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In the serene town of Prabhas Patan, nestled near the sea-shore, the Mulnayak Bhagwan is Shri Chandraprabhu Swami. A captivating presence graces the temple in the form of an almost 98 cm high, enchanting, black-colored idol of Bhagwan Dokadiya Parshwanath in the Padmasana posture. This awe-inspiring idol, adorned with an umbrella featuring nine fascinating hoods, stands beside the divine presence of Shri Chandraprabhu Swami.
The historical tapestry of Prabhas Patan is woven with ancient threads, where the town was once known by various names like Devpatan, Somnathpatan, and Chandraprabhas Patan. Legend has it that Bharat Chakravarthy established this city, foreseeing the future Samosaran of the 8th Tirthankara, Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan. In the 13th century, Maharaja Shri Kumarpal constructed the Ashtapadji temple, and the idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu Swami found its sanctuary here after being brought from Vallabhipur. The town endured the trials of Muslim invasions, witnessing the destruction and conversion of many temples. The magnificent Dokadiya Parshwanath idol, residing next to Chandraprabhu Swami, holds a unique tale behind its name. A devoted Shravak, the first to perform daily Pooja of Dokadiya Parshwanath, discovered a currency called "Dokada" in Bhagwan's palms. Over time, the coin got stuck in the palm, giving rise to the appellation "Dokadiya Parshwanath" or "Dada Parshwanath."
The influence and miracles associated with Dokadiya Parshwanath foster unwavering faith among devotees. The temple's basement houses a repository of wisdom with a collection of 45 Agams, the primary scriptures of Jainism, meticulously inscribed on copper plates.
The temple complex, with its seven nearby shrines, emanates a unique aura of spiritual grandeur. The artistic mastery displayed in the temple's architecture, adorned with nine sanctums, reflects the city's ancient heritage. Visitors are treated to a visual feast of captivating artistry that hints at the historical transformation of temples into mosques. The nearby Somnath temple, home to the first of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas, adds to the spiritual ambiance.
For pilgrims seeking this divine haven, the Veraval railway station, situated 7 km away, serves as a transportation hub. Buses and taxis are readily available, and a tar road leads directly to the temple premises. Dharamshala and Bhojanshala facilities cater to the needs of visitors, and nearby attractions like Chorvadi Tirth, Gir forest, and National Park offer additional exploration.
The sacred scriptures, including "Tirthmala," "Sashwat Tirthmala," "Godi Parshvanath Stavan," and "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," echo the glory of Dokadiya Parshwanath. Shri Dokadiya Parshwanath Bhaas, penned by Shri Samaysundar Upadhyayji Maharaj, further illuminates the divine aura of this revered deity. Jiravala Tirth also houses an idol of Dokadiya Parshwanath.
Devotees can connect with the sanctity of this pilgrimage by reaching out to Shri Dokadiya Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth, care of Shri Prabhas Patan Shwetambar Jain Murtipujak Sangh, Derasar in Khadki, Post: Prabhas Patan, Taluk: Veraval, District: Junagadh – 362 268, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. For inquiries, contact 02876-231638. This sacred abode stands as a testament to history and devotion in the heart of Prabhas Patan.
