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In the heart of the city of Patan stands a white-colored idol of Bhagwan Panchasara Parshvanath, measuring approximately 120 cm in height. This idol is seated in the Padmasana posture and is adorned with an umbrella featuring seven hoods.
Patan, the city where this temple is located, holds deep spiritual significance.
The history of Patan traces its roots back to the year 802 of the Vikram era when Vanraj Chavda established the city with Jain mantras as part of his devotion to his Guru, Acharya Shri Sheelgunsuriji. Vanraj Chavda erected a magnificent temple in honor of his Guru and enshrined the idol of Parshvanath within it. The idol itself has an even older origin, having been brought from Panchasara, the capital of Vanraj Chavda's ancestors. Under the guidance of Shri Sheelagunsuriji, this extraordinary idol was installed in Patan, and it came to be known as Panchasara Parshvanath. This temple is one of the ancient Jain temples in Gujarat and is also referred to as "Vanraj Vihar."
Over the centuries, several kings, including Vanraj, Moolraj, Siddhraj, and Kumarpal, as well as their ministers, contributed to the construction and renovation of many temples in Patan, including this one. In the 13th century, Minister Aasaak undertook a renovation of this temple, and Vastupal also played a role in its restoration. Historical records from 1648 of the Vikram era list 101 significant temples and 99 smaller ones, with numerous idols, including 38 made of precious gems.
However, between 1353 and 1356 of the Vikram era, Malik Kaafoor, Alauddin's commander, invaded Patan, leading to the destruction of the city and its temples. In time, the city was rebuilt, and the temples were reconstructed. Patan had a reputation for its expansion, grandeur, wealth, prosperity, trade, bravery, and compassion, earning it the nickname "golden city." It was also an important center for Jain literature, art, and culture, and Shri Hemchandracharya composed many scriptures here.
In Vikram era 2011, this temple was reconstructed from its foundation, with the idol being reinstated under the auspices of Acharya Shri Samudrasurishvarji. Subsequently, 51 small temples were constructed around the main temple, and idols were enshrined in Vikram era 2016.
Alongside the principal temple, the city of Patan boasts 84 major temples and 134 smaller ones. Additionally, Hemchandracharya's library and several Jain institutions are present in the city.
Patan hosts numerous Jain temples and a vast array of Jain idols and artistic creations. The grand temple itself measures 180 feet in length and 90 feet in width. This newly constructed temple was meticulously crafted using stones from Jodhpur, Makarana, Jaisalmer, and Dhrangadhra. All aspects of the temple, including domes, pillars, pavilions, ceilings, walls, and halls, are adorned with exquisite carvings and artistic depictions.
