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In the quaint village of Pali, Rajasthan, a sacred haven graces the Navlakha Road—the abode of a revered temple housing a 33-inch tall, white-colored idol of Bhagawan Navlakha Parshvanath, seated gracefully in the Padmasana posture.
A Tale of Sacred Grounds: Nestled amidst the rustic charm of Pali village, Rajasthan, the Navlakha temple stands as a testament to divine reverence. This sacred site, situated on Navlakha Road, holds within its walls a captivating idol of Bhagawan Navlakha Parshvanath, exuding a sense of tranquility in the Padmasana posture.
Echoes of Ancient Names: As the pages of history unfold, the village was known by ancient monikers like "Pallika" and "Palli." Its annals recount a poignant moment during renovation—a festival of installation where ghee was summoned through the mystical prowess of the learned Acharya Yashobhadrasurisvarji. Merchants, moved by the noble cause, attempted to contribute funds for the ghee. However, witnessing their wealth utilized for a virtuous purpose, they graciously declined the nine lakh rupees. Thus, the temple earned the endearing epithet 'Navlakha Temple.' Another narrative suggests that mantras adorn the nine Pooja spots of the idol, giving rise to the alternative name—Navlakha Parshvanath. In its early days, the temple enshrined the idol of Bhagwan Mahaveer. The renovation, marked by inscriptions from the years 1144 and 1686 of the Vikram era, reveals the transition to the Bhagawan Parshwanath idol. In the prime of ancient times, this locale thrived as a prosperous haven, with devout followers leaving an indelible mark through their religious contributions. Even today, remnants of their spiritual glory echo through time. The third day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh witnesses a ceremonial flag-raising, marking a tradition that endures.
A Tapestry of Temples: Beyond the hallowed halls of the Navlakha temple, the town unfolds a tapestry of spirituality with ten additional temples and four Dadawadis. The Punagiri hill, just beyond the town's confines, cradles a temple dedicated to Bhagawan Parshvanath, known as the 'Bhabarimandir.'
Architectural Splendor and Artistic Allure: The Navlakha temple distinguishes itself not only through its spiritual significance but also through architectural marvels and intricate carvings. The idol of Bhagwan, a masterpiece of artistry, beckons devotees with its allure, while various ancient idols within the temple provide a captivating visual spectacle.
Journeying to the Divine: For those embarking on a pilgrimage, the journey begins with reaching the nearest railway station at Pali, a mere 3 kilometers from the temple. A well-connected network of bus services and taxis facilitates seamless travel. The pilgrimage experience is further enriched by the availability of boarding and lodging facilities, including an ayambilshala, upashraya, pathashala, and gyanshala.
Verses in Scriptures: The spiritual significance of the temple reverberates through various scriptures, notably finding mention in "The Parshvanath Chaityaparipati." Beyond the bounds of Pali, another temple bearing the name exists in the union territory of Diu, built under the patronage of Maharaja Kumarpal. References in "Tirthmala" and the presence of Navlakha Parshvanath idols in distant temples, such as Shri Bahuswami in "Limbri," Jirawala Tirth, and the Kalikund Parshvanath temple in Santacruz, Mumbai, underscore the timeless resonance of this sacred site.
Custodians of Devotion: Guiding the faithful on this spiritual journey is the custodianship of Shri Navalchand Suvratchand Jain Pedhi, residing in Gujarati Katla, Pali: 306401, Dist.: Pali, Rajasthan State, India. They can be reached at 02932-21747 and 02932-21929, extending their support to all seekers of divine solace.
