In the quaint village of Rander near Surat, a sanctum of spiritual significance unfolds, dedicated to Lord Vignahara Parshwanath. The Mulnayak, a towering black-colored idol standing at nearly 103 cm in the Padmasana posture, is adorned with an umbrella boasting hundreds of hoods (sahastrafana).
Tirth: Nestled in Nishal Sheri in Rander, this sacred pilgrimage site holds historical roots and a serene ambiance.
Historicity: Rander, an ancient village near Surat, witnessed the construction of this temple by the Jain Sangh around V.S. 1800. The Mulnayak Bhagwan, Lord Adinath, found his abode here, with the installation dating back to V.S. 1683. Adjacent to Adinath Bhagwan, the idol of Bhagwan Vignahara Parshwanath, believed to be over 300 years old, graces the sanctum.
In the bygone era, Rander boasted 14 Jain temples and 143 Jain idols. During his Chaturmaas in V.S. 1638, Mahopaddhyaya Shri Vinayvijayji, while composing "Shri Sripal Raas," attained spiritual enlightenment. Following his indication, Mahopaddhyaya Shri Yashovijayji completed "Shri Sripal Raas" at this sacred site.
Other Temples: Rander currently houses five temples, with an ancient temple dedicated to Bhagwan Neminath.
Guidelines: Situated on the riverbanks, Rander is located 16 km away from Surat. The nearest railway station is Surat, and transportation options, including buses and private vehicles, are available from Surat to Rander. The village provides essential amenities, including an Upashraya and Dharamshala. Surat also hosts numerous temples for those seeking spiritual exploration.
Scripture: References to Vignahara Parshwanath are found in "Shri Suryapur Chaitya Paripati," "108 Naam Garbhit Shri Parshvanath Stavan," "365 Shri Parshvanath Jin Naammala," "Shri Parshvanath Naammala," "Tirthmala," and "Surat Chaitya Paripati." The primary temple of Vignahara Parshwanath is situated in Rander, with other temples dedicated to this deity in Devgarh near Mandsaur, Udaipur, Walkeshwar (Babu Kat Mandir) in Mumbai, Antariksh Tirth, and various locations across India.
Trust: The custodians of this sacred haven are the devoted members of the Shri Vighnahara Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Tirth, located at Shri Adi-Neminath Jain Derasar Pedi, Uttamram Street, Nisha Falia, Post: Rander, Surat-395 005, Gujarat, India. Phone: 0261-2760149.
