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The primary idol in this temple is an approximately 45 cm tall white-colored statue of Bhagwan Pallaviya Parshvanath, depicted in a Padmasana posture.
This sacred site is located in the heart of Palanpur, Gujarat, popularly known as "Motu Derasar" and serves as one of the main temples in the city.
Palanpur boasts a rich history, being the birthplace of Prabhavak Acharya Shri Somsundarsuriji (born in V.S. 1430) and the renowned spiritual leader Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysurishvarji, who was influential during Akbar's reign (born in V.S. 1583). The city's history is over a thousand years old. It is tied to the story of King Prahaladan, also known as Palan, who initially adhered to Shaivism. When he ascended the throne of Abu in V.S. 1001, he melted a Jain Thirthankara idol and used the metal to craft a Nandi (Shiva's sacred bull), which he installed in a Shiva temple. King Prahaladan's life took a dramatic turn when he fell gravely ill, eventually losing his throne to his relatives. In search of a remedy for his affliction, he retreated to a forest, where he met Acharya Shri Sheeldhavalsurishvarji. King Prahaladan confessed his previous actions and sought guidance on how to atone for his past deeds. The Acharya advised him to establish and devoutly worship an idol of a Jain Thirthankara. An exquisite idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath was crafted, and King Prahaladan, filled with faith and devotion, began performing daily worship nine times. Remarkably, his ailment swiftly vanished, and he became a devoted follower of Jainism.
In gratitude for his recovery, the king named the idol of Parshvanath as "Pallaviya Parshvanath." In V.S. 1011, he founded a thriving city at a beautiful location, which eventually became known as Prahaladanpur or Palanpur. In this new city, he constructed a splendid two-story temple named "Prahaladan Vihar" and enshrined the idol of Pallaviya Parshvanath within. This influential idol became renowned as "Pallaviya Parshvanath." The material of the original idol, whether gold or stone, remains unknown. During the period of Muslim invasions, the original idol was safeguarded by concealing it. A new idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath was subsequently fashioned and installed in the original temple by the revered hands of Korantgacchia Acharya Shri Kakkasuriji on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Phalgun in V.S. 1274. This Parshvanath became known as "Pallaviya Parshvanath." The temple complex also includes two other temples with Bhagwan Adinath and Bhagwan Neminath as the Mulnayak idols. This temple remains a prominent landmark to this day, having undergone recent renovations.
In more recent history, the visit of Tappagaccha Acharya Shri Devendrasurishvarji to Palanpur revealed the deeply religious nature of its people. A shower of scented Kumkum, a type of red powder, within the temple during the Acharya's presence was viewed as a miraculous occurrence, delighting the assembled crowd.
In addition to the main temple, Palanpur houses 14 other temples, adding to its spiritual significance.
This story describes the historical and spiritual importance of the Pallaviya Parshvanath temple in Palanpur, Gujarat. It narrates the story of King Prahaladan, his conversion to Jainism, and the establishment of the temple. The temple's association with renowned spiritual leaders and a notable miracle are also highlighted. Additionally, it mentions the existence of other temples in Palanpur.
