Gujarat. Known for its ancient idol and deep-rooted religious culture, this tirth is an important spiritual destination for Jain devotees.
Who is the Mulnayak at Vimal Parshwanath Tirth?
The Mulnayak of the main temple is Shantinath Bhagwan, while the idol of Bhagwan Vimal Parshwanath is installed beside him. The idol is:
- 33 cm high
- White in color
- In Padmasana posture
- With an umbrella of 7 serpent hoods
Despite its small size, the idol of Vimal Parshwanath radiates peace, purity, and devotion.
Where is Vimal Parshwanath Temple Located?
The temple is situated in Shravak ka Mohalla, in the Chhani area of Vadodara, Gujarat.
Distances:
- 8 km from Vadodara city center
- 1 km from Chhani Railway Station
The area is easily accessible via buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
What is the History of Vimal Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Historically, Chhani (formerly Chhayapuri) lies near the ancient cities of Darbhavati and Vatpadra. A manuscript from Vikram Samvat 1821 mentions five temples in Chhani, which eventually wore down and were renovated into the present structures.
The idol of Vimal Parshwanath was installed in V.S. 1893 in the temple of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan, and later, the idol of Shri Mahaveer Bhagwan was installed in V.S. 2020.
In V.S. 1944, a separate temple was also built in Kothari Falia by Seth Babulal Shivlal, with Shri Kuntunath Bhagwan as Mulnayak.
Why is Chhani Known as ‘Diksha Ki Khan’?
Chhani has a rich Jain legacy, with over 125 sadhus and sadhvis originating from the village. Almost every Jain family in Chhani has had at least one member accept Diksha, a rare distinction.
Recognizing this, King Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara honored Chhani with the title “Diksha Ki Khan” (Mine of Renunciation).
Which Great Acharyas Were Born in Chhani?
Chhani is the birthplace of many respected Jain Acharyas, such as:
- Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Kamalsurishvarji
- Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Bhuvantilaksurishvarji
- Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Vikramsurishvarji
- Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Navinsurishvarji
- Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsurishvarji
This further enhances Chhani’s significance in Jain religious history.
What Other Temples Are in Chhani, Vadodara?
In addition to the main temple of Shantinath Bhagwan and the shrine of Vimal Parshwanath, there is also:
- A separate temple dedicated to Kuntunath Bhagwan in Kothari Falia
Together, these temples reflect the deep Jain roots and active religious life of Chhani.
What is the Art and Sculpture Like at Vimal Parshwanath Temple?
- The idol of Vimal Parshwanath, though small, is delicately carved and highly captivating
- The 7-hooded umbrella design is traditional and elegant
- The temple promotes Svadravya Puja (self-earned worship), a rare and spiritual practice
- Even the children of the community observe strict Jain rules, making it a model center for Jain culture
How to Reach Vimal Parshwanath Jain Tirth, Chhani?
By Train:
- Chhani Railway Station is just 1 km from the temple
By Road:
- Vadodara city is 8 km away
- Public and private transport is readily available
Facilities:
- Dharamshala for pilgrims
- Upashraya for sadharmik activities
- An ancient Jain library for scripture study
Scriptural Mention of Vimal Parshwanath (Chhayapur Parshwanath)
The idol of Vimal Parshwanath is assumed to be the same as Chhayapur Parshwanath, mentioned in the ancient text:
- “365 Shri Parshva Jin Naammala”, composed in Vikram Samvat 1655 by Shri Premvijayji
This connects the temple to historical and scriptural traditions of Jainism.
Who Manages Vimal Parshwanath Jain Temple?
Trust Name:
Shri Vimal Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth
Address: Vaniyawad, Post: Chhani, District: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
For an extensive list of Parshwanath temples and their significance, visit the 108 Parshwanath Names.
